Harriet Tyce has had a remarkable start to the year with notable ventures in both reality television and literature. The British author is best known for her crime novels, first making waves with her debut, Blood Orange, released in 2019. This year, she has garnered significant attention for her new novel, Witch Trial, released on February 26, 2023.
About Witch Trial
Witch Trial revolves around two teenagers facing trial for the murder of their close friend, Christian. The narrative unfolds through the jury’s perspective, challenging their understanding of the shocking events. The story unfolds with a supernatural twist, igniting a deeper questioning of reality.
Origin of the Story
Tyce explains that the inspiration for her novel came from her fascination with jurors and their unique contributions to deliberations. Initially encouraged by her editor to explore the concept of teenage serial killers, Tyce shifted her focus after attending a production of The Crucible. The introduction of supernatural elements intrigued her, providing a fresh angle to her storytelling.
Connection to The Traitors
Tyce’s recent experience on the reality show The Traitors has also influenced her writing. While participating in the show, she submitted a almost-finished draft of Witch Trial on Halloween of the previous year. This timeline illustrates the intersection of her competitive TV appearance and her literary endeavors.
The Role of Gut Instincts
During her time on The Traitors, the dynamics of suspicion and judgment resembled a jury’s deliberation process. Tyce reflected on the challenges faced by contestants who must trust their instincts without empirical evidence. This concept directly relates to the themes explored in Witch Trial, as she notes the complexity of determining guilt without adequate information.
Future Projects
Encouraged by her experiences, Tyce is considering delving deeper into supernatural narratives in her future works. She is interested in examining how immersive experiences in games, like The Traitors, can impact one’s psyche and creativity. This year promises to be rich in storytelling for the author, potentially incorporating her recent life experiences into new thrillers.
Reading Recommendations
In addition to her writing, Tyce shares her literary influences. She cites Dorothy L. Sayers’ work as foundational to her desire to write. Her favorite book that she wishes she had written is One Day by David Nicholls, noting its brilliance in simplicity.
Current Reads and Literary Engagement
Tyce is currently reading various genres, including diaries, crime short stories, and contemporary fiction. As a judge for the Crime Writers’ Association, she is engaged in evaluating numerous submissions, further enriching her understanding of the genre.
This year has indeed been transformative for Harriet Tyce, with her new novel Witch Trial adding to her distinguished portfolio. Readers can expect more captivating tales as she bridges her creative passions and real-life experiences.
