Chapters of Joy with Marisa Churchill
Celebrating the people that write stories that bring us joy.
Welcome to my blog series Chapters of Joy! Every week we’ll dive into an interview with an author to get behind the scenes insight on the lives of the people that write stories that bring us so much joy.
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“Culinary magic, family secrets, and the fierce drive to forge your own destiny. Churchill has whipped up a crowd-pleasing hit!”
—Soman Chainani, New York Times bestselling author of the School for Good and Evil series
Interview with Marisa Churchill
Hi Marisa, thanks so much for joining us here on Chapters of Joy. I‘m looking forward to your new book Secrets, Spells, and Chocolate and I’m thrilled to have you here!
Secrets, Spells, and Chocolate by Marisa Churchill | 400 pages Pub Date 12/9/25 by Page Street YA | Book jacket description below | I received a gifted PR box with an Advanced Review Copy and some yummy treats. Opinions shared are always my own!
On Writing
Can you share a bit about your writing routine? Do you have any rituals that help you get into the writing mood?
My favorite time to write is at 3 or 4 in the morning. It’s horrible for my sleep patterns, but that is when my imagination is at its best. My husband has learned, if he comes downstairs and sees the office light on, do not disturb me. Several times he got into trouble because to him it seemed like a good time to chat or cuddle. Who wants to work at 4am? Me!
What has been the most rewarding part of your journey as an author so far?
Getting to connect with other authors whose work I admire, such as Soman Chainani, Dhonielle Clayton, and Don Martin. I will actually be doing my launch event with Soman in St. Louis on 12/09 at Left Bank Books. From there I fly to Chicago and will be at Anderson’s with Don Martin.
Are there any aspects of the writing or publishing process that has surprised you?
I’ve already published two cookbooks, but this is different. For one, I’m trying to reach kids. So I’ve spent a lot of time recently calling schools to try and set up author visits.
How do you balance writing with the other demands of life?
That is definitely a work in progress. Sometimes you have to learn to say no. Give yourself permission not to do it all, or at least not all at once!
Do you have more writing in the works that should be on our radar?
I just finished writing book 2. So, I’m hoping the world will have more of Sylvie, Georgia, Flora, and Maggie soon. Food and the food world is such a ripe subject for fantasy. I really enjoy taking food facts and imparting them into a fantastical setting.
What advice would you give to aspiring writers who are just starting out?
Read a lot and take advice from those whose opinions you respect.
Getting to Know More
What’s something you’re passionate about?
Good chocolate! There’s a reason chocolate is in the title of my book. It’s such a fascinating ingredient. When I was first thinking about writing the book, I was at the bookstore and picked up a book that had cooking and magic elements in it. I’m sure it was a lovely story, but I was horrified because they were using chocolate chips to whip up magic. Like wine, chocolate has a lot of terroir. The flavors change depending upon the type of cacao used, where it was grown, and how it was harvested. Part of the reason chocolate chips retain their shape is because they remove some of the cocoa butter goodness and replace it with wax or oils. Most chips are the Velveeta cheese of the chocolate world. After that I was determined to write a story from the perspective of a chef. I really wanted to bring people into the world I know intimately and love.
How do you cheer yourself up after a difficult day?
Ummm....good chocolate!
If you could instantly become an expert in anything, what would it be?
Ooh...mushrooms. I know that sounds weird but fungi are actually quite fascinating and are so connected to life on earth in ways we don’t even realize.
All the Bookish Things
Where are some of your favorite places? Do you have a favorite bookshop to read, write, browse for books, or find inspiration?
Greece on any beach. I’m Greek on my mom’s side and love the water. So Greece is my happy place. I love The Last Bookstore in LA. It’s quirky and fun. I usually find inspiration when I’m in a cool pastry shop, talking to a chef or farmer.
Are there any organizations that are near and dear to your heart that you’d love to see more support for?
Access Books. They help Bay Area kids from marginalized communities. Everyone should have access to books and a good education regardless of where you come from.
I’d love to ask you for some book recommendations. What’s a book you find yourself recommending again and again?
Knives at Dawn: America’s Quest for Culinary Glory at the Bocuse D’Or It’s a non-fiction book by Andrew Friedman and also helped to inspire my book. The Bocuse D’Or is wildly popular in Europe and in Asia but most Americans have never even heard of it, and yet it’s one of the most prestigious culinary competitions in the world Incas you’re not noticing a theme, I tend to read a lot of non-fiction books with food elements.
What’s a book you love that you think more people should know about?
The Gastronomical Me by MFK Fisher and Tender at the Bone by Ruth Reichl
Favorites and a little ‘this or that’
Thank you so much for joining us!!
Author Bio | Marisa Churchill
Marisa Churchill was a competitor on Top Chef season two, and competed multiple times on Food Network Challenge. She is the author of two cookbooks, and has written about food for national platforms, including Huffington Post and Eater. Secrets, Spells, and Chocolate is her young adult debut. To learn more, visit www.marisachurchill.com or follow her on Instagram @chef_marisachurchill.
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With joy from the stacks
