126: Michael Stewart (Black Wood Women)

About this episode

Charlie and Michael Stewart discuss historical themes including the persecution of Irish people, the loss and potential reintroduction of wolves in Britain, and the cultural dynamics of the 17th century.

Charlie and Michael Stewart (Black Wood Women) discuss the persecution of Irish people in the 17th century, the loss of and possible reintroduction of wolves in Britain, and 17th century hippies. Please note that there is discussion of drugs in this episode. General references: The Bronte Writing Centre Books mentioned by name or extensively: Elizabeth Fremantle: Honey And The Sting Ian D Rotherham: Yorkshire's Forgotten Fenlands Michael Stewart: King Crow Michael Stewart: Walking The Invisible Michael Stewart: Black Wood Women Michael Stewart: Surrounded By My Enemy Stacey Thomas: The Revels Release details: recorded 14th April 2025; published 11th August 2025 Where to find Michael online: Website || Instagram Where to find Charlie online: Website || Instagram || TikTok Discussions 01:25 The inspiration for Black Wood Women. We continue on the subject of wolves and their loss and reintroduction 06:50 What having three narratives allowed Michael to explore 08:29 The persecution of Irish people in the 1600s 11:08 Michael talks about the 1600s communities that we might today call hippy 16:14 World building, making it all so real 19:19 The language of the novel - a mix, Charlie…

People in this episode

Host: Charlie Place

Guest: Michael Stewart

Topics covered

• persecution of Irish people
• reintroduction of wolves
• 17th century communities
• world building in literature
• language in novels
• witchcraft and substances
• historical narratives

Keywords

• Irish persecution
• wolves in Britain
• 17th century
• Black Wood Women
• witchcraft
• historical fiction
• Michael Stewart
• literary discussion
• cultural history

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: Black Wood Women, Honey And The Sting, Yorkshire's Forgotten Fenlands, King Crow, Walking The Invisible, Surrounded By My Enemy

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