Stevie Wicks and the Battle of the Witches
Stevie Wicks has a voice that's supernatural. But does this witch really want to be a star . . . ?
Bibbidy-bobbidy-BOO . . .
It’s October 1st, the kick-off to one of my favourite months of the year.
Pumpkins, apple cider, knit sweaters, and of course . . .
Halloween!
For last Hallow’s eve, B-Side Stories brought you The Victorious V.I.C.
If you haven’t had the chance to read it, click the link below.
And PLEASE, don’t judge my rapping skills . . .
This month’s story is a sequel of sorts . . .
Vic the Vampire is long retired from stardom, but he’s always on the hunt to sink his fangs into some new talent. While putting together a new band, Vic discovers a witch with a spell-binding voice. Stevie Wicks becomes the lead singer and an overnight success. But, does she really want to be swept away by the witch’s broom of fame?
Since this tale is inspired by the real-life witchy wonder Stevie Nicks, check out the clip below to listen to one of my favourite October tunes . . .
Look for more lyrics and song titles from Stevie Nicks hits scattered throughout this story!
Oh, and before we begin the story, a few notes . . .
There are still TWO WEEKS LEFT to order my brand-new children’s picture book, Where Do Stories Come From…? Thank you to all my B-side fans who already purchased a copy. The orders will end on October 15th, so don’t miss your chance to order this “monster-filled” tale. It is the perfect gift for little aspiring artists, curious creatives, and of course little writers with big dreams!
Head to the link below to order:
Also, B-Side Stories will soon be saying THE END.
Yes, there is only 1 story left.
Coming to your inbox November 1st!
After two years of publishing my newsletter, it is time to shift from B-Side stories to A-track material (a.k.a. my full length picture books).
I am so grateful for the support and I hope to keep you in my “fan” club, by continuing to follow my work on social media, and soon on my website (in the works).
If you are an annual subscriber, subscriptions will be charged until November 1st, 2023 and refunded for any months there after.
Monthly subscriptions will end as of November 1st, 2023.
Thank you so much to my paid subscribers (and all my readers!) who have helped create space for me to practice, write, and share the joy of reading . . .
And now, enjoy this spook-tacular Transylvanian tale . . .
Stevie Wicks and the Battle of the Witches
By caitlin nicole evans
Dedicated to Cristina. Lover of full moons, pagan symbols, and Halloween dress up . . .
*Click below to listen to the audio version of this Halloween special:
Over many, many full moons, Transylvania had truly transformed.
Once a town steeped in outdated tradition, for years the creatures of the night and the local humans held tight to old fears and grudges.
They did NOT get along.
But, thanks to some progressive minds the world of man and monster had finally found peace.
It was partly in thanks to music, which helped bring everyone together. Especially through the infamous hip-hop beats of the Wu-Fang Clan, and their far reach of fans.
Born and raised in Transylvania, the groups success reached heights as tall as Dracula’s tower!
Now a days, the group had long called it quits. Life on tour could be tough on a monster, and besides – it was 2023.
Since vampires don’t age they certainly weren’t getting older, but the lead rapper – the Victorious VIC – felt it was time to give some fresh blood a chance in the spotlight.
He was enjoying the transition from rap star to talent scout, hunting the hills of Romania for the next big star.
Vic was also trying to help pave the way for young witches.
The Transylvanian music scene was dominated by warlocks and werewolves by night, men by day.
There were lots of vampire’s rocking out, but barely a vampiress on stage.
It struck Vic that there was plenty of room in the market for a group of witches to show the world that women could really rock out!
Scouring witches from all over the country, they had begun to formulate a group.
Their skills collected in a cauldron, brewing together their talent.
Alas – the recipe seemed to be missing one ingredient.
Every good talent scout knew that there needed to be a front woman.
Someone who had “it” – that starlight quality – brewing in their bones.
And, eventually, Vic would find just the witch he was looking for . . .
Far, far away in Salem, Massachusetts . . .
Stevie Wicks sometimes could not believe the good fortune cast upon her life.
Salem had once been known for burning witches, but now it seemed humans could not get enough magic in their lives.
Witches were COOL.
Witches were TRENDY.
And, Stevie, once a struggling sales woman, found her business was boiling over the cauldron.
Wicks & Sticks was always packed with customers, looking for a broomstick infused with a bit of magic, a wand meant for the perfect spell, or one of Stevie’s infamous hand made candles.
Wax lined the shelves, with wicks waiting to be lit to bring their new owner love, fortune, or fame.
Stevie had always enjoyed crafting candles, and she loved her tiny shop nestled on Salem’s main street.
Stevie had plenty of company, including Wanda who was very talented at making wands.
She helped Stevie manage the store, along with their cat.
Who was not black, but orange.
And was not named Mystic or Luna, but rather preferred to go by Charles.
Charles could be a bit of a grump.
But, all in all things were good.
Life was fairly predictable for Stevie Wicks.
Steady in summer and spring.
Autumns busy with tourists.
Winters quiet in the Salem snow.
It wasn’t always easy or exciting, but Stevie was content.
Which was quite clear by the way she hummed and hummed (and hummed!) all day long in the shop.
“You can really carry a tune,” Wanda always told her.
Stevie didn’t give it much thought, until one day a customer agreed.
“I do believe your friend is right.” It was a tourist – his accent thick, and his fanged teeth shining as he smiled.
“Oh, thank you.” Stevie blushed.
“Tell me,” the vampire said. “Do you like to sing?”
Stevie thought that was like asking a witch if they liked to fly!
Of course she loved to sing, and she found writing a song was just like reciting a spell.
Filled with rhythm, rhyme, melody and magic.
“Of course,” she told the vampire, who seemed rather familiar. “I’m sorry, but do I know you?”
“I’m Vic,” he replied. “But, you might know me as the Victorious V-I-C.”
Wanda nearly dropped a bundle of wands.
“Holy Ghosts! You’re wicked famous,” Wanda exclaimed.
Wu Fang Clan may have been old news, but their hits were classics.
Vic nodded. “V’ell yes, but actually I’m retired. I’m a talent scout now and it just so happens I am looking for a singer to be the lead in a brand new band.”
“Oh, I am definitely not a rapper.” Stevie could sing, but rapping wasn’t exactly her style.
Fortunately, Vic explained, he was looking to create a female rock group and Stevie’s voice fit the role just right.
He had travelled all the way from Europe, setting his sights on Salem to scout just the right witch.
“It’s a long way to Transylvania, but I can show you the world. Travelling around the globe. Fame and fortune. You v’ill have more fans than harry potter!”
Stevie Wicks couldn’t imagine, and the idea of seeing the world was tempting.
It didn’t help that Wanda seemed to be enchanted.
“You have to do it, Stevie. You have the best voice in I’ve ever heard!”
Stevie knew she could leave the shop in good hands, and it wasn’t everyday a major star offered you an opportunity like this.
She usually consulted her tarot cards, but Vic insisted there was no time.
He would take American Airlines back to Transylvania, but Stevie insisted on the fresh air of her broomstick.
“V’ell then,” Vic said, “We must leave at v’once!”
A few months later . . .
Stevie Wicks and the band were flying higher than they could ever have reached on a broomstick.
Their music career was really taking off, and their voices had blended together perfectly.
With Batilda on bass, Dolores on drums, and Gertrude playing the lead guitar, Vic had truly created the perfect ensemble.
And it was all led by their superstar Stevie Wicks.
Stevie had been busy writing lots of new tunes.
“Need Your Magic So Bad,” was a smash single.
And “Gold Dust Witch” was sure to be topping the charts soon.
But, Vic had a plan to really launch their career.
“It’s the biggest battle of the bands in all of Europe!”
He was referring to the Supernatural Showdown, one of the biggest events for rock music in all of Transylvania.
It was a Hallow’s eve war of witches, werewolves, and warlocks – all battling to win over the crowd AND the top prize.
The winning band would receive a record deal, mass marketing, and even the cover of “Rolling Goblet” magazine.
Batilda, Gertrude, and Dolores all wanted to join the ranks of all those magical musicians before them.
Stevie was having second thoughts.
She enjoyed the company of the witches, the creativity of writing songs, and the thrill of singing to a crowd on stage.
But the truth was she missed Salem.
She missed her family.
Her friends.
Even Charles . . .
Sure, Stevie’s new life was unbelievable.
Just last week she had met Dr. Dre-cula!
Apparently him and Vic went way back . . .
Stevie was ready for the battle of the bands.
She was even intrigued by the glamorous prizes.
But, beneath it all, Stevie was home-sick for her humble shop . . .
Halloween Night . . .
It was the night of the Supernatural Showdown, and the battle had conjured up some of the best new bands from all over the world.
Stevie Wicks and the Witches had spent weeks rehearsing, and they were ready to show the crowd what they were made of.
After plenty of good acts, the MC – Ryan Mooncrest – announced it was time for something special:
“There have been plenty of male monsters tonight, but now it’s my ghoulish pleasure to introduce to you a quartet of wicked witches.”
The applause seemed smaller compared to the other bands, but the witches knew they had a secret up their cloak sleeve.
And, right on cue, Stevie Wicks began to sing.
The crowd grew enchanted by her gravelly voice and magical melodies.
“Pale shadow of a witch.
Black widow.
Pale shadow, she's a dragon.
Gold dust witch.”
Betilda rocked.
Gertrude rolled.
And Dolores banged along to the beat in perfect harmony.
They all backed up Stevie’s vocals, who was lighting up the entire stadium.
When their last song ended the crowd went wild.
Warlocks waved their wands, and little witches “wooed” and “wowed” inspired by the performance.
Even the ghosts forgot how to “BOO”!
And the humans had never heard anything like it – not since the Wu-Fang Clan.
Vic watched from the side of the stage, knowing these witches had truly struck gold.
And they had.
Stevie Wicks and the Witches won by a landslide . . .
In the months that followed . . .
Stevie and the witches flew all over the globe.
They had first class service aboard privately-owned, turbo-boosted brooms – the QuidditchQueen5000.
It was nothing like Stevie’s brooms back at the shop in Salem.
In fact, her whole life had seemingly altered overnight.
They were playing to sold old stadiums, making million-euro music videos, and attending exclusive awards shows.
Stevie Wicks and the Witches were touring non-stop, and the whole band seemed to be on fire.
But, Stevie’s wick wasn’t burning so bright.
She could no longer ignore the feelings she’d pushed aside.
Yes, the life of a star was some people’s dream -hadn’t it been everything Vic himself once longed for?
But Stevie had already been living her dream. The truth was she preferred the candlelight to the spotlight, and it was time she told her favourite fanged agent, and her beloved band.
“Vic. Gertrude. Dolores. Batilda. I love you all, but I just don’t think I’m cut out to be a star.”
Vic begged to differ.
“But, Stevie, your voice is so v’onderful.”
V’onderful, or not, Stevie’s heart knew deep down just because she could rock out on stage, didn’t mean she wanted the life of a rock star.
“I’m sorry, Vic. This just isn’t my dream.”
For a vampire like Vic it was a hard goblet of blood to swallow.
Vic knew life on the road was a sacrifice, and every monster had to follow their heart.
Though he was sad to see Stevie go, he knew another door was opening for a new witch to step into the starlight.
(A few months later, Vic DID find a wonderful witch to replace Stevie Wicks. Her name was Stevie Nicks – what were the chances!?! Once again, Vic came out victorious . . . )
One year later . . .
Life had slowed down, and things were fairly normal for Stevie Wicks.
Sure, some customers recognized her face, but mostly she went back to the way things were before the life of fame.
Of course, Wanda was excited to have her best friend back.
And Stevie’s family was very happy she would be home this year to celebrate Halloween - it was pretty big deal in Salem!
Stevie had settled back in and made a few small changes, expanding the business with bee boxes to harvest her very own beeswax.
Now, Wicks and Sticks candles were truly homemade.
She expanded her line of potions, and wrote a few new whimsical spells.
Plus, Stevie grew the store by adding a small café.
They quickly became famous for their Mystical Matcha lattes.
Stevie seemed destined for the spotlight, only now the stage was slightly smaller.
The café often hosted “open-mic” nights, and once in a while when Stevie was in the mood to carry a tune, she would get on stage and sing.
It wasn’t to a crowd of thousands, and she wouldn’t be winning any awards for her performance.
But, she had already won over the hearts of the world.
Now, she was happy to have won the hearts of her family, friends, and community.
And even the heart of grumpy old Charles . . .
The End
Recommended Reading: There are so many amazing Halloween tales for kids. Pig the Monster, Room on the Broom, or In a Dark, Dark House. It’s really hard to go wrong. So, how about trying something new? Something just as mystical and magical as the perfect picture book. I’m talking about TAROT! My First Magic Oracle Deck is for children as young as 3 years, with simplified cards to help little ones face their fears and offer encouragement. Young Oracle Tarot is for kids a little bit older, but it is a truly spellbinding. With the history of tarot and a solid introduction, alongside beautiful foil illustrations, I highly suggest this deck for any curious witches and mystics-in-the-making.
And don’t forget MY BOOKS. I now have TWO children’s picture books for sale. The “city mouse/country mouse” spin in Cosette Goes to the County, AND the monster-filled pages of Where Do Stories Come From? Check out the links below to order, or email me at caitlinnicoleevans@gmail.com to have a book delivered!
Happy Halloween & Happy Reading . . .
