ZL: What’s your reaction to being described as a “magical” writer?
AH: I like to write about real people in mythic ways because I see them that way. The tradition of literature is magic, whether it’s fairy tales or Kafka, Shakespeare or the Brontes, and the whole idea of realism is a new and not-so-interesting idea.
ZL: What’s the most memorable response you’ve gotten to your work?
AH: I received a beautiful letter from a woman whose son was in the second tower on 9/11, and she said reading my book allowed her to feel some of the feelings she was staying away from as too scary.
ZL: Nicole Kidman and Sandra Bullock starred in Practical Magic, one of your novels made into films, plus you’ve been a screenwriter. How has that affected your writing?
AH: Practical Magic wasn’t the book, but it’s a fun Hollywood movie with six great women in it. Screenplays taught me to cut away some of the excess and think about what’s really important. I collaborated with my husband since you got a lot more respect if you went in with a male partner.
ZL: How did you meet him?
AH: On a blind date. His car broke down, he wasn’t wearing a coat, he’d given it to a homeless guy, and he seemed somewhat interesting.
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