These witches didn’t just entertain me; they helped me view fantasy as a lens through which to confront real-world challenges with creativity and hope and humor. They made me laugh, cry, and sometimes cringe and so, here are five witches who profoundly influenced how I view storytelling, imagination, and resilience:
1. Sally Owens (Practical Magic)
Excuse me, but Sally Owens is perfection. The scene where she gets up from the garden and runs into to town is my roman empire. Sally taught me the power of love, family, and embracing who you are, even when the world wants you to be something else. She’s the classic “good girl” who simply longed to be “normal” until she realised that’s an utterly horrible thing to be (mostly joking).
2 Sarah Sanderson (Hocus Pocus)
Everyone has their favorite Sanderson sister, and Sarah is mine (I will die on this hill). I remember being so captivated by her playful, over the top nature when I first watched. She’s larger than life in a way that feels bold and silly and her character reminds me not to take things too seriously. She embodies the fun and whimsy I try to bring to my own work. Also, there’s just something so relatable about the boy crazy vibes?
3. Circe (Circe by Madeline Miller)
On a more serious note, Circe altered my brain chemistry in the best kind of way. Her journey of self-discovery resonated deeply with me, especially her quiet strength and willingness to defy the gods. Her character pushes boundaries in a way that’s both powerful and relatable. Miller described her as an “incarnation of male anxiety about female power” and if that’s not goals, I don’t know what is. Her path is a potent one that constantly inspires me to embody my own power.
4. Bonnie Bennett (The Vampire Diaries)
Speaking of female power, I could write a dissertation on Bonnie Bennett’s character and the many ways she was done a disservice. Her loyalty, sacrifice, and perseverance in the face of unimaginable challenges are qualities that I strive for. She shows that magic, like creativity, can be an act of love and protection. Her character was treated so poorly on the show and she deserves so much more than what she got. And yet, I learned the most from her resilience and for that, I’m eternally grateful.
5. Piper Halliwell (Charmed)
Again, everyone has a favorite Halliwell sister and for me, Piper is…everything. As the ultimate multitasking witch, Piper showed me that it’s possible to balance power, family, and responsibility—something I strive for in my writing and personal life. Her sense of humor and intrinsic light are showcased in a beautiful way! She starts out shy and almost submissive, constantly trying to keep the peace, but as the seasons progress, she becomes more assertive and steps into her power and personality in an authentic way that really hits home.
Spells, Strings and Forgotten Things by Breanne Randall is the magical new novel from the New York Times bestselling author of The Unfortunate Side Effects of Heartbreak and Magic. Published by Head of Zeus (Aria) on the 27th February – available here.
