Author Don Talbot’s latest book looks at witches in Toowoomba

Just meeting with a woman who claimed to be a witch was a story in itself for Toowoomba author Don Talbot.

Toowoomba author Don Talbot with his latest book The Witches of Toowoomba. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Just how does a writer track down and interview a witch?

Well, ask a warlock, of course.

And, that’s just what author Don Talbot did for his latest book The Witches of Toowoomba.

Mr Talbot was put in touch with a self-described warlock who linked him to a woman in the area who claimed to be a witch.

The woman was reluctant at first to meet with him, saying witches didn’t like publicity.

However, they did meet and that was a story in itself.

“I gave her a call but she wouldn’t meet me at her home,” Mr Talbot explained.

“We had to meet in the Withcott Hotel car park at 9 o’clock at night.

“I arrived to find the car park empty but then a black car came in and parked alongside me.

“The window came down and a finger beckoned me to come over.”

She would not give her name but she explained that she was part of a coven of white witches in Toowoomba who were more of a social group.

Toowoomba author Don Talbot talks about his latest book focusing on the subculture of modern witches in Toowoomba. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Mr Talbot’s book contains about 80% stories from people involved with witchcraft in the area while the other 20% is the author’s additions.

“Writing the Witches book followed a conversation with a children’s librarian in Toowoomba who said what children need are books on ghosts, witches and vampires,” Mr Talbot said.

“She told me that my book Ghost Tails keeps getting stolen from the library.

“The kids keep them at home.”

The first 100 print editions of The Witches of Toowoomba sold out in a week so Mr Talbot has organised another print.

The book is available by emailing Mr Talbot at [e-mail]

A retired journalist, Mr Talbot has written 40 books during his retirement including the popular Toowoomba Strange and Unusual Tales series which is up to volume eight and is expected to be released before Christmas.