Inspiration from IR Approved Author Ann Huchingson: “The Watchwood Inheritance was inspired by my love of old houses, family mysteries, and the idea that the past is never really gone…it lingers in the walls, the whispers, and the choices we make.”

2. What’s the book’s first line? “The last day of school was supposed to be amazing.”

3. What’s the book about? Give us the “pitch”. When thirteen-year-old Peter Penstimon’s summer plans are replaced by ghosts, secrets, and a crumbling Vermont estate, he must uncover the truth behind his family’s dark inheritance—before Watchwood’s restless spirits claim the living.

4. What inspired you to write the book? A particular person? An event? The Watchwood Inheritance was inspired by my love of old houses, family mysteries, and the idea that the past is never really gone…it lingers in the walls, the whispers, and the choices we make. I wanted to capture that thrilling sense of discovery kids feel when they realize the adults around them are keeping secrets, and pair it with the eerie beauty of a haunted estate where history and imagination collide. Growing up, I was fascinated by places that felt alive with stories, and Watchwood became the perfect way to explore what happens when one boy inherits not just a fortune, but the weight of the family history that comes along with it.

5. What’s the main reason someone should really read this book? Someone should read The Watchwood Inheritance because it delivers that perfect mix of heart, mystery, and discovery. It’s a story where courage meets curiosity, where a boy figures out how to be his own kind of hero, where humor and fun and fear all collide. It’s for readers who love discovering hidden truths, solving eerie puzzles, and realizing that sometimes the scariest hauntings come from a past wrong that needs to be put right.

6. What’s the most distinctive thing about the main character? Who-real or fictional-would you say the character reminds you of? Peter Penstimon is the kind of kid everyone likes but no one quite notices; he’s funny, loyal, and always trying to prove he’s more than “most typical.” He wants to be the hero, the star athlete, the kid who stands out, but life hasn’t handed him that moment yet. When he learns his father’s been hiding a wealthy family legacy—and that he can suddenly see ghosts—Peter’s whole world tilts. For the first time, he’s at the center of something extraordinary. Stepping up to protect his family, even when it means breaking a few rules, lets him become the hero he’s always hoped to be. He’ll remind readers of Percy Jackson for his humor and reluctant bravery, Stanley Yelnats from Holes for his heart and persistence, and a touch of Coraline Jones for his curiosity and courage in the face of the uncanny. Like those characters, Peter’s journey is about discovering that being extraordinary doesn’t mean changing who you are, but finally seeing the strength that’s been there all along.

7. When did you first decide to become an author? I think I decided to become an author in second grade, when my teacher read aloud to the class my description of a horse. I was hooked by the fact that there were an infinite number of new ways to paint a picture of something with words.

8. Is this the first book you’ve written? Yes!

9. What do you do for work when you’re not writing? I work in Client Experience for a wealth management platform.

10. How much time do you generally spend on your writing? Not enough! Probably 10-20 hours a week.

11. Is there something in particular that motivates you (fame? fortune?) I think I’m motivated by a love of books and stories. Maybe also by legacy and leaving something behind in the world for generations after me.

12. Which writer, living or dead, do you most admire? Stephen King. He’s literary, prolific and beyond imaginative. He creates incredible worlds, unforgettable characters and tight, surprising dialogue.

13. Which book do you wish you could have written? The Rules of Civility by Amor Towles