Best-selling novelist Syd Moore is a former TV presenter and activist. Her novels are mystery thrillers inspired by her research into Essex myths where she grew up and still lives…

Where is your favourite place in Essex?

Probably Joscelyne's Beach in Chalkwell. It’s where I go to chill out and look at the sea in winter. I always find, whatever mood you are in, the sea reflects it back to you. Saltwater Café is also a stone’s throw away for bacon sandwiches and takeaway teas and coffees. It really is a lovely place.

What is your favourite Essex story or memory?

I have many fond memories of clambering around Hadleigh Castle when I was younger. There is an echo of something otherwordly in the ruins there. Obviously when I was a child, I could never have dreamt that this would be one of the inspirations for my first published novel, The Drowning Pool. Although even as a youngster it seemed to me that the stones and the mount, were full of stories: the Viking invaders sailing up the Thames, dastardly Richard Rich pillaging the castle of its foundations to build his own grand residence, Rochford Hall…

Where did your fascination with Essex witches come from?

Though nobody calls me Samantha anymore, I was named after Elizabeth Montgomery’s character in the TV show Bewitched. I watched it a lot and was intrigued by the character. Plus, whenever I heard a fairy tale, I was always much more interested in what happened to the witches. I knew I was meant to root for the princesses, but they were so PASSIVE and BORING. Always sleeping or pricking their fingers and passing out or waiting to be rescued or married to princes. The witches had much more fun. As I got older, I learnt that the real witch trials had been about scapegoating, hysteria and bigotry. Ironically the women accused of being witches had no power at all, temporal or otherwise.

Where do you think is the most haunted place in Essex?

I would hazard a guess that Colchester Castle would be a hot spot. Particularly in the dungeons. Countless souls have been kept there over the years as they awaited trial, including the witches. Many died there. The place certainly has an odd atmosphere.

What might people be surprised to know about Essex witches?

That the majority of them were completely innocent. Most of them were accused by grumbling neighbours. Same as in Salem. Which people might also be surprised to learn is situated in Essex County, USA.

And something people might not know about you?

I have been both a Sunday school teacher and a go-go dancer dancer. Though not at the same time.

The Twelve Strange Days of Christmas by Syd Moore is out now, paperback £6.99.