Category Archives: Ct history

Why Spooky Stories

Why Spooky Stories?

 

I have been asked, why tell spooky stories?

I immediately ask the person to define spooky for me. I have found that often the term spooky is closely misaligned with horror, it is not horror,!  I don’t tell, write or read horror, it’s not my thing. I think of spooky as a scenario that makes you wonder, could that be? I don’t share with blood, gore or gruesome dismembered figures, that is horror.

A camp favorite event is spooky tales by the fire. You might wonder why, I believe young people want to test their bravery, find delight in the adrenaline rush, and experience the drama in a safe environment of camp is highly entertaining.

A definition of spooky is: sinister or ghostly in a way that causes fear and unease, I like that unease part!

Here are some synonyms for spooky: creepy, chilling, eerie, supernatural, scary, mysterious, ghostly

 

My writing and telling leans toward the mysterious ghostly. I like combining spooky with historical fiction. I hope to attract young people to learn more about history through an introduction to it via a spooky story. I have noted they listen closer and remember more detail in the heightened alert of a spooky tale. When it is done, they sigh with relief and moments later ask for another story.

I have been working on a forthcoming book project Thirteen Spooky Tales – From Mysterious Connecticut There are thirteen, because what a great number to have with all its connotations with bad luck and all. These stories come from towns in Connecticut mostly east of the river. A story from Farmington is among them because it touched me so and the connection was so strong I had to include it.

Lantern in the moonlight #spooky

This book project is in production now, but I have learned not to bank on setting a date too soon. Of course, October is the ultimate time to launch this book on its eerie journey. I should have a better idea of my timeline in the next couple of weeks. With my eye on that target date, I am moving forward with production plans with my editor and book designer. Follow my blog and social media for updates. Let me know if you want to join my quarterly newsletter for some insider info.

250 Years, One Family, One Farm

I am going down a research rabbit hole. My quest is to develop a Mansfield Historical Society display that honors the Stearns family in Mansfield, CT. for 250 years. How does one condense 250 years of living, farming, generations, wars, and weather into an exhibit? I’m trying… The family purchased this farm in 1772. Tonight,… Continue Reading

3 Reasons to Attend Connecticut Storytelling Festival

Only three reasons? It is hard for me to choose three reasons to attend the Connecticut Storytelling Festival, but here I go. http://www.connstorycenter.org/festival.htm 1.) 2016 Festival Headliner Tim Lowry; is funny, interesting, educational, and a general character, a historical speaker bringing history to life! http://www.storytellertimlowry.com/ Well that is a mouthful, but you will see Tim… Continue Reading

Ancestors at Sea

Did your ancestors work  the sea? What immigrant ship did your ancestors arrive on?  Tell family stories with accuracy to detail, with a visit to a nautical museum or website. Here are some places to begin your voyage of discovery, the family stories from the sea. The whale boat above, is an image from Mystic Seaport,… Continue Reading

5 Ways to Preserve Family Stories

The teen sat on the park bench, hungry, tired, jobless, a boy of New Haven, Connecticut. He wondered what the world would hold for him. He sat staring into space, after awhile his focus landed on a beautiful girl across the street, near the corner of Church and Chapel Streets. She was made of wood! It was… Continue Reading

What Does Your Family Sound Like?

Every family has a certain playlist. That constant background music or noise that is seldom acknowledged. When I was a teen I babysat for a family, it was a no TV house, the constant background there was classical music piped softly to every room. It was a serene household, but I always had to fight… Continue Reading

Historical Stories

Historical Stories

I am working my way through a blitz of storytelling shows and it is so much fun to move from venue to venue. I have been reaching so many people in the last couple weeks with stories and have met some awesome people. I have to remember that even when I am doing multiple shows… Continue Reading