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.
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.
