C. Lee McKenzie

Young Adult and Middle Grade Author

Let’s Get Into the Dark Heart of October and Write a Ghost Story

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We only have two more #IWSG First Wednesdays in 2022. Can you believe that? I’m officially on break, so I wrote this post before I took off. But I look forward to my favorite holiday on October 31, and when I return, I’ll stop in to say hi to you and catch up on all that I’ve missed while I’ve been off exploring Sicily. In the meantime this post covers a lot of bases: an interesting monthly IWSG question, some thoughts on writing a ghost story, and an announcement of H.R. Sinclair’s new book. So let’s go!

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The awesome co-hosts for the October 5 posting of the IWSG are Tonja Drecker, Victoria Marie Lees, Mary Aalgaard, and Sandra Cox!

This month’s question is, as all of them are, optional.

What do you consider the best characteristics of your favorite genre?

Since I’m rushing to pack and find my passport, I’m going to skip this month’s question and let others have a go at it.

Some thoughts on writing a ghost story

Write A Ghost Story

It’s time for ghosts and rattling chains and cold, eerie nights. It’s time to pull out your Poe collection and read until you’re sufficiently scared and can’t turn off the lights. Maybe this is when you might think, “I’ll write a ghost story!”  If that idea has crossed your mind, here are a few pointers for where to start.

This category of fiction seems to be divided into two major camps: the really scary and the “cozy” ghost stories. Between these extremes, I’ve sampled ones that are what I call the scary, but not-so-much ones, and I admit to liking these the best.

Most of us are familiar with Stephen King’s The Shining, and I haven’t found a book about ghosts that scares me more, so I’d rank that one at the top end of spine-tingling. At the other end of the spectrum, are books like Tall Tails Secret Book Club: The Secret Library Cozy Mysteries by CeeCee James or A Scandal in Boohemia by Gwen Gardner. These are slightly spooky and fun.

The first decision ghost story writers have to make is which type they want to craft. If they’re headed toward the Stephen King side of things, the ghostly presence can be of the paranormal ilk, seen or unseen (the scariest choice), it’s malignant and fear-inducing—the cause of the unexplained events. On the other hand, if it’s a story that warms your heart instead of chilling your bones, the ghost(s) become characters with names, a history, physical characteristics, and personalities.

Even with a story that has a medium scare factor, it might help to think about what scares you most when you set out to write a ghostly tale. For me, that’s when I’m alone in a dark space, especially when there’s something I can detect, but it emanates from some unexplainable source—a hint of fingers brushing across my back, a voice I sense more than hear…that kind of thing.

It’s also important to increase the creep factor as the book moves forward. Whispered words or a brush of chilled air in a first scene might introduce the ghost, but the next time there will have to be something more concrete-maybe a sighting.

Be sure to note the details about your ghost: when or if it appears, how it enters and leaves, the way it looks or how the character(s) react to it. Is there anything that signals the ghost’s arrival? Can your ghost move things? Does it float or walk? Pass through walls, open doors? Is there a specific time the ghost arrives or can it come at all hours? How did the person die? When did he/she die?

And then the setting. Here’s where you can explore all kinds of possibilities. Does everything happen on a wind-swept moor or in a New York townhouse? Is the ghost tied to a place or does it follow the fleeing person it haunts?

It’s always good to read some examples and get the feeling for what’s been done before, but then become creative. Just because there are traditions, doesn’t mean you can’t find something fresh for your story.

Here are two links.

Link for 10 top scary ghost stories

Link for some of the best cozy ghost stories

I’m sure there are some writers here who might like to chime in with more suggestions about crafting a good ghost story, so check the comments.

And now for a new addition to the ghostly tales to enjoy.

Oscar The Apprehensive Apparition by H.R. Sinclair
Buy your copy now!
Chapter book for ages 5-8
ISBN 9798848409956
Paperback: $6.99 | ebook $3.99

Blurb
Oscar the ghost dwells happily in his cozy cottage, where he hides from creatures that lurk in the dark. After a mysterious message arrives, he must find the courage to go out and discover what’s waiting for him. Will he be brave enough or will the monsters send him rushing back home?

About the Author
H.R. Sinclair is a left-handed hermit prepping for the squirrel apocalypse. She writes fantastical stories and visits cemeteries for inspiration.

Blog: https://www.iamhrsinclair.com/blog/
Newsletter: https://www.getrevue.co/profile/hrsinclair
Twitter: https://twitter.com/southpawpov
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hrsinclair/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/7548000-h-r-sinclair
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/h-r-sinclair
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/iamhrsinclair/_created/

Quote of the Month: “Be hole, be dust, be dream, be wind/Be night, be dark, be wish, be mind,/Now slip, now slide, now move unseen,/Above, beneath, betwixt, between.”
― Neil Gaiman, The Graveyard Book

So You Want to Write a Ghost Story

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Let’s get into the dark heart of October and write a ghost story!

It’s time for ghosts and rattling chains and cold, eerie nights. It’s certainly a time when I pull out my Poe collection and read until I’m sufficiently scared and can’t turn off the lights. Maybe this is when you might think, “I’ll write a ghost story!”  If that idea has crossed your mind, here are a few pointers for where to start.

This category of fiction seems to be divided into two major camps: the really scary and the “cozy” ghost stories. Between these extremes, I’ve sampled ones that are what I call the scary, but not-so-much ones.

Most of us are familiar with Stephen King’s The Shining, and I haven’t found a book about ghosts that scares me more, so I’d rank that one at the top end of spine-tingling. At the other end of the spectrum, there are books like Tall Tails Secret Book Club: The Secret Library Cozy Mysteries by CeeCee James or A Scandal in Boohemia by Gwen Gardner. These are slightly spooky and fun.

The first decision ghost story writers have to make is which type they want to craft. If they’re headed toward the Stephen King side of things, the ghostly presence can be of the paranormal ilk, seen or unseen (the scariest choice), it’s malignant and fear-inducing—the cause of the unexplained events. On the other hand, if it’s a story that warms your heart instead of chilling your bones, the ghost(s) become characters with names, a history, physical characteristics, and personalities.

Even with a lightly and spooky tale, I like to think about what scares me most when I set out to write a ghostly tale. For me, that’s when I’m alone in a dark space, especially when there’s something I can sense, but not see. I’m working on a story now and the first encounter I have with the not-so-scary ghost is in a darkened room. The protagonist-Calista-has just gotten some shocking news and has gone to bed, troubled and asking herself how she’s going to deal with it. Enter ghost-Mrs. Wilhelm:

“It won’t be that difficult, dear.” The woman’s voice was sweet. It came to Calista like a flickering of tiny lights in her heart, not in her ears.
Calista bolted upright, her skin needled by the shock of hearing it. With a shaking hand, she lit the candle again and held it overhead, but the room was as it had been, empty except for her wardrobe, writing table, and chair. “Who…”
“I’m Mrs. Wilhelm, the third from the left, near the gate.”
That made no sense at all.
“You’re a sweet girl. Now I have a chance to tell you so.”
“I have no idea what you’re talking about.” Calista set down her candle and stooped to look under her bed.
“You won’t find me there.” The voice was sprinkled with laughter.
“Then where?”
“I told you already, but where I am isn’t important anymore.” The woman’s sigh brushed along Calista’s mind.

It’s also important to build the ghost as the book moves forward. The whispered words in the first scene introduce the ghost, but the next time there will have to be something more concrete. Here’s the next ghostly encounter in my example. We’ve moved to the cemetery:

The cold increased and numbed Calista’s fingertips. She regretted rushing from the cottage without her heavy shawl, but before the cemetery, the morning hadn’t been as nippy. She wrapped her arms around her middle.
Mrs. Wilhelm called one name, and when a spirit curled up from the grave just in front of where Calista huddled, she fell back trembling. She no longer felt the chill, only panic. She considered running, but Mrs. Wilhelm shook her head. “You have nothing to fear from the dead. You are quite safe here.”

Be sure to note the details about your ghost: when or if it appears, how it enters and leaves, the way it looks or how the character(s) react to it. Is there anything that signals the ghost’s arrival? Can your ghost move things? Does it float or walk? Pass through walls, open doors? Is there a specific time the ghost arrives or can it come at all hours? How did it die? When did it die?

And then the setting. Here’s where you can explore all kinds of possibilities. Does everything happen on a wind-swept moor or in a New York townhouse? Is the ghost tied to a place or does it follow the fleeing person it haunts?
It’s always good to read some examples and get the feeling for what’s been done before, but then become creative. Just because there are traditions, doesn’t mean you can’t find something fresh for your story.

If you want to do some ghostly reading, here are two links to help you choose between Fright Night and Titillating Fun by the Fire Night .
Link for scary ghost stories-Don’t read these alone…at night…did I make it clear…don’t read them alone?
Link for cozy ghost stories-Make some cocoa. Grab a blankie. Cuddle up and enjoy.

I’m sure there are some writers here who might like to chime in with more suggestions about crafting a good ghost story, so check the comments.

BIG NEWS for me at least… Shattered will be published on October 29th. It’s on my Goodreads Book page and if you’d mark it as one TBR, I would really appreciate it! You can download it on Net Galley, but if you’d pre-order it…well what’s there to say?

The Ghostly Month Is Here!

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KINDLE COUNTDOWN!
10/21-10/23 only .99 on
AMAZON

I’ve been so wound up about seeing Shattered into the world that I almost forgot my favorite holiday was fast approaching. This is the month when pumpkins rule and ghost stories are at their best. I’m a kid again when October arrives, and I have to control myself when I’m near a costume shop or a candy counter. I’ve been known to buy a lot of each this time of year.

Our Jack-O-Lantern Inspector

This picture was taken several years ago, and I still love pulling it out in October and remembering the story behind it. My husband had just carved this Jack-O-Lantern and placed it on the deck railing. I was about to snap a picture of his clever work, when our holiday-appropriate cat (Champ had a beautiful sleek black coat) jumped up to take a close look. I captured this moment quite by accident, and I’ve always treasured it.

I think I love this holiday because it’s one without any expectations. You can have a party, but you don’t have to. You can wear some crazy garb, or you can just enjoy the others. A lot of small, friendly visitors knock at your door after dark, and if you’re energetic you can whip up some Halloween treats and test them to be sure they’re going to be tasty.

Author While Not Writing
Chocolate Witch Cake
Eyeballs Anyone?

So yes, I’m a Halloween devotee. And I’m sure that’s why I wrote Alligators Overhead and the other two books in the Pete and Weasel series. I loved conjuring up haunted mansions and ghosts. I enjoyed giving myself the creeps while prowling the swamp. I relished leaving behind the real world of taxes, political upheaval, and the daily grind of “what’s for dinner” in exchange for weaving the impossible into a story that-for a while-took me into it.

I’m stacking a little bit of promo this month for Alligators Overhead to celebrate this holiday. The .99 offer is a part of that, and I’ll keep that price until 10/23 12 AM. Then because I’ll need to replenish my Trick or Treat candy supplies, the price will go to $2.99 until 10/27 12 AM. After that, I’m raking in the big bucks. It’ll be $4.99 to find out what Pete and Weasel are up to.

If you’ve read to the bitter end of this post, congratulations on your endurance, and thank you. It’s a bit of a ramble, but I needed a break from writing ad copy. Be well. Be kind to yourself and those you meet. And don’t over-indulge in chocolate like this writer is bound to do.

Oh…and here’s a shameless plea for help. I’ve added Shattered to my Goodreads Books. I’d love it if you’d mark it as one of your TBR books!

October IWSG

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Did you know this?

January of this year was the New York Public Library’s 125th year anniversary. Part of their celebration included a list of their most checked out books over the span of all those years. In the adult category they listed 1984, Fahrenheit 451, and How to Win Friends and Influence People. In the children’s category they listed thousands more. Only three in the adult and thousands in the children’s? That’s interesting, isn’t it? Also of interest is the fact that the most popular children’s book ever was not included on that list. Good Night Moon. And that was because it wasn’t acquired by the library until 1972, twenty-five years after it was published.

But why wasn’t it included in their collection? The reason was one woman, Ann Carol Moore. She didn’t like the book and gave it her infamous “Not Approved By Expert” stamp-the kiss of death, according to early children book writers. She nixed a lot of children’s books this way because if the New York Library didn’t acquire them, others didn’t either. ACM was a lover of fantasy and believed children, especially those inner city kids without a lot of resources in the home, needed escape, not reality. For years, she dominated the library’s book acquisitions, so books about garbage trucks or things kids saw everyday didn’t reach the shelves.

Now you might label her as a mean-spirited, cranky old librarian, yet ACM is credited with not only getting children into the library (they weren’t allowed until very late 1890s), but creating a special space for them. When they checked out a book, they had to sign a paper, saying they’d take good care of it and return it on time-a first lesson in citizenship. So while we can criticize her for her book bias, we have to acknowledge her contribution to early literacy.

Well, it’s another first Wednesday and another chance to consider a writing-related question.
Remember, the question is optional!
When you think of the term working writer, what does that look like to you? What do you think it is supposed to look like? Do you see yourself as a working writer or aspiring or hobbyist, and if latter two, what does that look like?

The awesome co-hosts for the October 7 posting of the IWSG are

Jemima Pett, Beth Camp, Beverly Stowe McClure, and Gwen Gardner!

This is a complicated question, and by that I mean I’m not sure of the answer. I’m not a hobbyist, so rule that out. I’m still aspiring because I want to be better at my craft. If describing myself as a working writer means making money is my primary goal, then I’ll have to rule that out. It’s always nice when the royalties drop into my account, but I didn’t set out to make money. I set out to write the best book I could. In fact, each time I start a new project, that’s always my goal. I’ve never thought, “This one has to be a money maker.” I’ve always thought I hope it’s a story that people will enjoy or a least read and react to.

I’m curious about how others will answer this question, which BTW, is darned thought-provoking.

It’s time for another #WEP. This one should be a fascinating contest. Just look at the theme.

 

 

If you want to join in this month’s contest, check out the How To Join Page.

 

The Adventures Of Pete and Weasel

Available on Amazon

And because it’s my favorite month which has my favorite holiday, I’m going to run a giveaway for my Adventures of Pete and Weasel Series. If you’d like signed copies of these three books (all quite HALLOWEEN and KID (8-12 years) appropriate enter my Rafflecopter Giveaway. Sorry, but I’m going to have to keep this limited to the U.S. only.

Blurb: Pete’s always in trouble, and his bookish friend, Weasel, is always pulled into whatever mess Pete manages to stir up. Follow their adventures that start with Alligators Overhead and an alligator war in the Ornofree Swamp, then journey back to jolly old England when Queen Victoria is only 16 in The Great Time Lock Disaster. In Some Very Messy Medieval Magic, they’ll take you to the year 1173 to find a missing Time Traveler and save the world.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Quote of the Month: The only thing that you absolutely have to know, is the location of the library. —Albert Einstein

October October October First Wednesday

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Every month, we announce a question that members can answer in their IWSG post. These questions may prompt you to share advice, insight, a personal experience or story. Include your answer to the question in your IWSG post or let it inspire your post if you are struggling with something to say.

Remember, the question is optional!

October 3 question - How do major life events affect your writing? Has writing ever helped you through something?

I’m skipping the question this time around. I have too much to say about this topic at the moment.

The awesome co-hosts for the October 3 posting of the IWSG are Dolorah @ Book Lover, Christopher D. Votey, Tanya Miranda, and Chemist Ken!

Have you started your story to enter it in the next Anthology Contest? I hope so. Check out this LINK to find out all of the details.

 

My favorite month has just arrived. If it were up to me, we’d have three months of October; then January. I’d make pumpkin pie every four weeks because, of course, I’d have to carve fresh Jack-O-Lanterns and have them at the door for the Trick-or-Treaters that would come at the end of each October. At last, I could really get some good use out of my witch hat, and I wouldn’t have to do my hair-the messier and witch+ier the better. I love orange and black together, so seeing that theme for ninety days would be just fine by me. I’d have to stock up on more apple cider and cinnamon sticks than usual, but Trader Joe’s has plenty of each. As to the ghosts and gremlins that hang out during this season, I’d use them as writing inspiration. So I think this year, I’m keeping October around until the ball drops in Times Square.

Email Connect

In my October Email Connect I tackle Honesty and how Social Media affects our Truthfulness. Do you ever think about telling a fib on, let’s say, Facebook, and then change your mind? Why? Stanford Social Media Lab has some interesting findings about the TWO ONLINE WORLDS AND TRUTH. I’ve shared that this month. I’m also featuring another of my good friends and supporters L. Diane Wolfe.

If you’re on my list, let me know what you think. If you’re not, JOIN now and get a free short story that only my mailing list will ever see. I only drop into your inbox once a month as long as you want me to.

Now, here’s an added October October October Bonus:

A HALLOWEEN GIVEAWAY

Since we’re in the ghostly-ghastly season, I thought a giveaway with a touch of horror would be in order. I’m in love with Roland Yeoman’s prose, and his amazing journeys with the literary, scientific, and political geniuses of the past. Imagine all time restrictions lifted. Imagine what kind of synergy brilliant minds from from different times can create when allowed to mingle.

I recently REVIEWED SILHOUETTES IN THE KEY OF SCREAM and Roland has generously agreed to give away 10 eBooks of that short story collection AND 10 of the companion collection, PERCHANCE TO NIGHTMARE. If you want to shiver and shake this fall, here’s your chance. To enter to win, just jump through three quick social media hoops; and then tell him which book you want when you leave a comment. Good luck.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Quote of the Month: “Listen! The wind is rising, and the air is wild with leaves, we have had our summer evenings, now for October eves.” Humbert Wolfe