Seeing Ghosts Character Interview

Greetings, Fire Enthusiasts. The following phone conversation occurred during Paul Herrera’s last night in the old ranch house in Salinas, California…

Paul: Hello.

Me: Hi, Paul. How’s it going?

Paul: Good… Wait! This isn’t Ray?

Me: No, it’s Jim.

Paul: Who?

Me: Jim. The guy who’s writing the book.

Paul: What book?

Me: The book about the week you spent living in Flora’s House. Trust me. Just go with it. Are you alone or are Anne and her son sitting there?

Paul: They’re here. How did you know that?

Me: *sigh* You know, this will go a lot quicker if you’d simply believe that I know what’s going on there. How are you? I mean really. I don’t suppose you’re sleeping?

Paul: No.

Me: That’s what I thought. Are you going to make it?

Paul: What do you mean by that?

Me: Well, you’re not sleeping. You’ve got a woman there who looks like… Well, you know?

Paul: You mean, like my dead wife?

Me: Sorry, man, but yes. She’s gorgeous and all, and ordinarily a guy would be happy to entertain anyone half as pretty as her, but it must be gut wrenching…

Paul: Can we talk about something else?

Me: *pauses* All right. What about Aunt Flora?

Paul: What about her? She’s not my aunt anymore. That ended with her death…

Me: Yeah, but death hasn’t stopped her from terrorizing you, has it?

Paul: No.

Me: What’s the latest with her?

Paul: She’s trying to get me to let her back in the house, but I won’t do it.

Me: What do you think she wants?

Paul: Well, I…. Wait! You’re the guy who knows everything. Why don’t you tell me what she wants? Why did she give me her house?

Me: *pauses* I can’t really see everything, just some things.

Paul: Why don’t I believe you?

Me: Sorry, Paul.

Paul: For what? Not telling me anything? For lying to me?

Me: Uh, yes. All the above. Tell me about Patricia. Where’s she been during all of this? Have you talked to her?

Paul: Oh, yeah. The Bitch! She’s a piece of work that one. I wish I could have her dragged from the property.

Me: So you’re stuck with her then?

Paul: Yes.

Me: What has she been doing?

Paul: Threatening me, antagonizing me, keeping me up with her chanting and whatever witchcraft she’s doing out there in the middle of the night.

Me: And Flora’s there, too, I suppose.

Paul: She is now.

Me: Any other ghosts?

Paul: *sigh*Of course! You know, I think I’m getting tired of all of these questions of yours! Can’t you tell me anything? What do Patricia and Flora want? This place is surrounded with ghosts. What do they all want? I’ve got them inside now, too. I’m losing my mind here! What am I supposed to do?

Me: I’m sorry, Paul. I wish I could tell you more, but I can’t. But you’re going to have to stop her.

Paul: Just how do you suppose I do that? Or can’t you tell me that either?

Me: Yeah. I’m sorry about that, too…

I figured if I was going to do a bit if shameless promoting, at least I could make it slightly amusing. This was a character interview that I did during the summer when I was on the month-long blog tour. The book has been getting good reviews. It’s still just a lot of work trying to get it noticed in that sea of books out there. I appreciate those of you who have read it or are getting ready to. For everyone else, I hope you’ll consider grabbing a copy of Seeing Ghosts, or adding it to your Goodreads shelf. Every little bit helps.

Have a great week. We’ll talk soon.      

One Night with the Vampire Nathaniel

Greetings, Fire Enthusiasts. Today I bring you a rare treat. Although I have written two books about the events that occurred in Kingsburg concerning vampires (the sequel is nearly ready for your eyes), I have always done so in third person. Recently, I was visited by Nathaniel himself, and I thought I would share that experience with you. He allowed me to share those details, but not the date, for whatever reason.

Nathaniel: Wake up, James.

Me: That’s cold! I hate it when you do that! [He touched me on the neck with his cold hands].

Nathaniel: Yes, I know. Luis doesn’t like it either [you'll meet Luis in book 2]. You wished to see me?

Me: Well, yes, but you didn’t have to come in the middle of the night!

Nathaniel: Ah. What time would you have preferred? 3 pm?

Me: Good point. I didn’t realize you were in town.

Nathaniel: No one does. However, since the events of your most recent book on the matter, I have decided to remain closer to home [His tone here was sarcastic. He would prefer that I did not document these events, but does nothing to stop me].

Me: Well, that’s good.

Nathaniel: Is it?

Me: Of course.

Nathaniel: Why? Does this give you fodder for further books? [See what I mean?]

Me: Nathaniel, it’s not like that.

Nathaniel: No?

Me: No! I wrote the stories so they wouldn't be forgotten, and to explain things.

Nathaniel: Some things are best left untold, James. There are many mysteries that have been left unsaid.

Me: Like what? Aliens? JFK? Secret societies? Vampires?

Nathaniel: Especially vampires.

Me: Don’t you think it’s good that people realize there are some good vampires in the world?

Nathaniel: There are no good vampires in the world. Surely you must realize this? You know the stories, although you seem to employ creative license in the telling of these tales of yours.

Me: Oh? So you don’t think I have the events correctly?

Nathaniel: I did not come here to quibble with you about these silly books you write. I only came to see what you wanted. We have a nice relationship, you and I. Let us not sour it with ridiculous arguments that serve no purpose. Now, what did you wish to discuss with me?

Me: I believe you've already answered my question.

Nathaniel: Which was what exactly?

Me: I didn't mean to summon you down from the mountains… [Book 2 explains where he's been].

Nathaniel: I have already told you that I did not come down for you. I am here now and will remain so. Please. What did you wish to know?

Me: I was curious what you thought of my books. Now I know. You clearly don't like them.

Nathaniel: James, I am sure they are fine. Have I seen them? Yes, I have. Have I read them? A little. I believe skimmed is the operative word. I try and read the Bible only at this point. I have read a great many books in my lifetime, and have enjoyed them. What I need now more than anything, however, is the book that gives not pleasure, but life. I need this very much.

Me: I see. I wish you well with that, Nathaniel.

Nathaniel: Thank you. If I may ask, where is your Bible, James?

Me: In the library.

Nathaniel: Bottom left shelf, is that right?

Me: Yes.

Nathaniel: There are two there.

Me: That sounds right.

Nathaniel: Covered in dust.

Me: Sadly, I think’s that’s right.

Nathaniel: You know it is.

Me: Yeah.

Nathaniel: Good night, James.

Me: Good night, Nathaniel. I apologize for bothering you.

Nathaniel: It was no bother.

I haven’t seen Nathaniel since that night, although I'm fairly sure that I have felt his presence a time or two. It’s a bit unnerving, but I don’t fear him. The key is respecting him and his power. I should have his second set of adventures available in October. I'm calling it Dance on Fire: Flash Point. When I told him once what I was calling it, he stared at me for a moment before shaking his head. "Aren't you getting rather tired of the whole fire thing," he asked me. I went on to explain why I liked it so much, but by the time that I was done, I found that he had already left.

We’ll talk soon. If Nathaniel stops by again, I’ll be sure and let you know.