authors in action

Q&A with Kimberly Molto

Tell us about your book.
More True Tales of the Paranormal: Ghosts, Poltergeists, Near-Death experiences and other Mysterious Events is a collection of personal encounters people have had with the paranormal or “unexplained” events as well as the effect it had on their lives including their views on life/ death, priorities and the very nature of reality. It covers a broad spectrum of experiences ranging from encounters with the deceased both those familiar i.e. a lost loved ones to being haunted by those unknown, your more conventional haunted house or place. It also explores communication with the deceased through computers, telephones and audio/visual equipment. Other accounts include poltergeists, the experiences of those who have actually died and been revived, premonitions, astral projection, out of body experiences to name a few. I further went on, as I did in the first book, to delve into the possible science behind these life-altering experiences not to debunk it but to support and explain it.

How did you come up with the idea for this work?
My own interest in this subject is twofold. From a young age, I have always been interested in the connection between consciousness reality and physics. Along with that, I have personally had many encounters with the paranormal including poltergeists and living in a “haunted house” which I recounted in my first book. As time went by, I was accumulating a rather large and diverse collection of other people’s experiences from all walks of life especially when I began to actively to seek out such stories. It became obvious to me that these “weird and crazy” stories” as they are often referred to are more common than is acknowledged precisely because people are afraid of being called crazy. I transcribed each story verbatim. With my background in neurology/psychology and science, it was natural to want delve into the impact these experiences had on people as well as the possible science underlying it.

How did you come up with the title?
The title for the book is a tad funny and ironic. I wanted to name the first book Rubicon but the publishers felt the broader public would not connect the reference/meaning of Rubicon with the paranormal (I got it in anyway in the preface) When it came time to name the second book, I took another run at Rubicon, this time going for “Crossing the Rubicon: More True Tales…” Ironically enough, the publishers informed that there were too many books out with Rubicon in the title and did not want this book to get lost in all those Rubicon’s. I really had to laugh. So the publishers and I agreed on the current title. Once again though, I have included references to Rubicon because like Caesar crossing the river Rubicon, once you have had a paranormal experience, you are forever changed and there is no turning back.

Tell us a little about the overarching theme of your work, and why you felt compelled to explore it.
After reviewing all the stories I had collected it struck me that these things have broad cultural implications. Readers may come to better understand their own experiences and feel more open about talking about them and those who have not experienced would be drawn into what it felt like trough the words of others. The interest in this subject has grown such lengths it has even taken those long involved in the field aback. Even the amount of paranormal T.V. shows, Radio programmes, books and other publications as well as Internet sites is burgeoning. There is also insight and lessons that people gain from their experiences which I felt compelled to share with the public. Basically, the overwhelming theme is the nature of reality and the world as we perceive it; life and our place and purpose in it all.

Did you have a specific readership in mind when you wrote your book?
I did not have a “target” readership in mind for either of the books. As I have indicated, the books subject is broad based, and the experiences and people cover such a wide spectrum, including science, psychology, philosophy and of course psychic phenomena that it has appeal to many different people and groups. It has even been used as an educational setting for classes on the paranormal. Some readers have indicated to me that they keep it with their reference books.

How did you research your book?
Pulling the project together involves several steps. First is getting the accounts. Second is visiting the people and if a particular environment is central to the case, we do a field investigations to get a feel of the dynamics (familiar or otherwise). If there are photos or recordings or other artifacts like bent candleholders, we do an analysis of the material to rule out so called natural causes. In poltergeist cases, we install cameras occasionally to map out the scene in a forensic manner to determine who is the target of the poltergeist and the possible agent. This can also give us a clue as to what the poltergeist is trying to say, if it is just a “psychic temper tantrum”, or if it even is a poltergeist and not a spirit of a person who previously resided the residence or is to the people and is frustrated or angry. As we all are composed of energy, both the living and the dead, it is logical that the deceased would use the manipulation of physical matter as a means of expressing themselves. In the case of a genuine poltergeist, we have come to the conclusion that there is always a person who is the agent (the one from which the activity is emanating from). Our interviews of the individuals covers not only the events but their history (does it run in the family?) any medical problems or trauma but within boundaries restricting ourselves to what could be precipitating the events while trying to respect people’s privacy. Those are some of the basics. To go on further would turn this into an article!

What was the creative process like for you?
The creative process is exhilarating, intriguing, educational but also frustrating, very time consuming, irritating especially in regards to the computers and some of the other equipment. It can be financially costly, not just in the research and writing of the book, but in damaged or destroyed equipment. In some cases we investigate, it takes an emotional tool as well.) But you always keep your eye on the end result and the people you can reach so it is all worth it.

Describe your ideal writing environment.
For the actual writing, rewriting and editing of the book, my ideal environment is a quiet well-ventilated room in my home. Along with that though, I always have a note book and pen in hand so if I come across a story or a rewrite strikes me, I am ready. (When I wrote the 1st book, it began on paper and then it was typed on a 2nd hand typewriter that would get hot and hum the longer it was on. To make it presentable to the publishers, I had to use one of the Investigative team member’s computer or the University’s). You work with what you’ve got, ideal or not.

What was your first publication?
My 1st book was True Tales from the Paranormal: Hauntings, Poltergeists, Near Death Experiences and other Mysterious Events. As this was the first time I had ever written a book, it was a truly educational experience. As I mentioned earlier, I didn’t even have a word processor and as I was a student at the time, it presented some financial challenges as well. In addition, whenever you think a chapter is finished and print it out, the written word reads differently from what you read on a computer so it’s back to more rewrites. You wonder if it will ever be finished and several times assert that once it is done you will never write another word again. That is to laugh. In the case of both books, another one was already being constructed in the back of my mind.

What inspired you to write your first book?
My inspiration for these books began with personal encounters that led me to directly ask people if they had ever had such an experience. I endeavored to explore the cause and meaning such things. Another factor was that I had read countless books on the subject but, though they were good books, I was left unsatisfied because recounting the experiences is not the end. I was always left wondering what effect it had on the experiences life and why it happened to some but not others and if there was some sort of concrete physics underlying it (I was already interested in psychology and quantum physics). Mostly though it was the accounts that people were sharing with me. I found all of it to be world view altering and it was such a common experience but people are afraid to talk about less they be called crazy or asked “what they’ve been smoking/drinking” which irritates me to no end. Such questions arise from ignorance, fear or a combination of both. I never miss the opportunity to point out that people, while under the influence are the least likely to have a paranormal experience at that time Their impaired condition would dull the senses.

Who did you read as a YA?
The most memorable book I read as a young adult was Viktor Frankl’s “Man’s Search for Meaning”. I was in grave five and was sent to school’s counselor for reading “age inappropriate” material. I simply said I was not big on Nancy Drew when they mentioned those novels. I have read his many books over and over. He had such an influence on my life that I even included him in the dedication in this new book. Whenever I would feel like I couldn’t finish the books I would think about him rewriting “The Doctor and the Soul”, which the Nazi’s destroyed on any scrap of paper and any pencil nub he could find so I had nothing too complain about! I also read Gestalt Therapy Verbatim, The Games People Play, a lot of Greek classics, gothic Victorian spook tales, especially by Joseph S. LeFanu, Sir A.C. Doyle, Dreams and Their Interpretations by S. Freud, and about all I could get by Carl Jung (I had to have an adult check them out for me though). I also loved Edgar A. Poe and books on world religions.

What are you reading right now?
I don’t have a lot of time for reading right now but I am working on “Blink” by Malcolm Gladwel, How to want what you Have by Timothy Miller, Thought, Consciousness and Matter Julian Howard (not available yet here) “Migraine”, Oliver Sacks and rereading a Stephen King book while waiting for R. Colombo’s new book, “The Big Book of Canadian Ghost Stories”

What is your next project?
I am currently finishing a third book on the paranormal and attempting to finish an over due project entitled, “The Brain: An Owners Manual”.

Describe the most memorable response you’ve received from a reader.
When I said it is all worth it in the end that is especially evident in the feedback I get from the readers. People have told me that they don’t feel “crazy” anymore and in fact are in good and some impressive company. Others have said that it altered their views on life, death and our possible meaning for being here; basically broadening their overall out look on things and caused then to rethink their priorities and how they spend whatever time they have in life. Some of the most touching are those who say it provided comfort to them as most of us never get completely over the loss a loved one. I am also pleased when I read that people have taken courses offered on the subject to expand their knowledge and have broadened their reading to include physics which some people find to be an intimidating or perhaps boring subject. It is the communication from the readers that matters to me the most as opposed to reviews although the latter also provide me with view of the book, which, being so close to it had not seen before. But the basic goals and motivations remain the same.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received as a writer?
Write everyday to keep in shape even if it’s just a paragraph or two. Shut off the internal editor and spell checker; you can do that later. Just let the writing flow. Keep a recent copy of The Writers Guide Book” handy It has most of the publishers and what they ant; how to approach the, etc. Research the prospective publisher and do go to their web page. They have submission guidelines you can printout. Other handy references books are “The Oxford Guide of Quotations” (Oxford University Press), The Canadian Style: A Guide to Writing and Editing (Dundurn Press Ltd. In co-operation with Public Works and Government Services Canada Translation Bureau and a good, comprehensive dictionary and thesaurus. Do not rely on your computer for spelling and grammar and even though the publishers do the final editing, make their jobs a little easier while making your manuscript appear professional (for many of us, grade/high school is a few years behind us). Ask yourself what your purpose or goal is. Why are you undertaking such a tremendous task? It will help keep you going through the rough patches. Although there is the common idiom “write what you know”, if there is a subject that truly interests you, don’t restrict yourself. Learn all you can about the subject. Interview people who are in that field. Take a night or correspondence course if one is available. ) Don’t get dejected by rejection letters; they’re inevitable (Stephen King lost count of the number of times “Carrie” was rejected) and some even offer up a suggestion or two Persevere. If you don’t, it won’t get down and will be one of those regrets hang around your neck like an albatross. Never lose site of the goal or purpose for the book. Whether it is educational, funny or a light read that provides people with a pleasant break from their lives, the goal is the reader. The book is not about you it is about the readers. (If you make the mistake of writing for fame and fortune, even though that has and could happen, you will have a better chance at winning the lottery. Take the time to enjoy it what you are doing. You can get so caught up in the technicalities that it turns into hard work and not a labor of love and source of enjoyment and life is too short to be doing something you don’t necessarily have to do and which you are not enjoying. Never hesitate to write an author whose book has touched you because you think the author won’t get it or is too busy or famous. I made that mistake with Dr. Frankl and it turned out he did read all his mail (with help) and did respond. It does mean a lot to the author and they may in turn give you that boost you need to get you through those rough patches.

© 2008 Defining Canada.