interview

Dundurn’s ghostly writer, Maria Da Silva

Hey internet ppl. I thought I’d share my email with you instead of a straightforward interview with Maria Da Silva. On the interning side of things I only have one more week! Time just blew by, but it’s been fun. I’ve got to meet interesting authors and read books, books, and more books. Something Remains should be out next Fall. I don’ t think promotions for it have started, so here’s the first heads up. It should be good. Well, it is good. I just finished it. Here’s the interview with Maria, author of Ghosts of Niagara-On-the-Lake.

Hi Maria:

I’m Jeff the Intern, here at Dundurn. I also write a weekly blog for Dundurn, and I liked your book Ghosts of Niagara-on-the-Lake. Long story short, I wanted to ask you some questions. I already sent some to Andrew, and I’d like to post them on the Dundurn blog. I read an interesting article about Hans Holzer, in the New York Times, a few weeks ago. Some thoughts? Here’s the quick Q&A:

1. What was your favourite ghost story as a child?

Well I have to say I came to Canada from Portugal, so there weren’t many ghost stories there. But when I was about 13 years old, believe it or not, I read a book called The Entity and thought it was scary for a girl my age. It was one of the ones I’ve never forgotten

2. Who was you favourite ghost story writer as child?

As a child I don’t think I read too many ghost stories. I guess the closest I came to ghosts was Stephen King. I love his books.

3. What was your first scary experience?

I think the first scary experience for me was when I was 7 years old and back home. One of my friends had passed away, and back home you dressed them up and laid them in bed for the viewing. I went with my mom – I still think of that day and get spooked thinking that she was going to get up from the bed at any moment.

4. What’s the most fun in your research?

Well, Andrew and I do a lot of historical research after we investigate the hauntings. And I have to say my favourite part is when the hauntings match up to the historical events.

5. Where’s the spookiest place you’ve visited?

I’d have to say the creaming tunnel at Niagara-In-The-Lake. My experience there involving the little girls left me emotional for days.

6. What’s your three favourite scary movies?

Well that’s hard. I love scary movies, so it’s hard to pick only three, but if I had to choose it would be Interview With A Vampire, all the Saw movies, and Hostel. But there are many more on my list.

7. If you weren’t writing about ghosts what would you write about?

I think I would love to write a thriller. It would be a challenge, but I also think it would an adventure for me.

8. What are you currently working on?

Andrew and I are working on a sequel for the Niagara ghosts, as well as the Historical Resorts Of Muskoka.

9. How do you know your house is haunted?

My house funny you should ask, how did you know about my house? Well, my husband and I bought a century home, and I had heard about the gentleman who lived in it had passed away. But I never met him myself. Shortly after we moved-in, I felt a presence around me, and I began to tease my husband and daughter that Albert was still in our home. I always felt he never meant any harm. One day, while talking to his daughter-in-law, I asked her if Albert looked the way I was describing him to her. She replied, “You knew Albert?” I said, “No, I think he is still in my house.” I still believe he is with us. Apparently he loved the house and still wants to be there, and we love having him.

Sincerely,
Jeffrey Ross

Thanks Maria!

© 2009 Defining Canada.