interview

Intern to Employee

So, I was supposed to be blogging but I forgot. I forgot because I got a job! So, I’m no longer an intern; I’m the Marketing and Sales Coordinator. It’s a long title for a longer list of things to do, like selling books over the weekend at the Ontario Genealogical Society. Erin W. is giving me some cool work using some cooler publicity software. That said, I thought I’d post the second half to the ghost interview I did. I really like these ghost books we have. Palmisano dropped in, and he might be the coolest ghost investigator I’ve met. Actually, he’s the first ghost hunter/ investigator I’ve met. The psychic at the fair doesn’t count.

Andrew Hind (author of Ghost Towns of Muskoka)

What was your favourite ghost story as a child?

I remember being traumatized by the John Carpenter movie, The Fog, as a younster. The eerie setting, the sense of isolation, the tragic nature of the ghosts remained with me.

In addition, the urban legend of the Hook Man really frightened me for years, though I can’t recall where I first heard it

Who was you favourite ghost story writer as  child?

I honestly don’t recall reading any ghost stories as a child. Instead, I read alot of youth-oriented non fiction books. One stands out, a title published by Usborne Hayes. It really inspired me.

What was your first scary experience?

As an adventurous boy, and with two older brothers intent on getting me into frightening situations, I had more than my share of scary experiences as a child. None related to ghosts. My first ghostly experience occurred at Inn at the Falls in Bracebridge, where I couldn’t bring myself into entering a room reputed to be haunted. I was almost frozen with fear; Maria entered, but I just couldn’t. That’s as close as I’ve come to a scary ghostly experience.

What’s the most fun in your research?

I enjoy finding connections between ghost stories and history. When you find some historical basis for a reputed haunting, it adds a level of authenticity that really adds a sense of accomplishment. I think Maria would also agree that we love meeting new people and exploring new places.

Where’s the spookiest place you’ve visited?

Its tough to answer that, since a place seemingly benign one day under certain conditions can be unnerving and even scary on others. Though a beautiful building, there is something about Inn at the Falls in Bracebridge, or at least certain places in the building, that I have found uncomfortable at times. In Niagara-on-the-Lake, Fort Mississauga at night or on an overcast day can be pretty eerie.

What’s your three favourite scary movies?

Not a movie, but I love the TV show Supernatural.

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

We write about a lot of things, so that’s easy to answer. In particular, I love history and travel.

What are you currently working on?

We are researching a book about Muskoka resorts of yesteryear.

© 2009 Defining Canada.