Some of what I write didn’t start as fiction.
It started in places where something felt… off.
A room that got colder for no reason.
Footsteps where no one was standing.
And moments you can’t explain, no matter how many times you try.
My upcoming book, When Spirits Linger, is built on those moments. Some of them I can explain.
Some of them I can’t.
A Moment I Still Think About
One of the investigations started quietly.
We had already cleared the building. In fact, because of the deterioration of the structure, I could see into much of it. It was empty. No one inside. No movement. Nothing unusual.
I was outside checking the structure, taking pictures and readings. My wife and daughter were in the basement portion of the building. Then they heard it.
Footsteps.
Slow. Deliberate.
Coming from the empty upstairs area.
My wife and daughter called to me, “Are you upstairs?”
“No, I’m out front. Why?” The upstairs was empty.
But the air felt different. Heavier.
That moment didn’t make it into the book exactly as it happened.
But parts of it did.
Writing about the paranormal is tricky. Readers expect suspense, mystery, and sometimes a touch of horror. But when you base stories on real experiences, the responsibility grows. You want to respect the truth while crafting a compelling narrative.
In When Spirits Linger, I started with actual accounts from things I’ve encountered and unexplained phenomena. These stories include:
- Objects moving on their own
- Whispered voices with no source
- Sudden drops in temperature in specific rooms
- Unseen presences felt by multiple witnesses
Each of these elements inspired the stories. The core events happened. The stories are authentic.
How Real Experiences Shape Fictional Elements
Real paranormal experiences provide a foundation for authentic stories. Here’s how I use them:
- Atmosphere: Real locations with reported hauntings help create vivid settings. For example, an old Victorian house with creaking floors and cold drafts becomes a character itself.
- Emotional Truth: The fear, curiosity, and confusion people feel during paranormal events translate into genuine emotional arcs for characters.
- Details: Specific details like the sound of footsteps or the flicker of lights come directly from eyewitness accounts, making scenes more immersive.
By blending these facts with creative storytelling, the book invites readers to question what is real and what is imagined.
Some Stories I Haven’t Told You Yet
Not all paranormal experiences make it into the book. Some remain personal or too complex to fit into a narrative. These untold stories often involve:
- Encounters with spirits who communicate through subtle signs
- Moments when time seemed to stop or loop
- Objects appearing in places where they were never left
- Questions asked and answered by spirits I believe to be family
These experiences fuel my writing and remind me that the unknown is vast. They also keep me curious and humble about what we understand about the spirit world.
Will You Connect with My Paranormal Stories
Readers are drawn to paranormal fiction because it taps into universal fears and mysteries. When stories include real experiences, they become more relatable and chilling. People often say:
- “This feels like something that could happen to me.”
- “The details make it so believable.”
- “It’s scary because it’s based on truth.”
This connection makes When Spirits Linger more than just entertainment. It becomes a shared exploration of the unknown.
Practical Tips for Writing Paranormal Stories Based on Real Events
If you want to write paranormal stories inspired by real experiences, consider these tips:
- Interview witnesses carefully: Listen to their stories without judgment. Ask for details about what they saw, heard, and felt.
- Research locations: Visit places where events occurred to capture the atmosphere.
- Balance fact and fiction: Use real events as a base but allow creative freedom to build tension and plot.
- Respect privacy: Change names and identifying details unless you have permission to share.
- Use sensory details: Describe sounds, smells, and sensations to immerse readers.
These steps help create stories that feel authentic and engaging.
The Role of Mystery in Paranormal Stories
Mystery is essential in paranormal stories. It keeps readers guessing and adds layers to the story. Even when based on real events, some questions remain unanswered. This uncertainty reflects real life, where not everything can be explained.
In When Spirits Linger, I embrace mystery by:
- Leaving some phenomena unexplained
- Showing different perspectives on the same event
- Suggesting multiple interpretations for strange occurrences
This approach invites you to form yourown opinions and keeps the story alive beyond the last page.
The Impact of Sharing Real Paranormal Stories
I don’t claim to have all the answers.
But I’ve experienced enough to know that some stories don’t begin with imagination.
They begin with something real.
When Spirits Linger is my way of exploring those moments, where truth and fiction blur, and the unknown steps just a little closer.
And there are still stories I haven’t told.
By blending truth with imagination, When Spirits Linger creates a space where the paranormal feels both possible and personal.