So I've often wondered why Robert Bigelow sold Skinwalker ranch. He didn't need the money. This interview with KLAS George Knapp helps me understand that, and a lot more. Interesting guy.
Saturday, September 11, 2021
Friday, September 10, 2021
INTERVIEW WITH CAROL-ANNE MASON (The Accidental Psychic)
Here in Vancouver, the leaves began turning colours just as the month changed. Although technically still summer, Autumn is already upon us with cooler mornings and sleepable evenings. Time for football, knitting and more apples than I know what to do with. Time for some reading while things bake. Today we welcome author Carol-Anne Mason to our little chat room. Welcome, Carol-Anne
SC: Tell me a little bit about your main character of this book.
C-A M: Although The Accidental Psychic is mainly fictional, all my characters have been named after ancestors of mine, because a lot of the females on my Grandmothers side of the family possessed psychic powers. My Great Grandmother, Mary Ellen Lockwood, was a well known clairvoyant in her day, and has a mention in the book. But the name I chose for my protagonist was Annie Prior, also arelative born in the mid eighteen hundreds. I used my daughters intuitive personality and English rose looks, with her red hair and crazy aqua green eyes as my protagonist and front cover image.
Annie Prior as the main character, is, on the face of it, a normal 32 year old woman who works in a London art gallery, and commutes every day by train from Southampton. But after a horrific train crash, she suddenly realises that she can clearly see the spirits of the dead, as if they were still alive. Her powers gradually grow, so much so, that she becomes one of the best mediums in the country. But with this comes heartache and personal relationship turmoil, that tests her inner strength ... almost to breaking point.
SC: I think you already answered my second question, but I'll ask it for the record. Do you believe in the paranormal and if so, do you have an experience you can share?
C-A M: Absolutely yes!
I have many stories about paranormal experiences I’ve had over the years, but one in particular stands out as my favorite because of the history behind it, and that it shows that animals truly do have a strong sixth sense.
In 1987, my Husband and I moved in above a surgery where he worked as a dental surgeon alongside my Father-in-law, who owned the property. The house was in a small town called Ringwood in the UK, where many of the buildings dated back to the mid 16th century—including our home—which was a well known ancient property. Monmouth House, was named after the Duke of Monmouth, a claimant to the English throne who led an unsuccessful rebellion against King James II. He was held captive in a priest hole in this house, until he was taken to the Tower of London where he was beheaded.
The rooms inside Monmouth House were crooked, with original black beams holding up the ceilings, and leaning walls and floors that made you feel as though you’d had a glass of wine or two! I immediately felt a presence, but it was not at all evil, and even my husband who is a sceptic in all things paranormal, was convinced by the time we moved out that there truly was a ghost. But the real evidence of a resident spirit, was exposed by our dog ‘Rippey’. His one main passion in life apart from eating, was sleeping at the foot of our bed. Wherever we went, he would barge his way into the bedroom to take his rightful place. But never in Monmouth House! We tried everything to get him onto the bed or even to cross the threshold of the room, but he just wouldn’t budge! He would only sleep immediately outside the door where it was as warm as the rest of the house. But the bedroom was permanently as cold as a fridge, even in summer, when everywhere else was hot.
Just off the bedroom was a strange, small windowless room, which showed up on the plans of the house, as being the priest hole where the Duke of Monmouth was imprisoned before his execution. This little room became my wardrobe and dressing area, but because it was also incredibly cold too, I couldn’t remain in it more than a couple of minutes at a time.
The Lounge area was equally loaded with spirit vibes. Rippey, the dog, would sit looking up at the tall chimney breast all evening, either shaking, or wagging his tail. But my husband and I became used to our dogs behaviour towards our unseen guest, and the flickering lights were no longer an annoyance, but indication of his presence—which was strangely comforting.
When the time came for us to move on, I was sorry to leave.
If it was the Duke, who’s presence we constantly felt, he was a kind hearted man in life—as the energy he left behind—was nothing but good.
SC: Great story! Thanks so much for sharing that with us. What titles are you working on now that you can tell us about?
C-A M: I am just completing the first draft of the sequel The Eternal Psychic, in The Annie Prior Series.
Annie’s life changing events in the first novel spill over into the sequel, as she returns from a well needed break to continue her extraordinary new life as a clairvoyant, helping both the bereaved and spirits to move on. She is also drawn into helping Detective Inspector Dan Watts with an unusual cold case, which proves testing both emotionally and relationship wise.
After the reasons for Annie’s extraordinary psychic powers are divulged by her Grandmother, she realises that she needs to know more about the many women in her ancestry—who’s legacy she must fulfil, and finds a way to travel back to experience the strange and sometimes dangerous lives they lead, as witches and psychic’s.
SC: Thanks for joining us today. Let's take a look at your novel now.
Annie Prior Series
Book One
Carol-Anne Mason
Genre: Paranormal Murder Mystery
Date of Publication: 20th August 2021
ISBN: 978-1-8384305-0-4
Number of pages: 424
Word Count: 89,560
Cover Artist: Miblart
Book Description:
A horrific train crash turns Annie Prior’s life upside down, by triggering an extraordinary psychic ability that had lain dormant since her childhood.
After being rescued in more ways than one by a dark haired stranger from the train, two fatalities from the accident return to haunt her; and as Annie’s new Clairvoyant and Mediumship abilities grow, she is immersed into a realm of both needy and malevolent souls.
Despite an ongoing battle with her narcissistic family, and a boss with a dark past which continues to plague her, she comes to realise her strange new powers are also there for reasons beyond the present.
She embarks on a life journey helping both the living and the spirit world to gain closure.
But, not all are happy with Annie’s new vocation.
Excerpt
Prologue Southampton
A cold morning in early spring 2017
Unbeknownst to Annie, a mundane commute to London on a train — will change her life forever. A fatigue crack in one of the front wheels of the train’s control car had started to open up, and further up the frozen track, a set of points were waiting for the fail...
Chapter 2 The Crash
The previous babble of voices had now risen to a headache-inducing hullabaloo, prompting Annie to put her earphones in to listen to her favourite track ‘Human,’ from the new Rag’n’Bone Man album. She closed her eyes to concentrate on the haunting words.
Suddenly, the train shuddered, then jerked violently. Annie sat bolt upright and yanked her earphones out. The carriage had fallen silent, everyone froze; all eyes widened just before fear kicked in. Then, an unprecedented sound as loud as an overhead thunderclap exploded through the carriage. The screeching of brakes set the students screaming and running for the exits, tumbling over each other like waves. Some commuters stood still, straddling the aisles, and holding onto anything that was bolted down.
Annie could only watch in terror and disbelief; none of it seemed real.
Then, the impact came. A jolt so violent it sent bodies crunching onto the floor of the carriage. Annie was forced backwards with a massive thud into her seat, knocking the wind out of her. If she had she been facing forwards, she would have been horribly smashed.
The screaming in the carriage had become unbearably loud, with commuters slamming into solid objects. The train rocked on its tracks and tilted violently over to her side; and just—kept— tilting.
Annie grabbed a pole on the aisle side of the seat and instinctively lifted her legs from the footwell below the table, tucking them under her. There was a combined screeching and scraping, whilst brakes and metal sparked and twisted, before the train succumbed to gravity.
About the Author:
Carol-Anne Mason is an artist, writer and at the age of 64, author of the new award winning novel The Accidental Psychic.
She has lead a busy and full life with many professions under her belt including: dancing, writing songs and performing. Hair salons, tutoring at college, running a night club and antique shop. Although, has continued throughout the years with her painting and writing.
Her strong belief in spiritualism has grown since her early teens, after realising her premonitions and intuitiveness was a family trait going back many generations. And after immersing herself into the paranormal world and researching all aspects of spiritualism, she felt herself well equipped to write on the subject. Also her love for reading horror stories from the likes of Stephen King and James Herbert has also influenced her writing.
Carol-Anne works from her home in the rural Hampshire countryside of The New Forest UK. Where she lives with her eccentric husband and Maltese terriers, and spends much of her time with her two grown children and new grandson. Also, res- cuing any animal in need—large or small—often to the annoyance of her patient husband.
Website: https://carolmasonauthor.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/CarolAnneMason3
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/camasonauthor
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolannemasonauthor/
Annie Prior Series
Book One
Carol-Anne Mason
Genre: Paranormal Murder Mystery
Date of Publication: 20th August 2021
ISBN: 978-1-8384305-0-4
Number of pages: 424
Word Count: 89,560
Cover Artist: Miblart
Book Description:
A horrific train crash turns Annie Prior’s life upside down, by triggering an extraordinary psychic ability that had lain dormant since her childhood.
After being rescued in more ways than one by a dark haired stranger from the train, two fatalities from the accident return to haunt her; and as Annie’s new Clairvoyant and Mediumship abilities grow, she is immersed into a realm of both needy and malevolent souls.
Despite an ongoing battle with her narcissistic family, and a boss with a dark past which continues to plague her, she comes to realise her strange new powers are also there for reasons beyond the present.
She embarks on a life journey helping both the living and the spirit world to gain closure.
But, not all are happy with Annie’s new vocation.
Excerpt from chapter 19 The Open Platform
‘Would it be okay for me to continue with this message, Sam? I think I know who’s here for her.’ Sam was clearly relieved. ‘Oh, yes … thank you, my dear.’
Everyone in the hall was relieved too. Annie took the reins, and without faltering continued with the message.
‘I believe your husband is here for you; in fact, he’s standing behind you with his hands on your shoulders. He seems to be steering you in the right direction.’
The lady touched her shoulder, as if to feel her husband’s unseen hand.
Annie smiled whilst she listened to the spirit convey his message. ‘Okay, so this is slightly awkward, your husband has just told me something which I believe is personal to you. Are you okay for me to continue?’
The woman simply nodded, she had never received a message of any consequence before. ‘Well, according to your husband you’re wanting to get married again, but you’re feeling
terribly guilty about it as it’s only been two years since his passing.’The woman's mouth dropped open. ‘Oh my God, you’re right. How on earth …?’
‘I think you mean he’s right,’ Annie said with a broad smile. The congregation laughed quietly. ‘Actually, he’s giving you his blessing, and really likes your future husband. Was he one of your husband’s friends?’
The lady nodded again in affirmation and put her hands over her face—her emotions erupted. It seemed that everyone in the congregation sighed and teared up too, including most of the men.
Annie began to feel an overwhelming surge of spirits pushing their way in, they had been patiently waiting for years to get their messages across and now finally had someone who truly understood them.
About the Author:Carol-Anne Mason is an artist, writer and at the age of 64, author of the new award winning novel The Accidental Psychic.
She has lead a busy and full life with many professions under her belt including: dancing, writing songs and performing. Hair salons, tutoring at college, running a night club and antique shop. Although, has continued throughout the years with her painting and writing.
Her strong belief in spiritualism has grown since her early teens, after realising her premonitions and intuitiveness was a family trait going back many generations. And after immersing herself into the paranormal world and researching all aspects of spiritualism, she felt herself well equipped to write on the subject. Also her love for reading horror stories from the likes of Stephen King and James Herbert has also influenced her writing.
Carol-Anne works from her home in the rural Hampshire countryside of The New Forest UK. Where she lives with her eccentric husband and Maltese terriers, and spends much of her time with her two grown children and new grandson. Also, res- cuing any animal in need—large or small—often to the annoyance of her patient husband.
Website: https://carolmasonauthor.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/CarolAnneMason3
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/camasonauthor
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolannemasonauthor/
Monday, September 6, 2021
SKINWALKER RADIO SHOW WITH JAY POWELL AND GEORGE KNAPP
Happy Labour Day, Canada!
I was surfing through YouTube the other day, and came across this older radio podcast by Jay Powell, where he talks about all the weird things that the Gorman (who we know are really the Sherman) family went through while they owned the big ranch in Utah.
Jay brings on KLAS investigative journalist George Knapp which earns this podcast some street cred.
I loved the quote George gave:
"A lot of the stuff that we would classify as
paranormal, are all inter-related. And maybe we consider them to be paranormal
now, but only because we don't understand the true structure of the
universe."
Tuesday, August 10, 2021
INTERVIEW WITH JENNIFER DEAN (Baited)
This just in! We have author Jennifer Dean here, answering our three fave questions. Welcome, Jennifer.
SC: Tell me a little bit about your main character of this book.
JD: Name: Emma Rose Morgan
Nickname(s): Em
Species: Human
Age: 18
Birthday: January 3, 1994
Born: Washington, North Carolina
Height: 5’ 5
Eye Color: Hazel
Natural Hair Color: Chestnut Brown
Favorite Foods: Italian
Favorite Drinks: Sprite/Sweet Tea
Favorite Book: A Wrinkle in Time
Favorite Song: Unforgettable-Nat King Cole
Favorite time of day: Sunset
Interests: Photography/Music
Best Friend: Michael Harris
Relationship Status: Girlfriend of Liam Alexander (Immortal)
Siblings: Sean Morgan-Close bond since birth (Immortal)
SC: Wow! We know a lot about her now. How about you? Do you believe in the paranormal and if so, do you have an experience you can share?
JD: I don’t have a specific experience, but I don’t like being exposed to the darkness because I have an irrational fear that something is within it. I always shut my bedroom door before going to bed and hate going up a flight of stairs at night because of it. My imagination is too vivid to even be able to watch anything remotely scary.
SC: . What titles are you working on now that you can tell us about?
JD: I’m currently working on the fourth and final book of the Bound Series.
SC: Great! Let's take a look at BAITED now...
Bound Series
Book Three
Jennifer Dean
Genre: YA Paranormal Romance
Publisher: Little Fish Publishing
Date of Publication: August 3, 2021
ASIN: B093DT23XS
Number of pages: 230
Word Count: 52,000
Book Description:
Normal seniors worry about if they will get rejected from their dream school, what they are going to wear to their last prom, or if it’s possible to stay close with the friends they grew up with after high school.
But Emma Morgan has come to learn that normality is a thing of the past.
Especially when her eighteenth birthday is a mere reminder of the newly accepted deal she has made to lure a vengeful immortal named Thomas back into Alexander territory. A plan that will certainly make the humans of her world safer but comes with the risk of not living to see graduation.
Excerpt:
Despite the coldness of my tone, I heard a few light chuckles around the room. My gaze shifted to the ground before I dared to look back up at the many bright, expectant eyes surrounding me.
“I know I can’t do much, but I can do this.”
“Are you sure?”
I turned back to Liam as I heard the concern in his voice. I imagined that if the roles were reversed, I would carry the same worry for him.
“Yes,” I said, squeezing his hand to convey my assurance.
Once again, I turned my body to face Jane, bouncing my eyes up with a readied stare.
“What do I have to do?”
“I need you to know that what I’m asking comes with risk.”
“I understand.”
“No, you don’t,” Sean said. “By risk, she means you’re willing to accept that this help may come at the cost of losing your life.”
“He’s right,” Jane said. “I’m prepared to risk your life if it ultimately means bringing an end to Thomas.”
“Well…at least you’re honest,” I said with uneasiness.
“I may be a bitch but at least I’m an honest one,” Jane said.
It was hard to not find humor in her words, as if she were reading the tagline from a movie written about her.
“Look, as much as your presence annoys me, I don’t wish to see your death. But I need you to know that this plan is about commitment. That goes for me as well. I’ll need to play my part just as much as you will yours. At times, you may even question my loyalty. However, we must rely on trust because it’s all we’ll have until we see this through.”
“So, you’re saying it’s going to get worse before it gets better.”
It wasn’t a question but a realization of the danger I was agreeing to dive into.
“Yes. This isn’t going to be easy. He’ll be seeking every opportunity for revenge for Liam’s betrayal. A revenge that will create a blood trail straight to you. One that could lead to your death.”
I caught sight of Mary’s bright stare across the room. Her first words to me echoed in my mind. Being with Liam means you will always be a target.
I bit my lip with squinted eyes of confusion as I looked back at Jane. Before I could speak, my brother’s outburst interrupted me.“You want us to just sit back and leave her for him like some immortal bait?”
Sean’s voice cracked with incredulity.
“He has to believe he has the upper hand. The only way that can happen is if you play your parts in leaving her vulnerable. From the moment I leave this house, you must portray a belief that the threat is gone.”
“By leaving her to be killed!”
Jane closed her eyes in frustration before turning to face Sean. Her neck stiffened with impatience but she paused in speaking, as if waiting to gain the composure that one needed when speaking to a petulant child.
“Thomas is a sadistic prick who likes to play games. His immediate goal won’t be to kill her but to show Liam and you that he can if he chooses to. You have to make it seem as if he’s in control. Being overprotective isn’t an option, Sean.”
“I understand what you’re saying and I even agree with your theory but as her brother, I can’t just…”
Sean shook his head, clearly hoping to distract himself from the images circling his mind before turning a newly placed anger on Liam.
“You’re ok with this?”
“Of course not,” Liam said with an offended grimace. “I hate the idea of her being in any kind of harm’s way. But she’s going to do it whether I’m okay with this or not.”
As Sean rolled his eyes, Liam continued with a small grin, as if the behavior only proved his point.
“You only disrespect her by not allowing her to make this choice. So, regardless of your inability to accept it, I’ll stand by whatever she decides.”
“Thank you,” I said.
It was all I had time to say before a thud caused me to snap my neck back around. Sean stood facing the wall with his palms flat against it. He refused to look at anyone behind him. My eyes traveled up to a spot near his left hand, where I saw a deep hole the size of his fist.
The tension in the room lingered as I met his gaze. I had barely blinked before he moved to a kneeling position in front of me, his hands reaching out to hold mine with comforting warmth.
“Please don’t do this. I know you hate me and that’s fine. Hate me all you want. But please don’t make me have to risk your life this way. You don’t have to do this.”
I looked into his pleading eyes, knowing that even with my anger I could never hate him. I paused, squeezing his fingers without breaking his bright golden gaze. “No, I don’t have to do this but I want to do this.”He lowered his head in defeat before rising back to his feet and turning his attention to Jane. He remained silent, his body tense as he resignedly stood and walked back toward Grace.
“I’m short on time so I must leave you all,” Jane said. Then she looked at me. “I hope you survive this, Emma, I really do. But if fate has other plans, please know your sacrifice will have been an honorable one.”
“Thank you,” I said.
I reached for Liam’s hand as Jane nodded with appreciation before she looked toward the leader of the Alexanders. Patrick gave one subtle nod of approval. It was enough verbal communication for Jane to begin walking backward in farewell.
“Good luck.”
Jennifer has studied Creative Writing and Literature and lives in Nashville, Tennessee.
To find out more about her and her novels you can visit:
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