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Ghost
HUNT
Halloween
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Oct 2012 Issue
mandy@theravenmagazine.com
michelle@theravenmagazine.com
October 2012
Chief Executive Officers
Executive Editors
Amee
Nell
Contributors
Jaycee Clark
Proofers
M. Mullinex
Tami S.
Special Halloween Edition
www.theravenmagazine.com
Mandy M. Roth
Michelle M. Pillow
Picture far left: Murdock House – The
most active home on the site, the
Murdock House. Extensive EVPs have
been recorded, as well as some hits on
the ghost box.
Picture left: Druggist – I’m pretty sure
the rum locked away in the cabinet is
just for show, but I did invite anyone
listening to a party should they like to
get one out.
Photo Credit: Michelle M Pillow
Old Cowtown Museum:
A First-Timer’s Paranormal Investigation
By Michelle M. Pillow, www.michellepillow.com
I’m a list person. I make them
for everything, even adventures
I want to someday have. One
thing that’s been on that list for
a very long time has been to
be involved with a professional
paranormal investigation. On
May 29, 2010 I finally got my
wish when I was invited to join
Wichita Paranormal Research
Society (WPRS) on their third
overnight investigation of
Wichita, Kansas’s Old Cowtown
Museum. With over 40 possible
investigation sites on the
museum property, it has been
no small task for the group
to thoroughly investigate the
entire area.
Cowtown is unique in that
it’s a collection of relocated
Raven 03
buildings built on a once
empty sand bed. Though some
buildings have been built on
the site within recent years,
they do contain historical
artifacts from the 1800s. Several
of the buildings are original
homes and stores that have
been relocated to the museum
property. Set up with sidewalks
crafted of wooden planks,
and dirt roads, this is about as
authentic of a 1800s old west
town as you can find in modern
day America. During the day,
reenactors run the shops and
wander the town, but at night
there is said to be another force
stirring. This is when the ghosts
come out to play, reclaiming
their newly configured town.
Photo Credit: Beth Boldt
Reports of shadow figures can
be seen near Munger House,
really more of a log cabin, and
roaming the residential streets.
Focusing on one of the
most active homes on the
site, the Murdock House, the
equipment headquarters was
set up in the Story-and-a-half
House, which is located next
door. The official headquarters
was located a block away at
the Fritz Snitzler’s Saloon. This
is where we met to receive our
investigative assignments. This
was the only area big enough
to accommodate seating for the
entire group. WPRS members
Shane and Karrie Elliot, Bob
Gilmer—who was kind enough
to satisfy my curiosity about
that childhood snack, Bugles.
For the record, I think they
shrunk. They no longer fit
on my fingers like claws…
anyway—PR manager Sherrie
Curry, Donna Chaffin, historical
researcher Lori DeWinkler, Ted
Thomason, Derek Pinkston,
Charles Harding, Lu Ann
Julian, and guest investigators
visiting from a Topeka, Kansas
group Paranormal Research
Investigators (PRI) founder Nick
Spantgos and investigator Tim.
Founded in 2007, WPRS has
been investigating the Central
Kansas area quite extensively,
and are members of the TAPS
family of investigators. I first
met several of the members
when they attended one of
my booksignings with Bob’s
wife, author Candice Gilmer,
in Wichita. Many of their
investigative techniques are
comparative to those of the
Sci-Fi Channel’s Ghost Hunters,
though not completely as the
group does have their own way
of doing things and works with
their own unique rhythm. For
this reason, I think it was worth
the drive to Wichita instead of
looking for something closer.
I had a moment before the
investigation started to talk
to the two guest investigators
from PRI about their
investigative approach. Though
I did not get the opportunity to
investigate with them directly,
they said they focused their
investigations on logic and
the collecting of data, just like
WPRS. They had brought a
camera and set it up to take
pictures every 30 seconds
in the Murdock House. Nick
demonstrated a new device
they had modified—a voice
recorder holder that allows the
investigator to walk around with
free hands, while stabilizing
the recorder. The purpose was
to avoid the friction noises
sometimes picked up when
investigators hold the devices
in their hands. The device
hangs around the neck and sets
against the stomach, and can
be taken off to be set down.
According to their reports,
they’ve had great luck with it.
The night was broken up into
four investigative blocks. My
first official investigation took
place in the druggist’s shop,
where there are reports of
footsteps on the second floor.
This would be the only newer
building we investigated that
night, the rest were originals.
With me were WPRS veteran,
Laurie, and fellow newbie Karrie,
who is the wife of WPRS founder
Shane Elliott and on her third
investigation. Both ladies were
wonderful, answering all my
curiosities (incessant as they
might be at times) with goodnatured humor.
Lights automatically turn on
in this building, and there is no
way of turning them off. I know
different investigators have
different opinions as to whether
or not the lights should be on
or off during an investigation.
The best argument I’ve heard
for the dark is the function of
the IR cameras. But, to me, I
think the dark adds a certain
peaceful ambiance to the event.
However, being as this was
my first, it might have been a
good starter investigation, as
I could witness how the other
investigators acted. The impulse
to jump right into the action
is great, but I went into this
wanting to learn all I could, not
just experience the fun part of a
haunting.
The Drug Store is a newer
building on the museum’s
main street. On the first floor
is the druggist shop, including
many original artifacts such as
chemist bottles, pumice stones,
scales and herb jars. I’m pretty
sure the rum locked away in the
cabinet is just for show, but I
did invite anyone listening to a
party should they like to get one
out. Nothing supernatural took
me up on my offer. However,
I will say this about EVPs. The
first time you do them, you feel
a little silly asking questions
to an empty room. But, I did it,
silly or not, and tried my best to
think of the right things to say.
No one gave me an odd look, so
hopefully I didn’t mess up the
recordings too badly.
Upstairs, are the three offices
Raven 04
for doctors and dentists, also
filled with historical artifacts.
To preserve their integrity, the
rooms are blocked off with only
visible access through the door
windows. Unfortunately, the
excess amount of plexi-glass
separating the rooms from
each other and from the public
does tend to give off strange
reflections and whenever
my camera flashed, I noticed
an image of the investigator
looking in at the door next to
me for a split second within
the frame. These images did
not show up on the film, but I
can see how such a reflective
effect could confuse someone
not expecting to see it. While
upstairs, we did experience
some EMF fluctuations.
Meeting back at the saloon
to receive my next team
assignment, I was then paired
up with my friend, investigator
Bob Gilmer, and Charles who
is a computer specialist to
investigate the hotel. In the
ballroom, there are reports of a
ball being bounced against the
floor and walls often caught on
EVP, but not heard to the naked
ear. There is also a door that
is slammed shut and opened
right off the main dining room.
We did extensive EVP sessions
both downstairs in the dining
room, ball room and upstairs
in the two hotel rooms. In
the ballroom, when we laid
the flashlight on the floor, we
seemed to get some movement
when we invited a child to play
with us, but nothing conclusive.
In the dining room we did
have one incident where we
asked whoever was listening to
turn off the flashlight for “No”
and turn it off and back on for
“Yes”. When we asked if they
understood and were willing to
talk to us, the flashlight turned
Raven 05
off. This was not an event we
could repeat. Was the spirit
saying “No” to talking to us?
Or was it a jiggle of the plank
floorboards against the table
leg? Without further evidence,
it’s hard to say.
In one of the hotel rooms
decorated for a lady, there was
a significant pressure, not unlike
when sitting in a plane during
takeoff. This room is blocked
off by a gate across the bottom
half of the doorway to keep the
public out but allowing them
to look within. Leaning across
the threshold of the gate, our
ears popped and our heads
felt heavy. But, when we pulled
out of the room, the sensation
instantly stopped. This area is
open to the outside air, which
was cool with a nice breeze,
separated from the main door
by only a few feet of open
hallway. However, inside the
room the air felt dead and still,
like a mausoleum that had been
locked up for a decade. The
other hotel room did not have
these sensations and was even
further from the opened main
door. Conclusive? No. But in my
opinion worthy of further study.
While here we did try EVPs
with rudimentary Spanish and
German. German because many
of the people who settled the
area were from Germany and
the language is still spoken in
the somewhat nearby Amish
community of Yoder, as well
as by the older Mennonite
generations. Spanish because
Kansas is close enough to the
south to have hosted Spanish
speaking people. Beyond
the usual greetings, the best
German I could come up with
would be to recite Rammstein
lyrics. I refrained from treating
the unearthly residents to this
musical rendition. I am sure they
are eternally grateful. Though,
if you happen to catch a future
EVP with a request that I come
back and give a concert, be sure
to let me know.
My third assignment, and
perhaps the most exciting
house on the grounds, was
the Murdock House which
showcases beautifully preserved
Victorian Gothic architecture.
I was with Bob and Shane.
The first group of the night to
investigate the house reported
hearing voices that sounded
like a conversation between
a male and a child. Having
heard the stories of EVPs, EMFs,
K2 readings, and personal
accounts, I have to admit I felt
a little nervous going into the
home. This, of course, didn’t
stop me though it did take
several minutes for the nervous
flutters of my stomach to
subside. However, the confident
attitudes of my chaperones
soon put me at ease—even if
Bob did joke about leaving me
for ghost bait.
This original structure
belonged to pioneer journalist
Marshall Murdock, who founded
the Wichita Eagle in 1872. He
lived there with his family. It
has been moved to its current
location and contains some
of the family’s belongings—
including a beautiful settee
and blackmail letters written
to Mr. Murdock from his wife’s
lover demanding money. The
rest of the furnishings, though
not original to the home, are all
period pieces.
On the first floor is a
particularly interesting
candelabra. Due to an
agreement with the museum,
no pictures from within
the Murdock house can be
published, so I can’t show it to
you. It has been reported that
During the day,
reenactors run the
shops and wander
the town, but at
night there is said
to be another force
stirring
For those of you wanting to
check out Wichita’s Old Cowtown
Museum to see if you can have
your own paranormal experience,
or just join in the historical fun,
you can find out more on the web
at www.OldCowtown.org. For
more information about WPRS,
visit www.WichitaParanormal.
com. For PRI, visit www.
ParanormalResarchInvestigators.com.
Picture Above: Saloon – The
WPRS Headquarters for the
night. Photo Credit: Michelle M
Pillow
the candles are taken out of
the candelabra and laid down
next to it. It’s also been reported
that the piece itself is moved.
Extensive EVPs have been
recorded, as well as some hits on
the ghost box. The ghost box is a
radio wave scanner, modified to
constantly scan all frequencies.
Though an interesting piece of
equipment, I found the noise to
be a bit distracting. However,
there did seem to be a couple
instances where we heard the
words, “Bob” and “Marshall”.
Due to the scanning nature of
the box itself, it is hard to say
whether we heard what we were
looking for because we wanted
to within the radio chatter,
or if we experienced a real
communication. In my opinion,
which I believe was shared
by the two investigators with
me, the ghost box needs more
study. However, I applaud this
group for their many methods
of investigative techniques and
for experimenting and testing
equipment—of which they had
a lot of. Not a single person I was
with seemed to force evidence
where there was none.
On the stairway of the
Murdock house, investigators
have reported being touched
in succession. Personal
experiences are hard to prove,
but I feel they are important
as they add to the story and
help the future investigations.
Besides, not everyone is out to
prove what they believe to the
world, but to further their own
understanding. I, personally, am
a need-proof person, but I do
not discount what other’s claim
to have had happen.
The top level consists of three
rooms, one of which reportedly
is the daughter’s bedroom. I’ve
heard a recording of a girl’s voice
saying, “Daddy, you promised”,
caught on the ghost box. It is
believed this might have been
the voice of Love’n Tangle
Murdock (1875-1883), who
died from spinal meningitis in
the home. Having mentioned
I’m not 100% convinced of
the ghost box, I do admit this
particular recording did sound
clear and different than the
normal radio scanning. For this
reason, the clarity and difference
of voice quality, I think the ghost
box should continue to be
explored. Also on this level, I had
a chance to use my debunking
skills when we heard a noise
downstairs that sounded like
someone moving around. I
made Bob step around the floor
until I found the plank that did it.
Though a small thing, I’m proud
I figured it out.
The last location, The DeVore
Farm, was with newer WPRS
investigators, Karrie and Lu Ann.
It was about 2:30AM by this
point and I was starting to feel
the effects of a late night. At The
DeVore Farm I saw a device at
work that I had never heard of.
The WPRS group learned about
it from a TAPS affiliate out of
Ireland. Standard wind chimes
are hung inside a jar and sealed.
Supposedly, since spirits can
move through solid objects like
walls, it’s possible for them to
pass through the jar and stir the
wind chimes. Though I’ve never
seen this in action, they were
set up in this area while we were
there with a camera on them.
I’ve heard reports of the wind
chimes clanking against the side
of the jar without anyone else
around. Since it’s sealed, there is
no airflow within the container
itself.
There was a theory I found
interesting. Cowtown is home
to many cats. They roam the
town freely, sleep in some of the
houses and barns, hang out by
the saloon. CONTINUED PG 24
Raven 06
Tribes
of the
Vampire
Tribes of the Vampire, a dark fantasy romance series by Michelle M.
Pillow, is unlike the books readers are used to getting from the author.
Originally published in 2004, the books have been revamped—no pun
intended—to re-release starting October 2012 through The Raven
Books.
How is this series different from
your other books?
Michelle: It’s an epic vampiric
tale with very dark themes and
evil vampires. I’ve been told by
reviewers of the first edition
release that readers who like the
Anne Rice kind of vampire story
will love this series.
What are the tribes?
Michelle: They’re factions within
the vampire world, each with
different genetic traits and ruled
over by a tribal leader.
Just how dark are we talking
here?
Michelle: If you like dark and
slightly twisted (in a good way),
you’ll like these.
Raven 09
How “sexy” are they?
Michelle: These are not erotic
romances.
Ok, seriously, how dark?
Michelle: There are no sparkles.
comparison was made by
reviewers and readers. I do think
people who liked the Anne Rice
novels might enjoy my world as
well.
Are the books standalone, or do
they have to be read in order?
You said epic?
Michelle: There is a lot of world
Michelle: The books are in the
same world and are connected,
building and a larger cast
of characters. Though it is a
but each features a new story
romance, the focus is more on the within that world and can be read
alone.
dark fantasy rather than simply
two people meeting and falling
When can we get our hands on
in love. This is an epic vampire
them?
world with romantic undertones
and what some might call horror- Michelle: Currently, three books
like elements. If you don’t like
are written in the series—
Redeemer of Shadows (Oct
a long epic plot, this is not the
2012), The Jaded Hunter (2013),
series for you.
Eternally Bound (2013).
So, you think you’re Anne Rice?
Michelle: Not at all. That
Michelle M. Pillow
www.MichellePillow.com
MakeupwithMandy
It’s that time of the year again. The time when it is socially acceptable to wear monster
makeup daily and only a few people judge. I’ve been interested in makeup both
special effects makeup and every day makeup since I was around thirteen. It’s been
a hobby of mine and as I’ve entered the world of writing its evolved into something
more. I finally began sharing my love it all on my facebook page and the moment
I did it became very clear others were interested in how I pulled off the looks and
seemed very open to tips and tricks for everyday wear as well. The Makeup with
Mandy section will feature some of what I share on facebook with others. I hope you
enjoy it as much as I do.
Step
by Step
1. Pull your hair back from face and prime
face with whatever primer you like (I used
SPACKLE by Laura Geller).
7. Use black liquid eyeliner of your choice to
do heavy “cat eye” effects on top and bottom
of eyelids. Flick it out at the ends. Repeat on
other eye. Use liner to line eyebrows as well.
They need to be dramatic to pull off this
look. Extend down near nose more.
8. Use white eye liner to dot under the eyes.
9. Put on lipstick.
10. Gather your fake snakes and secure by
the tails with hair tie. Place on head.
11. You can take a necklace as I did and
lay over the top. I secured the back of the
necklace to my hair with bobby pins. This
necklace acted like a headpiece and helped
keep the snakes from moving around on my
head.
You don’t
have to use the
makeup I do to create
a look. There are many
dupes and substitutes
out there. In future
Makeup with Mandy’s
I’ll talk about some
alternatives.
2. Use a tiny amount of yellow face paint
around the counters of your face (under
cheek bone, jawline, sides of nose, forehead
and temples). Go in and do the same lightly
with the green but do not go out as far as
with the yellow. This will create depth.
3. Use the same colored eye shadows to “set”
the cream face paint. You do this by dabbing
a bit of eye shadow onto the cream paint
area with a makeup brush.
4. Use red or pink eye shadow around eyes
and on cheek as a blusher.
Medusa Look: Appears in YouTube video skit called
Medusa Mandy. Photo Credit: Mandy M. Roth
Products used to create this look: Makeup Forever’s
Professional Face Paint Palette, Ulta Beauty’s brand
eye shadows, makeup brushes, makeup sponge,
Almay liquid eyeliner, translucent face powder, white
liquid eyeliner, lipstick, fish net stockings, fake snakes
bought from Halloween store, hair tie, bobby pins and
necklace I found at Charming Charlie’s marked down
in clearance.
5. Cut fishnet stockings into a small section
(big enough to stretch over one side of face
at time). Hold stretched stocking to face. Be
mindful not to move it. Stipple black eye
shadow over it lightly. Go darker at hairline
and come out lighter. Stop a bit out. Do not
cover face fully. While the idea seems cool it
doesn’t translate as well. Repeat on forehead
and on other side of face.
6. Use translucent powder to set everything
so far (blot powder over entire face).
More “looks” seen on Youtube skits.
www.youtube.com/user/mandyroth
Mandy M. Roth is a bestselling author published by
NY, Small Press and Indie. She has over 30 print and
60 e-books. She also writes under the names Kennedy
Kovit & Rory Michaels. She co-owns The Raven Books
Publishing and is also a cover artist.
www.mandyroth.com
Photo Credit: Gloria Andres
Raven 11
Raven 12
Good vs. Evil
Daughter of
Darkness
I’m often asked where I came
up with the idea to have Pallo
(a vampire) own and operate
Necro Magik & Supernatural
Theme Park in the Darkness
(Daughter of Darkness Series).
For this behind the story
peek, I need to start about
eleven or twelve years ago,
before I’d ever entertained the
idea of writing a book. I was
at Cedar Point Amusement
Park with my family. It’s an
amusement park that we’ve
frequented on many, many
(I actually met my husband
while working there the
summer before I left for college)
occasions over the years. It was
nearing Halloween and the
park had started what they call
HallowWeekends. It’s where
they open the park only on the
weekends and totally re-theme
the park with a paranormal
vibe. Employees are dressed
in costume, some as vampires,
some as ghouls, some as
werewolves. The list goes on.
The entire park transformation
was something I found very fun
and interesting.
As we were walking through,
feeling the eerie vibe that the
normally family fun friendly park
seemed to suddenly radiate,
I got to thinking about some
of the legends surrounding
the park—hauntings and so
forth. We kept walking, I kept
thinking. The next thing I know,
I’m sort off in la-la land thinking
about how easy it would be
for a paranormal to hide in the
open this way. I mean, what
better way to hide than right
out where all can see. It’s the
Victor Victoria mentality — a
woman pretending to be a man,
pretending to be a woman. A
vampire — pretending to be
a human, pretending to be a
vampire.
This idea ate at me, leaving
me wondering about it while
doing dishes, or when I was
driving (I know, yell at me later).
When the moment finally came
that I sat down in front of a
blank screen, I didn’t start with
the paranormal theme park
scenes. I started with another
and it flowed into this idea.
From there, it blossomed into
one of the main locations of the
Daughter of Darkness series. I
researched various mythologies
of demons, beasts, spirits from
varying cultures and began
inventing rides or attractions
that would fit the theme of this
park I’d created in my mind. The
Boobrie Carousel in the center
of the midway was the first such
ride to come into play.
Other attractions at Necro’s
Magik World surged forth from
here and it’s been endless fun.
The Daughter of Darkness
Trilogy is complete but I’m far
from done in the world. I have
plans to expand on secondary
characters, writing their stories
as well.
Mandy M. Roth
www.MandyRoth.com
Raven 14
Cowboys & Supernaturals Series
Caramel Covered Apples
1
Place a layer of wax paper on baking
tray. Clean and dry apples. Have your
bag of caramel candies ready, as well as
your sticks and sprinkle candies if you
want them.
3
Heat caramel candies on low,
stirring the entire time until
melted. Do not overheat.
4
YourProductsHeadingHere
Dip apples in melted caramel.
Sprinkle with sprinkle candies.
Enjoy.
35
$
2
Place sticks in tops of apples. Open all
caramel candies and place in a nonstick
saucepan.
Raven 17
Raven 18
Interview
Frank Joseph, Interview
By Michelle M. Pillow,
www.michellepillow.com
When people think of US history,
they often talk about the Civil
War or the Old West, but what
about that time before recorded
history? The mysterious people
and cultures that populated the
earth before Columbus sailed
the ocean blue? Unearthing
Ancient America: The Lost Sagas
of Conquerors, Castaways, and
Scoundrels explores the lives of
these people, and the ancient
mysteries that surrounds them.
Unearthing Ancient America:
The Lost Sagas of Conquerors,
Castaways, and Scoundrels
author, Frank Joseph, has
published several novels on lost
civilizations, including more
books about the lost civilization
of Atlantis than any other
author in history. His twentyfour published titles about
ancient history, sacred sites
and synchronicity have been
released in as many foreign
language editions around the
world.
*****
Q: You’ve written several books,
The Atlantis Encyclopedia,
Discovering the Mysteries of
Ancient America, Opening
the Ark of the Covenant. What
inspired you to write about
these topics?
Raven 19
Frank: I always wanted to know
the truth behind these enigmas,
and feel there may be some
subconscious past-life energies
at work.
Q: What myths or legends
inspired you?
Frank: All of them, because myth
is the higher, metaphysical
language of mankind.
Q: Specifically in Unearthing
Ancient America you tackle a
broad variety of archaeological
enigmas. What are some of
these enigmas?
Frank: How did an ancient
Egyptian statuette find its
way into an prehistoric burial
mound in Illinois? Is Minnesota’s
Norse rune stone an authentic
15th Century artifact? Did
the Romans operate ships
capable of making transatlantic
crossings to America?
Q: How and why are they
shunned as too heretical for
consideration by conventional
scholars?
Frank: Mainstream
archaeologists are indoctrinated
with the academic
commandment, “Tho shalt not
have any overseas’ visitors to
America before Columbus!”
Frank: Archaeology is a
“humanity” that its practitioners
are supposed to apply scientific
methods. Archaeological
conclusions are cultural
interpretations, not scientific
facts.
Q: Why is this important when
studying Ancient America?
Frank: It requires us to keep
an open mind, as opposed to
conventional archaeologists.
Q: In history classes, students
are often taught that Columbus
was the first European to
“discover” America, but I’ve
heard evidence has been found
that in fact Vikings were the first.
Which, if either, is true?
Frank: Both. The Viking
discovery of America was lost by
Columbus’s time.
Q: What are some of the
significant events missing from
most school history books?
Frank: Upper Michigan’s
5,000 year-old copper mining
industry; the Viking exploration
of North America; the Keltic
contribution to pre-Columbian
America; etc., etc.
Q: Moving on to another of your
books, Opening the Ark of the
Covenant. Now I know many
people automatically associate
the ark with the Indiana
Jones movie. Is this a true
representation of the Ark?
Q: What was the relationship
between the Ark of the
Covenant and the Knights
Templars?
Frank: The movie, like all
Spielberg films, has as much
bearing on the truth as Walt
Disney’s “Dumbo” has on
zoology.
Why do you think readers, and
society in general, are fascinated
by the paranormal and the
unexplained?
Q: What exactly was the Ark of
the Covenant?
Frank: A vessel containing a
large quartz crystal capable of
transmuting mechanical energy
into electrical energy.
Q: What significance does the
Ark of the Covenant have for our
21st Century world?
Frank: Presently, it is only a
myth, because it (they) is (are)
concealed. If made known
and its function disclosed, it
could alter the entire course of
modern history for good or evil,
depending upon the intentions
of its 21st Century users,
not a good prospect, given
humanity’s present savagery.
Q: Who were the Knights
Templars?
Frank: 12th and 13th Century
followers of St. Bernard.
Frank: They were its discoverers
and guardians.
Frank: 1. Because
institutionalized religion has
failed (the true meaning behind
Nietzsche’s declaration, “God is
dead”), and 2. all human beings
are born with a spiritual instinct
that is still seeking fulfillment.
paranormal shows, movies and
books?
Frank: The books of Robert E.
Howard and Edgar Allan Poe;
cable tv’s “Psychic Detectives”.
Thank you for joining us!
Frank Joseph’s titles Unearthing
Ancient America and Atlantis
and 2012 are available online
and in bookstores.
Q: Do you believe in the
supernatural?
Frank: “Supernatural” refers
to anything narrow-minded
persons are unable to
comprehend outside the strict
limitations of their immediate,
physical existence; things are
either natural or un-natural; that
is all.
Q: Or are you a skeptic?
Frank: I strive for a genuine
scientific approach; namely,
always keeping an open kind,
refraining from absolute
judgments, but endeavoring to
make conditional conclusions.
Q: What are your favorite
“all human beings are
born with a spiritual
instinct that is still
seeking fulfillment”
Q: Is Archaeology a science?
Raven 20
Research Tripping
Research trips are a huge
part of our behind the scenes
prep for books. It’s one thing
for us to read about locations
$
and describe what we read
in our books, it’s an entirely
different matter for us to
visit the locations and gain
firsthand insider knowledge.
We (Michelle Pillow and Mandy
Roth) made a decision several
years back that we would do all
we could to visit locations we
were setting stories in rather
than rely on solely on book/net
research. The cost was a factor,
but in the end we decided it
was worth it to assure the info
in our stories was as accurate as
possible. Thus, our hectic travel
schedule began.
BOSTON: Quincy Market
was by far our favorite part of
downtown Boston. We loved
how it filled with various street
artists—everything from guys
who play buckets and create
great songs to living statues
that blow kisses as you give
them a tip. So much fun to
be had there. Great people,
great food, great fun. We took
a walking tour of the Freedom
Trail and learned a great deal
549
about the history of the area.
Many myths we’d had about
the history were dispelled. So
glad we did that even though
our feet were covered in
blisters by the time the day was
out.
Salem was a different story.
We’d had such high hopes
for it. It was a tourist trap.
Everything is “witch” this and
“witch” that. But, you play heck
finding places to eat there so
anyone looking to start up a
great business in Salem should
consider a family restaurant.
Heck, name it witch something
and you’re “in”. Just saying.
The return train to Boston was
late so we waited in a rather
no frills stop that smelled a
touch like urine. We tried not to
breathe too deep so that is all I
have to say on that.
The Boston hotel we were in
was the Millennium-Bostonian.
(Note, that is all we’re saying
about that as well.)
The cruise portion of the trip
was great. As usual Carnival
did an amazing job keeping
the ship and the staterooms
spotless. Perhaps the hotel
should consult them for tips.
The activities were lacking
slightly, but we think it was
due to the fact it was cooler
weather so not as many
on deck activities could be
planned. Loved talking with the
crew and interviewing them.
They are always so helpful and
their tips really help to flavor
up the Pleasure Cruise series.
Can’t learn enough. Really.
First stop was Saint John
(New Brunswick). The loyalist
cemetery was very beautiful
and eerie. Some really
interesting history in the tiny
town. Had an unofficial tour
guide there in the form of an
elderly man who was local and
looking for conversation. Hey,
Mandy is a talker. It worked out
great. And they have a Cougar
Bar. Hand to the Gods. LOL
Next stop was Halifax (Nova
Scotia). This was full of history
and info. So much to learn and
soak in. Glad we took a lot of
notes. We’d be lost without
them. The Citadel there was
our favorite. We had such great
guides helping us out.
Michelle
and Mandy
take Boston by
storm!
Mandy M. Roth & Michelle M. Pillow
Photo Credit: S. Roth
Raven 21
Upper left: Citadel. Right:
Millennium-Bostonian. Lower
right: Freedom Trail Tour. Lower:
Living Statue Quincy Market. Photo
Credits: M. Roth
We can’t wait to
bring you more
pictures from our
travels!
Above: Headstone from Granary Burial Ground.
Photo Credit: Michelle M Pillow
Raven 22
Pam’s Pumpkin
Brew
Jaycee Clark
Recipe:
Pumpkin Ale (I used Sam
Adams, Octoberfest spiced
ale)
A shot of Spiced Rum (I
used Captain Morgan Black)
Mix some brown sugar and
cinnamon together to rim
the glass.
Author Jaycee Clark pens romantic
suspense thrillers.
www.jayceeclark.com
Rim glass in sugar cinnamon mixture, pour in shot,
pour in ale/beer.
Pleasure Cruise Series
Where
to
Find
US
on
the
Web
Mandy M Roth
Website: www.MandyRoth.com
Blog: www.MandyRoth.com/blog
Twitter: twitter.com/mandymroth
Facebook: www.facebook.com/
AuthorMandyRoth
Youtube: www.youtube.com/user/mandyroth
Michelle M. Pillow
Website: www.MichellePillow.com
Blog: www.MichellePillow.com/blog
Twitter: twitter.com/michellepillow
Facebook: www.facebook.com/
AuthorMichellePillow
Youtube: www.youtube.com/user/
michellepillow
Raven 23
mandy@theravenmagazine.com
michelle@theravenmagazine.com
Old Cowtown Story Continued...
One of the old caretakers who lived on the
property said that he could tell whether or not
the place was going to have any activity by the
cats. If the cats were roaming around at night,
there would be little to none. If they weren’t to be
seen, he knew he was in for a busy night. WPRS,
knowing this theory, paid attention. The night I
was there the cats roamed freely and there wasn’t
a lot of personal experiences recorded. However,
the month before when they investigated, there
were no cats and lots of personal experiences.
Some say animals are sensitive to ghosts. Who
knows, there may be something to that if
Cowtown is to be used as an example.
Though I did not help with the initial equipment
set-up because I did not want to be in the way,
I did help with the tear down. By the time we
rolled out of there it was after 3:30AM. Out of
everything, the hardest part of the investigation
was waiting for the audio and video evidence to
be analyzed. It was very hard not to call everyone
and demand to hear if anyone from beyond
had responded to me, especially since patience
has never been one of my virtues. However,
if I someday hope to get another awesome
invitation, I knew had better be good and wait.
Though I have no indisputable paranormal
personal experiences to report beyond extreme
pressure and creepy feelings, I am very pleased
with my first ghost hunt. I proved to myself that I
was brave enough to participate, I learned some
valuable hands on experience, and I made some
great friends. Thank you to WPRS and PRI, as well
as Old Cowtown Museum for a wonderful night,
and for finally letting me check another item off
my life’s list.
Pssst… WPRS, where to next? Call me.
Michelle M. Pillow is a bestselling, award winning
romance author of over 70 titles. She’s been with
NY, Small Press and Indie publishers. She has a
degree in History and one in Photography, and is
the co-owner of The Raven Books.
www.MichellePillow.com
Raven 24
Dragon Lord Series
Join us as we unite to take a stand against bullying.
Visit www.mandyroth.com/blog on Oct 19th, 2012. From there you
will find links to all the amazing authors participating in this campaign. Here are just a few:
Mandy M. Roth
Yasmine Galenorn
Lauren Dane
Michelle M. Pillow
Kate Douglas
Shawntelle Madison
Leah Braemel
Aaron Crocco
NJ Walters
Jax Garren
Shelli Stevens
Melissa Schroeder
Jaycee Clark
Shawna Thomas
Ella Drake
E.J. Stevens
Ashley Shaw
Jeaniene Frost
Rachel Caine
Raven 27
Kate Rothwell
Jackie Morse Kessler
Jaye Wells
Kate Angell
Melissa Cutler
PT Michelle
Patrice Michelle
Julie Leto
Kaz Mahoney
Cynthia D’Alba
Jesse L. Cairns
TJ Michaels
Jess Haines
Phoebe Conn
Jessa Slade
Kate Davies
Lynne Silver
Taryn Blackthorne
Margaret Daley
Alyssa Day
Aaron Dries
Lisa Whitefern
Rhyannon Byrd
Carly Phillips
Leslie Kelly
Janelle Denison
Graylin Fox
Lee McKenzie
Barbara Winkes
Harmony Evans
Mary Eason
Ann Aguirre
Lucy Monroe
Nikki Duncan
Kerry Schafer
Ruth Frances Long
Julie Chicklitasaurus
Raven 28