ParaPsyCon was awesome again this year. Way more booths, including some I’m friends or became friends with; meeting new readers (one of whom, I swear, could have been a Chris Hemsworth impersonator) and seeing their enthusiasm when they purchased copies of my books; and, of course, being in one of my favorite places on Earth.
But this isn’t about ParaPsyCon. Because, as you already know, the Ohio State Reformatory is one of the most haunted locations in the country (as well as the filming location for several famous movies and shows, including Shawshank Redemption). And, as per usual when I visit, I experienced something weird.
Now, by “weird,” I can’t say for certain if it was something supernatural or paranormal. For all I know, it could be explained away by logical means. But I can’t explain it, and without any explanation, I just have to classify it as weird. Here’s what happened:
On Friday, after I finished setting up my booth, I decided to walk around, say hi to old friends and see what booths were set up this year. And as I’m walking the north end of the west cell block, I pass by several booths that had been finished as well and covered up with black tablecloths so nobody messes with the products underneath. Ahead of me, there’s a section of the floor that’s exposed to the foundations underneath, with metal bars around it to prevent people from falling in (I forget why that’s there).
And as I pass by the tables towards that open space in the floor, I notice movement out of the corner of my eye. And to my mind, it looks like a woman wearing a black shirt exiting one of the cells.
I stop, and turn around to confirm what I’ve seen. No one is there.
Like I said, “weird.” And I’m sure there are a few explanations as to what I saw, which might include the black tablecloths.
On the other hands, for a few years, Ohio State Reformatory did have a few cells for female inmates until the Ohio Reformatory for Women was opened in Marysville in 1916. So perhaps what I saw had something to do with that?
In the end, I can’t say. I can only say that it was weird. And that it likely won’t be the last weird experience I have at the Reformatory.
Speaking of this weekend, The Pure World Comes had a very successful weekend! Not only did my Victorian Gothic horror novel about a maid going to work for a mad scientist (“Think Frankenstein and Crimson Peak had a baby together,” as I told folks at the convention) get a bunch of new readers, but it also got a lot of great reviews online. Currently, it’s sitting at a 4.1 out of 5 based on 16 ratings and reviews on Goodreads, and 4.5 out of 5 on Amazon based on 4 reviews and ratings. And a family member of mine told me they thought it was my best work yet! And believe me, they would tell me if it sucked.
I’m so happy with the response TPWC has received in the past two weeks since it was released. And since I intend to keep it up, I’ll post links below. If you think this book might be something you’d want to read, I’ll leave links below (as well as for my other books). And if you enjoy what you read, please find a way to let me know what you think. Not only do your reviews help me out, but they let readers know whether the book is worth their time. A valuable service, believe me.
So, that’s all for now, my Followers of Fear. I’ve another busy week ahead of me, but I’m hopeful it’ll also be a good week. Until next time, good night and pleasant nightmares!
The Pure World Comes: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Apple Books, Kobo, Goodreads
The Quiet Game: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, iBooks, Smashwords, and Kobo.
Snake: Amazon US, Amazon UK, Amazon Canada, Barnes & Noble, iBooks, Smashwords, and Kobo
Rose: Amazon US, Amazon UK, Amazon Canada, Audible, B&N
Rami Ungar The Writer 
You know how people used to be smaller? I wonder if it was the spirit of a male prisoner after all, but appeared female because of his size. At any rate, very eerie, Rami. I bet it sent a few goose bumps up your spine!
I’m so glad you and The Pure World Comes had a good weekend!
Thanks Priscilla! And you know, it’s a possibility. I actually thought it was female because their hair was long and in a ponytail, but who knows? It could have been a long-haired man.
Oh, you saw DETAILS! That’s cool. Yeah, I’m going with a woman, then. I think even if it had been a man with long hair (say, an American Indian from back in the day), they would have cut his hair to conform with the other prisoners.
That makes sense. Though I suppose we’ll never know.
Wow! So interesting. Sounds like a great weekend. Pity you didn’t get a photo of the Chris Hemsworth lookalike! Haha!
Didn’t think to at the time. Maybe I should have.