Heather Graham Pozzessere's Blog, page 2

‘Tis the season for Happys and Merrys!

It is always so hard to believe that summer is gone, fall is here, and winter is on the way. (Especially in South Florida!) But as I write this, Halloween is almost here–so happy Halloween–and then, as usual, Thanksgiving will come and before anyone knows it, it will be Christmas. Time goes so quickly, which is one holiday message that we all need to heed. And that, of course, is why the holiday season–no matter what your belief–is such a great time.

 

I love the whole historical concept of Halloween. Make sure, when you’re trying to influence those of pagan religions, to match up your religious holiday with ones that the native peoples recognize. Good idea–and a nice point. No matter how we see our spiritual lives, no matter what religion we call ourselves–we are simply on different paths. So, first, Halloween–and maybe it’s good to think of the dark side as well as the pure fun! Let’s face it, no one living has the answers! On that note, out right now and on the shelves is Unhallowed Ground. It’s a murder mystery, a ghost story, and hopefully, a good and chilling read.

 

Onward to Thanksgiving. Okay, most of us are annoyed that the Christmas commercial season crashes down on us before our grand old America holiday. Still, turkey day is grand. I’m thrilled by this holiday, because it gets harder and harder, as time goes by, to get my family together. But I do feel like a wicked witch when the season approaches and I get to think, “Mine! All mine!” The whole family, including our newest member, Noah Davant.

 

Christmas, yes, I get them all then, too! I have Christmas novels out right now as well, There Be Dragons, illustrated by Fortin and Sanders and including a CD by the Slush Pile Band is available on the Internet sites (Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Borders,) and one that is just popping out on the market October 27th, Home in Time for Christmas. Both were lots of fun to write, and hopefully, will get you in the spirit of the season!

 

Going from summer into fall was crazy. I left home on September 1st and have been back only a few scattered days since. Writers for New Orleans was wonderful, after which I wound up on an Amtrak ride out to California for Zombie TV, and then on to Killercon in Las Vegas. After Killercon I was headed out on tour when I discovered that the publishing industry had suffered a tremendous blow and I had lost a dear friend, my first editor, Kate Duffy. Her death still leaves us all reeling. People say that we all live on in the memories of those who loved us–in that respect, Kate will live forever, because we all have so many stories to share about her.

 

New York led to Jacksonville, St. Augustine, and Savannah; which included an amazing evening with new friends headed by Sprout–Peace River Ghost Trackers. I had a chilling, fascinating, enlightening time with them at the old Spanish military hospital in St. Augustine. In Savannah, I was able to stay in Room 204 at the 17 Hundred 90 house. I didn’t see the ghost, but Miley Cyrus, a previous guest in Room 204, apparently had her luggage rearranged a bit, according to the diary kept at the bedside for guests! (She didn’t use her name but her note was written one of the nights of her stay! Miley didn’t want to take anything away from the ghost!)

 

Super ghost tours–by hearse, trolley, and foot. Savannah is a truly beautiful city. Jason, my oldest son, went on this tour with me, and we had a great time visiting an Irish pub, and then heading out to Bonaventure, surely one of the most artistic and atmospheric cemeteries in the world.

 

On to Bouchercon! Bouchercon always makes me feel like a happy puppy in a basket with a lot of other happy puppies. I loved getting to spend time with the British contingent, Paul, Alex, Harley, both halves of P J Parrish, and many more friends. My panel was with Charlaine Harris, Deborah LeBlanc, Carolyn Hart and moderated by Judy Clemens. What a blast we had! Tremendous fun on a panel.

 

Home again, home again. The dust bunnies have dust bunnies. And talk about bizarre! I keep coming home to dead bees. I’m hearing eerie music in my head!

 

Next up–Miami Book Fair International. I will be speaking on Sunday the fifteenth, in downtown Miami. After that, we’ll be enjoying the holiday season with a few trips down to Key West, where I’m now setting a ghost trilogy, Orlando, where there’s much to do, and then the New Year. Right off, I’ll be attending my FRW’s cruise–ah, just how bad can be. Work–in the midst of the Caribbean!

 

After which–crossing the big pond! I’ll be throwing a party with Helen Rosburg at the World Horror Convention this year in Brighton, England. The Slush Pile will be playing–our first International gig. I’m thrilled to be heading to England, a fantastic convention, and a chance to see old friends.

 

But right now, a quick moment to breathe and catch up. Pictures from the cemetery will be up soon–and by Halloween, you can check out the video from Writers for New Orleans. Oh, and if you have a chance, check out Zombie TV! Just key in the words.