A Hometown Girl Haunts the Genre

Every year around this time, my name has started being invoked in print. I mean, I'm not mad about it, but it's been nine years, so I think I can say "invoked" and be happy about it. I am honored, I am smilingly proud, and I am a hometown girl.

I am the Charlotte ghost lady, such as it is.

Ok. It's true that I have moved on personally -- there is no "Williams" any more, but I've also moved on professionally. I've quit writing so much about the subject of ghosts and moved to the more universal subject of food (we all love food!!), but I remember that time long ago when I wanted to be remembered for something. Well, now it looks like I am remembered for documenting that weird shadow on the stairs ... or that stale scent of cigar smoke.

If that's how it is, ok.

It's that time of year, so I am happy to report my little book, Ghost Stories of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County: Remnants of the Past in a New South is once again in the slick pages. Thanks to Charlotte Magazine for your kind inclusion of three of my stories and multiple quotes. There ARE ghosts afoot to be sure this time o' year -- I just hope they are interested in reading about pickles, cause that's what is hot in 2012. Well, that and pimento cheese. So I hope they're hungry.

Thanks to Janna and Larry Sprinkle

Last Friday, Janna alerted us that she'd seen Wicked Charlotte on the morning show. Miraculously, she a) recognized the book in a quick flash b) knew the name of it although its total sold copies are 15 or so, and c) was awake enough while getting ready for work to not only pay attention to the segment, but be quick! Thanks Janna!

It seems that Al Roker was in Charlotte last week promoting a charity, and appeared with long-time local weatherman Larry Sprinkle. Larry gave Al a basket of Charlotte goodies, including my book Wicked Charlotte, which they held up and discussed. Random. Funny. As always, thankful.

Oh, and thanks to Holly for providing the following lovely screenshot: