ANCIENT TALES OF GHOSTS

In ancient Greek writings, there was a tale recounted as true by Pliny of a haunting. The story was that dreams revealed the death of someone and when the body was found it was just as the dreams had said.

In ancient China there is a story of a girl thrown down a well who haunted the location - especially any men who came by - until someone solved the mystery of her death and disappearance.

In the Bible is the story of King Saul going to the "Witch of Endor" - a medium or discerner of spirits - to get advice from his deceased mentor, Samuel. The act is frowned upon by Judaic-Christian teachings, but nonetheless, even though the woman was probably a fraud, on this occasion the woman apparently brought up something that scared even her!

THE HOUSE NEXT DOOR

One of the myths of every Hollywood movie and more than one story is that a haunted house must look the part. Author Ann Rivers Siddon challenged that years ago with a novel, The House Next Door. The story is about a brand new house that... from its inception is somehow...not right. It's glossy, modern lines hide a perversion usually only seen in musty, cankered castle walls. Somehow, this genesis in the normalcy of modern life is worse and Siddon's work balances the modern complexities and neuroses with ancient fears. Check out a public library, book store, or the book club page for more information.

DREAM SHARE

What happens to people in a coma? Can our dreams be real? Do 'alternate realities"' exist?

"Dream Share" is a book for older elementary and middle school readers. It's the story of a twelve year old who accidentally enters the comatose state of his elder brother and the two begin exploring the mystical realms between life and death. Fun soon turns to fear the boys find themselves fighting for their lives in a place where your worst nightmares come true, and each is forced to confront their own demons in order to survive.

Author, Rita Milios, is a licensed psychotherapist, author, and workshop presenter. Rita Milios, known also as The Mind Mentor or The Dream lady, is an expert in the subconscious mind and in the use of the mind, Rita has been researching and writing about dreams, intuition, meditation, visualization, creativity, and other mind-related topics for more than twenty years.

The book is an engaging and very human story told with energy, understanding of human nature, and sympathy for the real anxieties and fears youth face. The theme of the paralyzing influence of fear is predominant and as the protagonist of the story, Sam, learns to "see more deeply", the boys begin to understand that reality is often what you perceive it to be. This truth is what will lead them safely home.

A bonus section at the back of deals with the the "story behind the story" as the author discusses the real life and real science inspiration for the books paranormal themes: what happens when a person is in a coma? What are "out-of-body" experiences? Do alternate realities truly exist? A special glossary to understanding dreams and a "Dream Journaling" section is included.

Milios, Rita. Dream Share. Rose Heart Publishing/Cypress Imprint (www.roseheartbooks.com), 2009. ISBN: 978-982233728 Cover Price: $12.95 (U.S.)

SPIRIT OF OKLAHOMA STORYTELLING FESTIVAL IS HAUNTED

Not really. But it got your attention! The 3rd annual storytelling festival on the campus of Seminole State College in Seminole, Ok will have an intensive workshop on telling ghost/scary stories on Friday June 5 with nationally known storyteller, Dan Keding.

Dan Keding, storyteller of international acclaim, is well known for his telling of traditional world folktales, personal narratives of his boyhood in Chicago, ghost stories and dark tales, and superbly crafted original pieces.

As a child he learned the traditional stories that his grandmother brought to this country from Croatia. A well-respected ballad singer, he accompanies himself on guitar, banjo and spoons. This combination of dynamic storytelling and powerful ballad singing has made him a festival and concert favorite throughout the US, Great Britain and Ireland, endearing him to audiences of all ages.

Workshop description: "Why are we fascinated by ghost stories? When do they fit into our working repertoire? In this workshop we'll discuss researching, tellling, and interpreting the scary story. This workshop will focus on ghost stories, horror stories and ghastly tales from around the world. They're not just for October."

There will also be a late evening ghost story session with the keynote tellers. For registration, costs, etc. go to http://www.territorytellers.org/

--"The Oklahoma Ghostteller" aka Marilyn A. Hudson