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    Can’t You Hear, Can’t You Hear the Thunder…


    2009 - 11.20

    Posted in australia, books, ghosts, hauntings, true stories, writing | 3 Comments »

    I’m an aussiephile; there’s no denying it. So far in my life, I missed out on a chance to attend university in the “land down under” and take a vacation there (after saving the money and wasting it on a bad relationship). The country itself intrigues me to no end, as does the history. Needless to say, I was absolutely tickled pink to find my book on sale at Angus & Robertson. I might not be on the other end of the globe, but some part of me is.

    I’m still determined to get there. Most people don’t realize how hard I tried to find ONE story from Oz for the book. I gave up after a tiny nibble (a bed & breakfast which might be haunted, but needs to be investigated), but this time I’m more determined than ever. So, I’m asking for a little help from readers. If you’re in Australia and know of any possible hauntings (be it hate crime ghosts, haunted gay bars, or anything of the like), I would really appreciate any tips. There has to be at least one LGBT haunting in the country, and I need to hear about it!! I’m about a dozen stories shy of being able to start work on the next book, so any input is much appreciated. Even if they’re not from Australia, I’d love to hear from anyone who might have an interesting tale to tell.

    Out With the Old…


    2009 - 10.30

    Posted in books, updates | Comments Off

    In light of new projects coming my way (and since Halloween/Samhain is also the new year in certain religions), I’ve decided to take Haunted Cuyahoga off the market soon. And by soon, I mean after selling ONE more copy. (I’m notified of every sale, so I can do that.) Yes, just one… making a grand total of printed copies 266. Why? Well, it’s time to move on for me. New things on the horizon… letting go of some of the past that’s weighing down this suitcase of life I carry with me. It’s been three years since this little venture, and I’d like to lay it to rest…

    Home is Where the Tell-Tale Heart Is…


    2009 - 10.24

    Posted in books, magazines, personal, travel, updates, writing | 4 Comments »

    So, I’m back in northeast Ohio after a LONG hiatus. What a trip—er, trips—it’s been. I feel like the last two weeks, I haven’t had much time to sit still for long, let alone digest everything. From Salem (an incredible city… thanks to everyone there who made my trip enjoyable and the many new friends I made along the way) and my first-ever book signing at Cornerstone Books to Dayton (as well as Yellow Springs where two bookstores now carry Queer Hauntings) and my wonderful friends, both distant and close, there who kept me on my toes. I haven’t even unpacked yet, but I did take the time to make a Halloween tree and decorate my window a little, just to cheer myself up from the exhaustion for a little while.

    I have so much to get done, I’m not sure how long it will be before I have the time to write a regular blog entry. It might be time to finally create that team of bloggers to help me keep Spooked! active during my more busy times. I promised myself I would have a book signing in my own area before trying to tackle other signings elsewhere. I have a place in mind, but I need to make some calls and see what’s happening.
    Otherwise, much to my surprise and chagrin, it has been a good month for press. Although I had to decline a few media events due to my hectic schedule, Toronto’s Autumnplay Magazine featured an article about the book and I. But that’s not all; just yesterday, I was told that Instinct Magazine reviewed my book this month. I still need too get my hands on a copy! It may not have been long or 5 stars but till, it’s exciting.
    Having said that, this neck ache is creeping up my spine and giving me a headache, so I shall bid you all adieu. I’ll be back soon, hopefully, if time permits. There’s too much to do, but right now it’s time to take some aspirin and watch the twinkling ghost lights dance around my window frame…

    No Need for Broom Closets….


    2009 - 10.11

    Posted in books, people, personal, salem, stores, travel, updates | 1 Comment »

    For starters… Happy National Coming Out Day!! I know, I didn’t realize until just now. Sorry! My mind has been elsewhere!

    Well, Salem has been everything I thought it would be. And above all else, the entire month of October is one, long Halloween for this town. There isn’t another city on earth I can think of where zombies, vampires, and other costumes are seen daily on the street. Of course, fighting your way through the crowd is another matter. It’s a madhouse around here.
    I’ll have to update about my entire trip when I get back. I want to devote some time to everything here in the best way that I can, with enough rest for my bones and less aches and pains from hours on the streets. I have so many businesses to talk about… interesting people to mention (beyond Jeffrey Justice, who has been a dear even though he’s run ragged with work… stay tuned for a Supernatural Spotlight featuring him) and photos to share (I know I’ll max out my monthly allowance of photos on Flickr for sure). I’ve been trying to avoid being a tourist, but it’s difficult not to be.
    I’m down to the last 5 copies of my book already, and I’ve only been here three days! Let’s hope they last me through it all. I wasn’t expecting this much. I dropped off two copies at The Magic Parlor yesterday and they both sold within 24 hours! We shall see how long the 10 signed copies there now last. Otherwise, I’ve met some amusing people, had some interesting conversations, and thoroughly enjoyed myself. People are far more receptive about Queer Hauntings than the naysayers would care to believe. And if all goes well, aside from a few radio show/podcast interviews I have coming up thanks to some good people I’ve met, I might even be talking at a university in the coming months!
    It’s all so exciting, wonderful, and yet exhausting. But for now, I’m signing off from the Witch City. It will be a very long week…

    (Un)Dead Man Walking…


    2009 - 10.01

    Posted in books, bookstores, dayton, events, halloween, massachusetts, radio show, salem, travel, updates | 1 Comment »

    Welcome to October… or, as I prefer to think of it, that time of year when suddenly everyone thinks about ghosts, ghouls, and hauntings only to forget about them after Halloween. Those of us dealing with the dead generally feel it’s “just another day at the office” and sometimes scoff at the sudden interest. Although there is one exception to it being like the rest of the year: everyone wants you to be everywhere at once for the whole 31 days.

    Honestly, I haven’t had what you might call a laid-back October in a few years now. I miss the days when Halloween was something to look forward to instead of the last night and a mile marker for that next chance to take a deep breath, kick off your shoes, and relax. But this is what I’ve chosen, because I love the paranormal. So I won’t complain… though I might try my best to find mild ways of enjoying myself between gigs.
    And this month is going to be action-packed for me. I’m gone to Cleveland this weekend to conduct an investigation at a haunted place, followed by an appearance on The Kode ‘N Nyte Show on NRR Radio on Sunday to talk ghosts, have fun, and give away a copy of Queer Hauntings. Then I have a few days of down time, hopefully having coffee with a friend, before taking my great adventure east to Salem, the Witch City!

    Thankfully traveling via Amtrak again (I love rail travel… so relaxing), I’ll be arriving in Boston on October 8th where I’ll meet with Jeffrey Justice, who has been tirelessly helping me plan events in Salem for my week-long stay. I don’t have a full schedule yet to give you all, but you can be sure I’ll be poking around town, popping up in some of the expected (and more unexpected) places. If you happen to be in the area, check with your local bookstores and see if I’ll be popping by… I know Cornerstone Books is on my list for the 15th!

    Although it is mainly intended to be a “business” trip, that doesn’t mean I’m not planning on enjoying myself. If money permits, I’ll be having a nice celebratory beverage at some night spot with Jeffrey and I’ll be taking plenty of photographs throughout my stay. I”m even planning an excursion to a haunted New England site as research for the sequel to Queer Hauntings (yes, I’m already working on that slowly). Perhaps I’ll take a few interesting photos and have a little contest here… letting my dear readers try to guess where I was.
    After I arrive back in Ohio on October 17th, it’s off to Dayton for another busy week with friends, followed by a ghost tour. Perhaps I’ll stop to breathe around the 24th before the month crescendos into Samhain, or All Hallows Eve. All the while my laptop will be with me. During all my excursions, I should be letting everyone know what is happening and updating things accordingly. There is no guarantee I’ll have time to post daily, but at least I’ll do my best to share my experiences with you all.

    Win a Copy of Queer Hauntings!


    2009 - 09.25

    Posted in books, contests, edge, giveaways | 1 Comment »

    Most of you readers may not realize how much work goes into trying to find interesting stories, websites, etc. to mention in this blog. It can be tiring work. But the research and digging doesn’t end there. Even when it comes to my book, finding reviews, booksellers, or anything else happening with it, that too requires a lot of research and digging. Yes… believe it or not, authors aren’t told everything!

    In fact, one such bit I just stumbled across may be of interest to most of you. Edge (along with its different individual city websites) often gives away a variety of tickets , DVDs, books, etc. on its website. Now, it’s giving away a copy of Queer Hauntings to one lucky entrant! There isn’t a deadline listed, but I wouldn’t wait too long to enter. Click here to go to Edge Boston’s page for the book giveaway.
    Sorry, everyone, but it’s not a signed copy. Although that can be arranged if you win…

    Creeping from the Crypt…


    2009 - 09.23

    Posted in books, life, ohio, personal, radio show, salem, updates, writing | 2 Comments »

    I’ve done it again. I’ve neglected this blog. Of course, this month I haven’t been online as much as I normally am, so that’s part of the reason. It’s been another crazy few weeks for me, chock full of anxiety, stress, and my usual confusion. The temperatures here are slowly dropping down to autumn levels and Halloween will be here before we know it. That’s not such a bad thing, though. I’m ready for pumpkins, cider, and the sweet scent of burning wood mixed with foliage in the air. Besides, ’tis the season for people to suddenly regain interest in ghosts and hauntings…

    Personal dramas aside, I have also been working (when possible) on research for a sequel to Queer Hauntings. It might sound premature considering the book isn’t even available everywhere yet (and I haven’t even seen my first copy of it yet), but this time around. the research will be more grueling. I have perhaps five places to research at this moment, which means I need at least another 35 stories before I will have another full manuscript. My goal is by next year to have it finished, along with another possible book I’m looking into… though writing two books at once might be a struggle.

    On the bright side, I’m still looking forward to my great escape to Salem in October. I’ll be updating with details as soon as I know anything for certain. I’ll also be off to Dayton yet again for another adventure with friends and spooks, so it will be a busy time for me. I’m hoping to have a few books on hand before I begin my travels, but we shall see how things work out. Also, on October 4th, I’ll be on NRR Radio talking about my new book, as well as doing a bit of ghost hunting on the air. Apparently, the studio where DJ Kode and DJ Nyte are based has become a lot more active in the past month, so this could prove to be interesting. But don’t expect things to be too serious. We’re all going to have a little bit of fun… and during the program, I highly doubt the only spirits around will be those of the dead.

    I’ve finally been updating my website a bit, so feel free to check things out. There are book excerpts posted and I’m slowly adding links as I find more booksellers offering Queer Hauntings. I’m still hoping to do book signings, lectures, and library events as time passes though it might take a little time. I know my local library might be interested in setting up something, though I’m hoping to break out of Ohio here and there too. Yet another thing for me to get going on: contacting places and trying to set up a few events as locations from the book. So much to do, so little time when you’re only one man. That’s where this blog suffers too. Perhaps Jeanne Barrack is right… I need a blogging team to help keep this thing going!
    I’ll do my best to keep this thing alive, though. Hopefully I’ll find some nifty things to write about soon…

    Glancing Down the Road…


    2009 - 08.27

    Posted in books, massachusetts, personal, salem, updates | 3 Comments »

    In light of the crazy week it’s been, I haven’t had the time yet to write about some of the interesting things I’ve run across. But it’s coming… never fear. Meanwhile, just a short personal update. The final cover is done for Queer Hauntings: True Tales of Gay & Lesbian Ghosts, so here’s a sneak peek:

    I’ll be posting more soon. And also, plans are going ahead with my Salem adventure in October. So in less than two months, I’ll be trekking across the witch capital. I’ve been wanting to go there for years… and what better time than the Halloween season?
    I’ll be gone all weekend, but hopefully I’ll give you all a few amusing things to read about before I leave…

    Like Manna From Heaven…


    2009 - 08.15

    Posted in authors, books, gay, gay ghosts, personal, updates | 2 Comments »

    When I finally let go of the stress… release the reins and said “que sera sera” about the coming month… it happened. I have word, thanks to the goddess Google. Here are the details of my upcoming book:

    Queer Hauntings: True Tales of Gay & Lesbian Ghosts
    by Ken Summers
    196 pages (paperback)
    Publisher: Lethe Press
    Price: $15.00 (US)
    Release Date: September 18, 2009
    And apparently, it’s already available for pre-order on Amazon.com, though the cover remains to be seen. but at least now you all know!

    You Can’t Keep a Good Blogger Down…


    2009 - 08.14

    Posted in books, comments, feedback, personal, polls, updates, writing | 7 Comments »

    Yes. I have been way too serious lately on here when I have bothered to post. And I’ve been distracted too much by my worrying, acutely-emotional side (ok… overwhelmed by it) to the point of madness. But it that my sole reason for not posting? Well… not exactly.

    For starters, I was hoping to start mentioning more about the new book. So far, I have no updates for you, unfortunately. Except for one: there has been a change of title. Queer Paranormal will not be titled Queer Hauntings. Why? Oh, silly issues with categorizatio
    n. You would think “paranormal” would be the least troubling term of the two! Otherwise, nothing has changed. And as soon as I know about cover art, page count, pricing, etc. I’ll pass that information along to you all. You’re not the only ones getting anxious about it. Just over a month remains until the expected release date! If I weren’t keeping up on trimming my fingernails they would all be gnawed off by now.

    Otherwise, my life has changed in some ways over the past few weeks. Feelings toward people have shifted forms, whether by nature or with some prodding from them. I hate to call one of these changes becoming “single” because in most ways, nothing has changed. I have a wonderful, funny, charming man in my life… we just aren’t sleeping together or picking out furniture for that little dream cottage. I took my time to mill over things, “turn emo” as some uncouth people might say, and come out on the other end content with the people who make my life enjoyable. The list isn’t long (and rarely consists of Ohioans) but it’s a good one.

    And more changes… Spooked! is now brought to you via Vista! That’s right, after almost a decade, my old laptop was on its last legs so I made the leap and upgraded (frighteningly enough, the new one cost 1/3 the price of the old one and has 5 times more space and 12 times more RAM) to a Compaq Presario. In widescreen. Yay! I’ll decide later what to do about upgrading to Windows 7 in October (that month will already be insanely busy for me, no doubt). For now, there are other changes on the horizon…

    I’ve decided that I truly want to do a little reinventon. I hate growing too stagnant and I’ve spent so long waiting on that bench at the station of life that it’s time to jump on a new train… whether people like it or not. Perhaps a few wardrobe changes (I did get a hoodie this summer… and I like it) and such. But the biggest thing I’ve been pondering it a change of hair color. No, not that horrible mistake of bright yellow I made years ago. I’ve been seriously thinking about going black (”once you go black…” lol). Why? Well, aside from blue, it’s been one of the colors I’ve always wanted to try. And after a nice chat on a Greyhound bus with a sweet emo kid (if you read this, Jason, thanks again for cheering me up), I have some confirmation that black just night suit me. Aside from that Gothic demeanor I can give off. And with Halloween approaching, how could it go wrong?
    But I’m pondering it a but and am seriously thinking about leaving it up to you folks… to some extent. I’ve thought about saying, “Since the Tip It button has never yet been useful, if I get 13 tips of $1 or a total of $13… that nice, unlucky number… I’ll dye my hair black,” but I wonder if that would ever happen! So, I’ll make it slightly more interesting: either $13 in my Tip It jar for the blog, or 13 unique comments from separate readers (anonymous comments won’t count toward that, so you’ll have to log in with Open ID (Livejournal, Wordpress, Typepad, or AIM) if you’re not on Blogger) with a majority in favor of black (or more unique comments might be necessary if the first thirteen are not a majority “yes” votes)–whichever comes first–and I shall make the change within 48 hours of said events. At least this gives you all a little incentive to comment, right?
    Otherwise, bear with me as I get the last of the software on the laptop, learn to navigate my new technology, and return to your regularly (un)scheduled strange tales and rants. Spooked! is back…. and those dead queens and crazy people who land in the headlines had better watch out…
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