ghost story – Living Library

Black Cat

Discover Black Cat, the enchanting self-titled anthology from our new publishing house in Victoria, BC.

Black Cat is a collection of thirteen supernatural stories set in the Pacific Northwest of British Columbia, penned by a diverse group of Western Canadian writers. Black Cat‘s cover was illustrated and designed by Lydia Avsec. Its interior was designed by Derek von Essen.

From historic to futuristic, these tales of fiction are guaranteed to chill readers to the bone. With entities both monstrous and misunderstood, Black Cat is an anthology unlike any published before. Each story includes a cameo of a mysterious black cat. Continue reading “Black Cat”

Ghosts of Mount Tzouhalem and Stone Butter Church

On July 21st, I was in the Cowichan Valley for the filming of Harold Joe’s new documentary, Tzouhalem. Produced by Les Bland Productions and by Harold himself, the film will attempt to unpack the oral stories and urban legends surrounding the near-mythic figure of Chief Tzouhalem, who Mount Tzouhalem is named after.

What makes this project unique is that Harold is a Quamichan traditional Gravedigger. The Quamichan Nation acknowledges the existence of human and nonhuman spirit entities, so strict protocol is observed during funerals in order to avoid problems with either. Harold’s role often calls upon him to repatriate human remains and to help disembodied ancestors find peace.

Chief Tzouhalem had a complicated relationship with this same spirit world. So who better to investigate the legends surrounding him than someone familiar with his teachings? Tzouhalem was a member of the nation Harold is, as well, which means Harold has access to oral histories no other investigator would ever be able to acquire. Continue reading “Ghosts of Mount Tzouhalem and Stone Butter Church”

The Haunting of Chesterman Beach

Chesterman Beach is a beautiful close-to-Tofino location everyone likes to surf and visit… While I was researching The Haunting of Vancouver Island I was told by a local woman she believed the beach was haunted. I included her comments in the chapter on Keeha Beach. Surprisingly, I recently read about a Spanish massacre on Chesterman Beach by the Tlaoquiaht and some other Nuu-chah-nulth allies. (Believe me, they had it coming.) As I read the story, I realized it seemed to validate the feelings of the woman I’d interviewed. Continue reading “The Haunting of Chesterman Beach”

The Haunting of Vancouver Island Book Launch

On October 27th we had the book launch for The Haunting of Vancouver Island. I wanted to share some of the photos taken for those of you who couldn’t make it and those of you who did but would still like to see them. Continue reading “The Haunting of Vancouver Island Book Launch”

Vancouver Island University Book Reading & Launch

Hi everyone, Here’s the poster for my reading at Vancouver Island University on October 27th at 5:30 pm. That’s the Friday of the Halloween weekend. The Arbutus Room is above the cafeteria in building 300 (campus map). For those of you unfamiliar with the Nanaimo Campus, the Cafeteria, Library, and Theatre are all situated around the central courtyard. This is not a closed event. Everyone who can make it is welcome! Continue reading “Vancouver Island University Book Reading & Launch”