Ghost Writer

/ roughwighting

ghost story, ghost writer, https://pixabay.com/photos/log-cabin-cottage-house-home-1886620/“It’s haunted, you know,” Stephen says as soon as the attorney, Mr. Richardson, reads his mother’s will.

“I know,” Harriet answers a bit smugly.

Stephen startles, opens his mouth as if to say something, closes it as if thinking better, then spits it out anyway: “That’s the only reason mother would leave the Berkshire cabin to you. It’s old, it’s unheated, and it’s been haunted for 100 years.” Stephen stands up, tight jeans hugging his hips, tight smile hugging his clenched teeth.

Harriet almost feels sorry for him. He knows nothing.

“Stephen,” she replies gently, “your mom was my best friend and confidante. I assure you, she loved you more than you’ll ever realize.”

Stephen scoffs, a frown hiding the small dimple in his right cheek, inherited from his mom.

Harriet continues. “Your mom left her journals to you.https://pixabay.com/photos/adult-diary-journal-notebook-book-1850177/Pexels

Knowing she was a Nobel Prize winner in Literature, do you have any idea what they’re worth?”

Stephen’s eyes widen. He turns toward Mr. Richardson, who nods in affirmation. “Probably in the six-figure range,” the lawyer intones.

“Not only that,” Harriet resumes, “your mom’s unfinished novel is set in what is now my Berkshire cabin. If we play our cards right, we can both come out ahead with what your mom left me …. and what she left you.”

Stephen’s confusion mixes with doubt on his 36-year-old face, which with chin stubble and red eyes shows true grief over the death of his mom. “What do you mean?” he stutters.

law office, attorney reads a will, lawyer chair Image by marcinturosz from PixabayHarriet stares at Mr. Richardson. “Could we have a few minutes alone, please?” she asks rather boldly since they’re sitting in his office, all polished wood and soft comfy chairs.

Looking distrustful but still compliant, the attorney leaves.

“Stephen, your mom was quite aware of my skill at talking to ghosts.”

“Wha… WHAT?” Stephen stammers.

Bing Co-Pilot Design, ghost writer, friendly ghost“And her last journal includes the beginning of a supernatural novel, in which she asked me to be a “ghost” writer, so to speak. In other words, I was to be her co-author and interview the cabin’s ghost.”

Stephen sits up straight in the moss-green upholstered chair, no easy feat with its purposefully squishy cushion. “Go on,” he implores.

“Why don’t you and I work together – starting with your mom’s first three chapters – and write the ghost’s story. I have a feeling it’s going to be a humdinger.”

“A what?” Stephen asks.

Harriet rolls her eyes. “A humdinger,” she repeats. “With sex, lies, murder, and a reincarnation all wrapped into one bestseller.”

As the attorney knocks and then reenters his own office, Stephen claims. “I want this down in writing, as an official author-to-author contract.”

“Perfect,” Harriet concedes. “And your mom and I had already chosen the title: THE GHOST WRITER.”

106 thoughts on “Ghost Writer”

  2. A wonderful story, Pam. I love all the details. I can see these people in that lawyer’s office.

    My kids used to watch a show on PBS called Ghostwriter. A ghost would move letters around and help a group of kids in Brooklyn (?) solve crimes.

    Liked by 3 people

    • Hah. Humdinger is just not used enough these days. You and I are going to change that. 🙂 Yes, in fact your comment made me decide I’d like to see exactly what happens to Stephen. I saw him as a rather arrogant character as I wrote the story, but I think circumstances may change him.

      Liked by 1 person

  5. Hi Pam,

    I took a weird book out of the library. It turned out to be science fiction, which is not my book of choice.

    Then I’ve received 3 emails from Celeste…..I’m going to send you most recent one. 

    ALL VERY STRANGE……

    Liked by 2 people

    • Celeste the psychic seems quite determined to reach you. Even more interesting, when I looked her up on Google, seems she passed away a number of years ago. Hmmmm, she obviously likes ghost stories, so I’m thinking she “passed” by here and read my post. :-0

      Liked by 1 person

  6. I normally write my morning pages before opening my laptop. This morning it is going backwards and I’m so happy about it. This story is so delightful I’m grinning and laughing out loud. I love it!! If only… Loved the comment from thymetravel88. Thanks for making this morning PERFECT.

    Liked by 3 people

    • I’m glad your day started backwards, Marlene. And yes, Thymetraveler88 (who is quite a realist and not a “believer”), is being chased by ghosts, literally. ;-0 How I love the way the Universe plays with us. Thanks for enjoying the writing “games” I present here. Hugs! ❤

      Liked by 2 people

    • I think it may be too late for Stephen to get out of this ghostly contract. I just might have to continue writing this story to find out (along with you and other readers) what the heck happens at that cabin.

      Liked by 1 person

  11. You teased me into the attorney’s office, heard Stephen’s and Harriet’s voices, and imagined the consequences. Maybe there’ll be a follow-up.

    The pun on ghost writing was fun. And I imagined too an AI-generated image, ghost with Mom. Also, FUN! 😀

    Liked by 3 people

    • Harriet and Stephen have totally intrigued me. They don’t particularly like each other, but they’re going to write a ‘true’ ghost story together? What could possibly go wrong? 🙂 Yes, I used Bing Co-pilot for that last image. First the woman A-I created was young, and I knew Harriet was Stephen’s mom’s age. Challenging to get a woman over the age of 60 who doesn’t look matronly. A-I really needs to work on that!

      Liked by 1 person

  13.     It’s important to get more that one specialist lawyer. Due to the notoriety, one must audition with a broker to be allowed to be put in touch with one of the few established Spirit Writing law firms. One must prove that they are experienced psychics who specialize in automatic writing. Tommy Kvelling & Passless, founded in 1890 is alleged to do such work, but you must work anonymously through the broker.
        Payment or compensation for the ghost author can be quite contentious and dangerous unless negotiated carefully. At least two lawyers are required: one living and one recently deceased. Payment for the ghost usually requires that you provide a volunteer able and willing to be possessed by the ghost. Ghosts will take as payment an opportunity to have an experience in the living world. In this case the contract should specify the type of experience and the duration. Here it is only hinted at something to do with sex and murder. Careful details are needed.

    Liked by 4 people

  14. I love how you create these wonderful short stories with so much detail in so few words. So good. And, might not be a bad thing to have a contract between them… just to keep things on the straight and narrow!

    Liked by 2 people

    • I think this lawyer may not be up to Harriett’s shenanigans, nor Stephen’s arrogance. I’m thinking the contract won’t be anywhere as specific as Kvizee Doug suggests, which will lead to some chaos in that cabin. 🙂 So glad you enjoyed.

      Liked by 1 person

      • I think you are right on that one. That contract by Doug was fantabulous (and, after you mentioned his About page, I had to go see, too. Some people are just so darn original!)
        I did. As I do all your stories!

        Liked by 1 person

  15. That sounds like it will be a good story, Pam. And the perfect title. I don’t know if I’d want to inherit a haunted cabin, but it seems that Stephen and Harriet will make the best of it. 🙂 Thanks for the fun.

    Liked by 2 people

    • I can’t take credit for the cleverness. When I start writing, the particular character takes over and I just give her the space to write her story. 🙂 In this case, Harriet showed me the way. Interestingly, Harriet was my grandmother’s name. And she was a ‘closet’ writer (no one took interest in her novels at the time. I think a lot of people just put their manuscripts in drawers back then.)

      Like

  24. I love this. You grabbed me tight starting right here: “Stephen stands up, tight jeans hugging his hips, tight smile hugging his clenched teeth.” Also, I love Harriet’s compassion: “I assure you, she loved you more than you’ll ever realize.” Then the humdinger: the valuable journals and Harriet’s ability to talk to ghosts. Wow!

    Liked by 1 person

    • Many, many thanks Nicki. It means a lot that you enjoy some of the phrasing of this story. Honestly, I’m amazed when it comes flying off my pen! I’m waiting now to see if the ghost helps with the next part. ❤

      Like

  26. Humdinger used to be part of my vocabulary. My students used to laugh so hard because they’d never heard it before when I’d say something like, “You did a wonderful job on this story. It’s a real humdinger.”

    Liked by 1 person

    • Thank you so much, Pete. I haven’t used that word in ages, but obviously Harriet has, ’cause it just flew off my writing fingers. It’s a fabulous word. I hope your students are still using it, years later, thanks to you!

      Liked by 1 person

  31. Pam, I love this story and a literal ghost writer! I feel Stephen may well be out of his depth here! Harriet is a striking character and her personality comes through strongly as she talks. Now, you just need to write the book ‘The Ghost Writer’! 😀❤️

    Liked by 1 person

    • The idea of ‘writing a novel’ is so daunting. But I may write another little segment of Harriet and Stephen and the ghost in the cabin. I agree with you, Stephen is out of his comfort zone and Harriet’s going to make him go out even further! 🙂 xo

      Liked by 1 person

    • Ohhhh, I hadn’t thought of the reincarnation theme in there too. Hmmmmm. But perhaps ghosts are a soul ready to/or are trying to reincarnate. Too much philosophy here, but it’s so fun to speculation. That’s why it’s called “speculative fiction.” 🙂 Thanks for peering into my story collection. xo

      Liked by 1 person

  38. I have to go to my reader to leave a comment. They never make it any other way. I am absolutely captivated by this story! Like Jennie, I hope there is more. I agree, a lot of stories come through us from elsewhere. You are so good at capturing them. I can hardly wait for more.

    Liked by 1 person

Comments are closed.