A Timely Ghost Story that Matters

August 2, 2024August 2, 2024 / roughwighting / 81 Comments

“Hold on to your hat, Stephen,” Harriet warns. “You’re about to discover how little you know.” https://roughwighting.net/2024/07/19/a-humdinger-of-a-ghost-story/

In an irritated, and yes, arrogant tone, Stephen responds, “I know you’ve created drama where there is none. My mom, your supposed best friend, was extremely successful. She was a famous literary novelist. I think you rode on her coattails and now that mom is dead, you want to ride some more. You want to write her books, make money, and gain success on the back of her death!” Continue reading →

A Humdinger of a Ghost Story

July 19, 2024July 18, 2024 / roughwighting / 81 Comments

“Why don’t you and I work together – starting with your mom’s first three chapters – and write the ghost’s story,” Harriet suggests. “I have a feeling it’s going to be a humdinger.” https://roughwighting.net/2024/07/05/ghost-writer/

“A what?” Stephen asks. As a 36-year-old investment analyst with an appetite for math but none for words, he has no idea what his mom’s best friend is talking about. But she’s old, at least 60, so that’s par for the course. Continue reading →

Ghost Writer

July 5, 2024July 4, 2024 / roughwighting / 106 Comments

“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. Continue reading →

Tea for Two

September 9, 2022September 8, 2022 / roughwighting / 98 Comments

The first time Leezy appeared, I admonished her. Days after, I berated myself for my behavior.

I hadn’t seen Leezy in over 25 years. I’d decided that she’d forgotten me, despite her promises. Until . . . Continue reading →

A New Realm

March 5, 2021March 5, 2021 / roughwighting / 127 Comments

Ruby took a breath, and with a shaking hand, signed her name to the list.

“Are you sure you want to do this?” Ruby’s twin sister whispered in her ear. The trails of uncertainty in Trudy’s breath caused Ruby’s heart to thump thump thump.

Finishing the n in her last name “Rubicon” with flair, Ruby dropped the ancient fountain pen onto the solid oak table, which had been passed from generation to generation. She nodded a weak Yes. Continue reading →