Ghost Encounters, Guest Post by Helen and Kathy Hollick

Everyone assumes that ghosts are hostile. Actually, most of them are not.

You either believe in ghosts or you don’t. It depends on whether you’ve encountered something supernatural or not. But when you share a home with several companionable spirits, or discover benign ghosts in public places who appear as real as any living person, scepticism is abandoned. In GHOST ENCOUNTERS: The Lingering Spirits Of North Devon, mother and daughter share their personal experiences, dispelling the belief that spirits are to be feared.

Ghost Encounters will fascinate all who enjoy the beautiful region of rural South-West England, as well as interest those who wish to discover more about its history… and a few of its ghosts.

(Includes a bonus of two short stories and photographs connected to North Devon)

MORE ABOUT GHOSTS

Belief in an Afterlife is as old as human language and ritual superstition where death is concerned. Sparked, of course, by the unexplainable and fear of the unknown.

Explanations for seeing ghosts vary. Some toxic or psychoactive plants, or drugs (prescribed or otherwise) can cause illusion, as can degenerative brain conditions such as Dementia. Sleep difficulties, insomnia, or waking from a deep sleep can induce the belief that something, or someone, is present. The brain is very good at playing tricks. Mould, if in excess in poorly ventilated rooms causes illusion. But there is no explanation for different people seeing the same ‘ghost’ in the same place at different times.

There are stories of individual ghosts and ghost armies. Of ghost ships and frightening hauntings. We’ve all heard of the Flying Dutchman, and the Marie Celeste. (And the Black Pearl of course, with her skeleton crew!) Old houses, pubs and castles are always assumed to have ghosts present because of their age and history. To be fair, this is where my daughter Kathy has seen most of her ghosts – our house dates back to 1769, the village pub was built during late Tudor … there are the remains of a Norman Motte and Bailey mound adjoining Barnstaple car park here in North Devon. And yes, the ghosts of three Norman soldiers along with it.

Most ghost presences remain because the departed soul is connected to that location in some way through an emotional tie. Maybe something traumatic, but usually because something memorable happened, or because those spirits were happy there. Our housemaid, Milly-Molly stays with us, we think, because she loved this house and sees it as her duty to keep an eye on it. (And us.) I like having her around.

I wrote Ghost Encounters because I wanted to show that not all ghosts are hostile, because there are animal ghosts as well as people – and because I wanted to share this beautiful part of England’s West Country – and some of its history – in a slightly different (maybe quirky!) way!

Amazon US: https://mybook.to/GhostEncounters
Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/GHOST-ENCOUNTERS-Lingering-Spirits-North-ebook/dp/B0DTFLSNW5

Paperback published February 28^th – e-book will also be available on Kindle Unlimited

Meet Helen Hollick

Known for her captivating storytelling and rich attention to historical detail, Helen might not see ghosts herself, but her nautical adventure series, and some of her short stories, skilfully blend the past with the supernatural, inviting readers to step into worlds where the boundaries between the living and the dead blur.

Her historical fiction spans a variety of periods and her gift lies in her ability to bring historical figures and settings to life, creating an immersive experience that transports readers into the past. Her stories are as compelling as they are convincing.

Helen started writing as a teenager, but after discovering a passion for history, was published in the UK with her Arthurian Trilogy and two Anglo-Saxon novels about the events that led to the 1066 Battle of Hastings, one of which became a USA Today best-seller. She also writes the Jan Christopher cosy mystery series set during the 1970s, and based around her, sometimes hilarious, years of working as a North London library assistant.

Helen, husband Ron and daughter Kathy moved from London to Devon in January 2013 after a Lottery win on the opening night of the London Olympics, 2012. She spends her time glowering at the overgrown garden and orchard, fending off the geese, helping with the horses and, when she gets a moment, writing the next book…

Meet Kathy Hollick

When not encountering friendly ghosts, Kathy’s passion is horses and mental well-being. She started riding at the age of three, had a pony at thirteen, and discovered showjumping soon after. Kathy now runs her own Taw River Equine Events, and coaches riders of any age or experience, specialising in positive mindset and overcoming confidence issues via her Centre10 accreditation and Emotional Freedom Technique training to aid calm relaxation and promote gentle healing.

Kathy lives with her farmer partner, Andrew, in their flat adjoining the main farmhouse. She regularly competes at affiliated British Showjumping, and rides side-saddle (‘aside’) when she has the opportunity. She produces her own horses, several from home-bred foals.

She also has a fun diploma in Dragons and Dragon Energy, which was something amusing to study during the Covid lockdown.