strange and random happenstance

"I will leave it for others to hoist a pint to the literary influences Mr. Gaiman has had on them or on their own work. For me, it’s his inspiring lectures and tireless work on behalf of reading, literacy, and most importantly the centrality of libraries to a civilized society that command my gratitude.

His eloquence certainly speaks to me as a writer but I am also a grandparent who trusts that his own grandchildren find the joy in discovering that, as he once wrote, “libraries really are the gates to the future.” He has written of his own childhood in a wonderful local library that served as his point of departure into the broader world. A place where when he finished with the children’s section he dug right into the adult books. That mirrored my own experience, but I was doubtless thousands of miles away in a sleepy small town in central Illinois. (A difference, though, in that I had to have my parent’s written permission to check out those tempting adult books (it was the 1950s after all) which they readily gave.)

My own library discoveries included extraordinary singular travel tales by the likes of Richard Halliburton who died far too young while trying to sail a Chinese junk across the Pacific; outdoor adventures penned by Jim Kjelgaard, including one of the best dog stories ever, the beloved Big Red; and a long list of titles by the nearly forgotten Mika Waltari, particularly The Egyptian. So moved by his work was I that I asked my parents to call me “Mika” from then on and not Mike as everyone did. It was so much cooler. I sent away for some bubble gum wrapper thingamajig and wrote my return address as “Mika” Norman. I was thrilled the USPS delivered whatever it was I asked for directly to our door with no questions asked.

Who knew that fifty years later I would have an Egyptian daughter-in-law?

Nearly every writer, every library patron, every “civilized” person likely has a similar story, but these are some of my own. So I toast Neil Gaiman for his writings and speeches about and advocacy for libraries everywhere and all the magic each and every one of them has tucked away inside." - Michael

Michael has always been in my life. My parents were first his publishers for his "Haunted" books and now that we are no longer in publishing my Dad acts as his agent. But with Mike it's never been a business relationship, he is practically family. It's always a joy to see him when he comes through Madison, having taught journalism for years up in River Falls, where he still lives. Thanks to Facebook and emails we are constantly keeping each other updated on everything bookish, even though I still get most excited seeing him on old Travel Channel specials talking about ghostly haunts. Keep your eyes open because you never know when a new Michael Norman book might show up on the shelves.

Posted by Miss Eliza at 12:00 AM 0 comments  

Labels: Big Red, Gaiman Gala, Gaiman Toast, Haunted America, Haunted Heritage, Haunted Homeland, Haunted Wisconsin, Journalism, Libraries, Michael Norman, Mika Waltari, Richard Halliburton, River Falls, The Egyptian

The Prize:
A copy of the new edition of Haunted Wisconsin by Michael Norman

The Rules:
1. Open to EVERYONE, just because you haven't been following me all along doesn't mean you don't matter, you just get more entries if you prove you love me by following.
2. Please make sure I have a way to contact you if your name is drawn, either your blogger profile or a link to your website/blog or you could even include your email address with your comment(s).
3. Contest ends Monday, October 31st at 11:59PM CST (Yes, that's Halloween y'all, the PERFECT time to read this book)
4. How to enter:

Answer me this: What are you dressing up as for Halloween?

5. And for those addicted to getting extra entries:

• +1 for answering the question above
• +2 for becoming a follower
• +10 if you are already a follower
• +10 for each time you advertise this contest - blog post, sidebar, twitter (please @MzLizard), etc. (but you only get credit for the first post, so tweet all you like, and I thank you for it, but you'll only get the +10 once). Also please leave a link!

Posted by Miss Eliza at 12:00 AM 4 comments  

Labels: Giveaway, Haunted Wisconsin, Michael Norman

Snuff by Terry Pratchett
Published by: Harper
Publication Date: October 11th, 2011
Format: Hardcover, 416 Pages
To Buy

The official patter:
"At long last, Lady Sybil has lured her husband, Sam Vimes, on a well-deserved holiday away from the crime and grime of Ankh-Morpork. But for the commander of the City Watch, a vacation in the country is anything but relaxing. The balls, the teas, the muck—not to mention all that fresh air and birdsong—are more than a bit taxing on a cynical city-born and -bred copper.

Yet a policeman will find a crime anywhere if he decides to look hard enough, and it’s not long before a body is discovered, and Sam—out of his jurisdiction, out of his element, and out of bacon sandwiches (thanks to his well-meaning wife)—must rely on his instincts, guile, and street smarts to see justice done. As he sets off on the chase, though, he must remember to watch where he steps. . . . This is the countryside, after all, and the streets most definitely are not paved with gold."

Every year the new Terry Pratchett book is something to look forward to. But this year, oh this yeah! I went to the North American Discworld Convention and there was a few select readings from the book. It's Discworld meets Jane Austen, it's all my heart could have wanted with Samuel Vimes. MUST READ NOW!

As the Pig Turns by M.C. Beaton
Published by: Minotaur
Publication Date: October 11th, 2011
Format: Hardcover, 304 Pages
To Buy

The official patter:
"Winter Parva is a “picturesque” (touristy) Cotswold village with gift shops, a medieval market hall, and thatched cottages. After a disappointing Christmas season, the parish council has decided to hold a special event in January, complete with old-fashioned costumes, morris dancing, and a pig roast on the village green.

Always one for a good roasting, Agatha Raisin organizes an outing to enjoy the merriment. The rotary spit turning over a bed of blazing charcoals is sure to please on this foggy and blistery evening. But as the fog lifts slightly, the sharp-eyed Agatha notices something peculiar about the pig: a tattoo of a heart with an arrow through it and the name Amy.

“Stop!” she screams suddenly. “Pigs don’t have tattoos.”

The “pig,” in fact, is Gary Beech, a policeman not exactly beloved by the locals, including Agatha herself. Although Agatha has every intention of leaving matters to the police, everything changes when the Gary’s ex-wife, Amy, hires Agatha’s detective agency to investigate—and another murder ensues. With that provocation, how could any sleuth as vain and competitive (and secretly insecure) as Agatha do anything other than solve the case herself?"

For my mom, the M.C. Beaton addict (and no, she doesn't want an intervention).

Jane Austen Made Me Do It by Lauren Willig et al
Published by: Balantine
Publication Date: October 11th, 2011
Format: Paperback, 464 Pages
To Buy

The official patter:
" “My feelings will not be repressed. You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you.” If you just heaved a contented sigh at Mr. Darcy’s heartfelt words, then you, dear reader, are in good company. Here is a delightful collection of never-before-published stories inspired by Jane Austen—her novels, her life, her wit, her world.

In Lauren Willig’s “A Night at Northanger,” a young woman who doesn’t believe in ghosts meets a familiar specter at the infamous abbey; Jane Odiwe’s “Waiting” captures the exquisite uncertainty of Persuasion’s Wentworth and Anne as they await her family’s approval of their betrothal; Adriana Trigiani’s “Love and Best Wishes, Aunt Jane” imagines a modern-day Austen giving her niece advice upon her engagement; in Diana Birchall’s “Jane Austen’s Cat,” our beloved Jane tells her nieces “cat tales” based on her novels; Laurie Viera Rigler’s “Intolerable Stupidity” finds Mr. Darcy bringing charges against all the writers of Pride and Prejudice sequels, spin-offs, and retellings; in Janet Mullany’s “Jane Austen, Yeah, Yeah, Yeah!” a teacher at an all-girls school invokes the Beatles to help her students understand Sense and Sensibility; and in Jo Beverley’s “Jane and the Mistletoe Kiss,” a widow doesn’t believe she’ll have a second chance at love . . . until a Miss Austen suggests otherwise.

Regency or contemporary, romantic or fantastical, each of these marvelous stories reaffirms the incomparable influence of one of history’s most cherished authors."

Yeah Jane Austen! Yeah lots of authors I love. Sure, it's uneven... but the best stories in here would be worth the price just for one of them!

Twilight the Graphic Novel Volume Two by Syephenie Meyer
Published by: Yen
Publication Date: October 11th, 2011
Format: Hardcover, 240 Pages
To Buy

The official patter:
"Having uncovered the dark secret of her enigmatic classmate, Edward Cullen, Bella Swan embraces her feelings for him, trusting Edward to keep her safe despite the risks. When a rival clan of vampires makes its way into Forks, though, the danger to Bella has never been more real. Will she make the ultimate sacrifice to protect the people dearest to her?

The second volume of Twilight: The Graphic Novelcompletes the visual adaptation of Stephenie Meyer's worldwide bestselling debut novel and is a must-have for any collector's library."

OMG! I wonder how it ends? No, seriously, how long are the going to take to do all the books as graphic novels?

Haunted Wisconsin by Michael Norman
Published by: University of Wisconsin Press
Publication Date: October 15th, 2011
Format: Paperback, 272 Pages
To Buy

The official patter:
"Grab a cozy blanket, light a few flickering candles, and enjoy the unnerving tales of Haunted Wisconsin. Gathered from personal interviews with credible eyewitnesses, on-site explorations, historical archives, newspaper reports, and other sources, these scores of reports date from Wisconsin’s early settlement days to recent inexplicable events.

You’ll read about Wisconsin’s most famous haunted house, Summerwind; three Milwaukee men who encountered the beautiful ghost of National Avenue; a phantom basketball player; a spectral horse that signaled death in the pioneer era of the Wisconsin Dells; a poltergeist in St. Croix County who attracted a crowd of more than three hundred spectators; the Ridgeway Ghost who haunts the driftless valleys of southwestern Wisconsin; a swinging railroad lantern held by unseen hands; the Ghost Island of the Chippewa Flowage; and many others. Are ghosts real? That’s for you to decide!

Now available in a Third Edition with updates and several new accounts, Haunted Wisconsin remains a favorite collection of unexplained midwestern tales, enjoyed by readers of all ages."

Re-release of Michael Norman's Haunted Wisconsin. Love the new cover and edition. Plus, you could win this beautiful new edition thanks to the publishers sending me one! You know you want it!

Posted by Miss Eliza at 12:00 AM 0 comments  

Labels: As the Pig Turns, Discworld, Haunted Wisconsin, Jane Austen Made Me Do It, Lauren Willig, M.C. Beaton, Michael Norman, Snuff, Terry Pratchett, Twilight

The Magician King by Lev Grossman
Published by: Viking
Publication Date: August 9th, 2011
Format: Hardcover, 416 Pages
To Buy
The official patter:
"The Magicians was praised as a triumph by readers and critics of both mainstream and fantasy literature. Now Grossman takes us back to Fillory, where the Brakebills graduates have fled the sorrows of the mundane world, only to face terrifying new challenges.

Quentin and his friends are now the kings and queens of Fillory, but the days and nights of royal luxury are starting to pall. After a morning hunt takes a sinister turn, Quentin and his old friend Julia charter a magical sailing ship and set out on an errand to the wild outer reaches of their kingdom. Their pleasure cruise becomes an adventure when the two are unceremoniously dumped back into the last place Quentin ever wants to see: his parent's house in Chesterton, Massachusetts. And only the black, twisted magic that Julia learned on the streets can save them.

The Magician King is a grand voyage into the dark, glittering heart of magic, an epic quest for the Harry Potter generation. It also introduces a powerful new voice, that of Julia, whose angry genius is thrilling. Once again Grossman proves that he is the modern heir to C.S. Lewis, and the cutting edge of literary fantasy."

Everybody keeps telling me how awesome the first book, The Magicians was... perhaps now is the time to see.

Ingenue by Jillian Larkin
Published by: Delacorte
Publication Date: August 9th, 2011
Format: Hardcover, 368 Pages
To Buy
The official patter:
"Bobbed hair. Short skirts. Cool jazz. Dark speakeasy. Anything goes. Meet the flappers, Gloria, Clara, Lorraine . . . and the rich young boys who love and loathe them."

I have been desperately craving some 1920s... I think this might hit the spot.

The Family Fang by Kevin Wilson
Published by: Ecco
Publication Date: August 9th, 2011
Format: Hardcover, 320 Pages
To Buy
The official patter:
"For outré performance artists, Caleb and Camille Fang, everything in life is secondary to art, including their children. Annie and Buster (popularly known as Child A. and Child B.) are the unwilling stars of their parents’ chaotically subversive work. Art is truly a family affair for the Fangs. Years later, their lives in disarray, Annie and Buster reluctantly return home in search of sanctuary—only to be caught up in one last performance. The Family Fang sparkles with Kevin Wilson’s inventive dialogue and wonderfully rendered set-pieces that capture the surreal charm of the Fang’s most notable work. With this brilliant novel, the family Fang is destined to join the families Tenenbaum and Bluth as paragons of high dysfunction."

As soon as I read the discription, before seeing other people's comparisons, I instantly thought, The Royal Tennenbaums. The correlation alone means I'll pick it up, damn I love that movie.

Two for Sorrow by Nicola Upson
Published by: Harper
Publication Date: August 9th, 2011
Format: Paperback, 496 Pages
To Buy
The official patter:
"They were the most horrific crimes of a new century: the murders of newborn innocents for which two British women were hanged at Holloway Prison in1903. Decades later, mystery writer Josephine Tey has decided to write a novel based on Amelia Sach and Annie Walters, the notorious “Finchley baby farmers,” unaware that her research will entangle her in the desperate hunt for a modern-day killer.

A young seamstress—an ex-convict determined to reform—has been found brutally slain in the studio of Tey’s friends, the Motley sisters, amid preparations for a star-studded charity gala. Despite initial appearances, Inspector Archie Penrose is not convinced this murder is the result of a long-standing domestic feud—and a horrific accident involving a second young woman soon after supports his convictions. Now he and his friend Josephine must unmask a sadistic killer before more blood flows—as the repercussions of unthinkable crimes of the past reach out to destroy those left behind long after justice has been served."

I was recently recommended this mystery series surrounding the mystery writer Josephine Tey by a very reliable source, the writer Michael Norman. I recently picked up the first and am glad to see that I have more to look forward to.

Posted by Miss Eliza at 12:00 AM 0 comments  

Labels: Ingenue, Jillian Larkin, Josephine Tey, Kevin Wilson, Lev Grossman, Michael Norman, Nicola Upson, The Family Fang, The Magician King, The Royal Tennenbaums, Two for Sorrow

I'd like to thank Mike Norman once again for stopping by for all hallows week and offering up a great prize for one of my wonderful followers. If you haven't yet be sure to check out his website and all his great books for a truly spooky time. But now onto the part I know you're all waiting for, you're just like wolves at the gates...so anyways, the winner of the signed and inscribed copy of Michael Norman's new book, The Nearly Departed is...princess...DarcyO! Congratulations Darcy, and I hope you are ready to lock the doors and turn on all the lights as you read about the supernatural forces at work in Minnesota!

Thank you all for entering and don't forget that as always, the next giveaway will be just as good if not better! It's a Miss Eliza guarantee! I should have a Strange & Random Happenstance seal of approval for just such occasions. A nice crest or seal...something neat and impressive but overall truly unique and me. Anyways, very shortly I will be offering up to my readers The Betrayal of the Blood Lily, Lauren Willig's new ARC, which won't be out till January, you know you want to read it earlier than everyone else! I'm also thinking of rewarding current followers a little more for each competition...I also went to my local library's book sale today and I found some amazing gems! Truly wonderful books, some of them brand new, and quite a few earmarked just for you, my lucky lucky readers. I almost feel a Kylie Minogue song coming on....

Posted by Miss Eliza at 2:19 AM 2 comments  

Labels: ARCs, Contest, Halloween, Lauren Willig, Michael Norman, The Betrayal of the Blood Lily, The Nearly Departed, Winner

That's happy if you like the ass end of the prettiness of fall and the descent into winter bleakness accompanied by darkness at 5:30PM with dead leaves underfoot that are kind of slimy and try to trip you. But then again, those leave are probably just helping you get into training for ice...So what can we do to alleviate this sadness? Well, give books away that's how! If you recall I've been running two giveaways right now, what I refer to as the Ad(d)ams giveaways, one for the lovely Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy in sweet boxed set form, the other for the biography of Charles Addams, the macabre creator of The Addams Family.

The 1st Giveaway:
As you may or may not recall, the question I asked you all was who was you favorite character in the Hitchhiker's books...Arthur was sadly beaten by a robot...a robot, who when he learns he one will not care, due to his chronically depressed nature...it's in his programming. Marvin won by a landslide. But let's give a shout out to GOD and the Existential Lift!

Now, drum-roll....The HHGTTG Winner of the boxed set is.....Sheere...who eerily enough was entry 43! That random.org...only one off from the answer to life, the universe and everything...creepy.

The 2nd Giveaway:
Well, the favorite Gomez Addams is John Astin...personally I think it's all about Raul...but there you go. You chose Patty Dukes husband, you know the one she cheated on and told her son, Sean "Samwise Gamgee" Astin that John was his father and there was all that drama. Who would have thought Patty Duke would be so messed up? That's just child actors for you...

Anyway, I digress, the winner of the book is....my goodreads, facebook and all around Doctor Who lover friend Michelle! Yeah Michelle, the random generator likes you today!

More Giveaways to come! If you didn't know, I still have one giveaway going till next Saturday night. You could be in with a chance to win The Nearly Departed signed and inscribed to you by the author, Micheal Norman! A rare opportunity that is. Plus I have will be having a giveaway of one of the books I recently reviewed...I was thinking of saving it till December, but then though, naw...you guys want it now!

Posted by Miss Eliza at 1:34 AM 0 comments  

Labels: Charles Addams, Contest, Douglas Adams, Giveaway, Michael Norman, The Addams Family, The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, The Nearly Departed

I'd like to thank Michael Norman for stopping by my blog this week to lend a ghostly air to this most wonderful of holidays. Make sure you enter to win a signed and inscribed copy of his book! While that doesn't end for a week, I'll remind you that my other two giveaways end at the witching hour tomorrow! So get those entries in!

And to further get you in the mood for ghosts, there an interview with Mike over at the MinnPost...but the real gem is below...Mike's appearance on Space Ghost. As he said "I guess those "ancient" appearances will never die now with the Internet!" So for your enjoyment...Space Ghost's Halloween episode "Boo!"

Posted by Miss Eliza at 3:15 PM 0 comments  

Labels: Contest, Halloween, Haunted America, Haunted Heritage, Haunted Homeland, Haunted Wisconsin, Historic Haunted America, Michael Norman, Robert Hardy, Space Ghost, The Nearly Departed

The king of ghost stories, Michael Norman, is back in his weekly profile leading up to that most spooky of holidays. It's only fitting that for Halloween Mike joins us to discuss his works and answer a few tough questions about that most important of holidays. Well, enough from me, let's get right down to the hard hitting questions! Also don't forget to enter for a chance to win a signed copy of his new book, The Nearly Departed: Minnesota Ghost Stories & Legends.

Question: For someone new to your work how would you summarize what you do?

Answer: I write "true" ghost stories from around the Midwest and across the United States and Canada. I try to tell the stories of the hauntings in a way that lets readers come to their own conclusions. Some of my titles are: Haunted America, Historic Haunted America, Haunted Heartland and, my newest books, The Nearly Departed: Minnesota Ghost Stories and Legends.


Question: How did you get interested in researching ghost stories in the first place?

Answer: My late co-author Beth Scott and I decided to write a non-fiction book back in the late 1970s. I discovered a quote from the late folklorist Robert Gard that Wisconsin had more ghosts than any other state! I thought that was extraordinary, so Beth and I set off to see if that was true. I still don't know, but Haunted Wisconsin has been in print now for 30 years.


Question: Any ghost story that really got to you?

Answer: I think "Something Evil on Larrabee Street" was pretty scary because the family vacated the house because of their fear. The house was pretty ordinary, but according to the Tallmanns it just about destroyed their family.


Question: Being an expert in ghosts you were asked to be on Space Ghost, what was it like filming your episode? Did you actually get to meet Space Ghost in the “flesh”?

Answer: This was 15 years ago. I was seated on a stool in front of a single camera and asked to ad lib answers to some questions a producer asked off camera. Pretty boring explanation I know, but the "magic" came in adding the animation later on. And, uh, he's a drawing...


Question: What do you think it is about the North woods in Wisconsin that inspires macabre writers (Neil Gaiman living in the area as well)?

Answer: I don't know why Gaiman lives in the region...I've often wondered that. For me, it was where my teaching career took me. But for others, maybe it's the dark woods and deep water that inspires them.


Question: 100 years from now if you could haunt any location of your choosing where would it be?

Answer: The first balcony at Lincoln Center. How cool would it be to get to hear all those great concerts!


Question: How is it being an author associated with a particular time of year?

Answer: I'm "king of all media" for a week or two then go back to delightful oblivion.


Question: Your favorite ever Halloween costume?

Answer: I rarely dress up for Halloween. Maybe it's also being an actor, but for me putting on a costume has always been about doing a role and when I'm offstage I prefer being myself -- which in and of itself can be pretty spooky first thing in the morning!


Question: Do you feel the popularity of your books has increased with the resurgence of Halloween brought about by the likes of Tim Burton? Or do you think Halloween has always been big no matter how commercial it is?

Answer: Halloween has become a huge commercial industry because corporate America has pushed it. There is little realization now of its ancient origins and there really should be.


Question: Favorite Halloween candy?

Answer: Has to be peanut M&Ms.


Question: If you could teach at Hogwarts what subject would you teach?

Answer: Freshman Decomposition.


Question: You are also very active in theatre. How does writing for the stage differ from writing a book?

Answer: The stage limits you in terms of what you can "show" obviously so you have to depend more on dialogue and the audience's imagination.


Question: What is your opinion of the advances in technology that make authors more accessible to their fans, with blogs, goodreads and facebook?

Answer: It's good, though time-consuming. Anything that promotes book sales...!!!


Question: Being an author of “the printed word,” how do you feel about electronic readers such as the Sony Reader and the Kindle? Haunted Homeland, Haunted Heritage and Haunted Wisconsin all being available on the Kindle.

Answer: Oh, I think it's fine as long as authors are paid adequately. I'm a "book" person myself so I can't imagine using one.


Question: What was it like going from being half of a writing team to going solo?

Answer: Beth died 15 years ago, so I've been solo for quite awhile. I think we established a style and I've tried to stick with it.


Question: Do you have a favorite cover among your books?

Answer: I do like the new one, though the original concept for the cover and interior photos for "Haunted Wisconsin" are hard to beat. Great designer and photographer helps!!

(Miss Eliza side note: My grandfather was the photographer who took the picture for the cover above, and my mother was the designer!)


Question: Your books have over the years gone from regional to more national ghost stories, starting in Wisconsin and then encompassing all of America, but your newest book focuses on Minnesota. Why Minnesota, and why now?

Answer: Why, because the Minnesota Historical Society Press came to me with the idea and I agreed. Simple as that. I didn't have plans for another book, but I couldn't think of a good reason to say no.


Question: In the future do you ever plan on going more global? Perhaps expanding to other countries?

Answer: No.


Question: What’s in the future for you? Any exciting projects you’re able to talk about?

Answer: Nothing in particular, though I may explore adapting some form of my ghost stories to the stage. We'll see.

Posted by Miss Eliza at 2:53 AM 2 comments  

Labels: Beth Scott, Haunted America, Haunted Heritage, Haunted Homeland, Haunted Wisconsin, Historic Haunted America, Michael Norman, Robert Gard, Space Ghost, The Nearly Departed, Tim Burton

Well, I've been holding out the best October has to offer till the very end. For the lead up to Halloween I have some wonderful treats in store! Tricks...not so much, but I might think of something.

With us this week I am honored to present the author Michael Norman. Perhaps you've caught him on the Discovery Channel, he's been on a few haunted castle documentaries hosted by Robert Hardy (Cornelius Fudge to you). Or Perhaps you've seen him on late night cable being interviewed by Space Ghost? Or maybe you've passed his books in Barnes & Noble? But after today I'm going to make sure you know who Michael Norman is! (That's if you don't already.) He's the king of ghost stories, having written the popular Haunted America series of true ghost stories. Haunted Wisconsin was published in 1979 and since then he has written six more books centering on the supernatural, all still in print! He's my "blogman" of the month, and I couldn't think of a better canidite for such a spooky phantasmagorical time of year than this veteran ghost hunter. He is currently "running hither and yon promoting The Nearly Departed," his newest book for the Minnesota Historical Society, but he'll be stopping by later this week for an in-depth Q&A with such important questions as his favorite all time Halloween costume. But in the meantime...a new competition!

Mike has generously offered up a signed and inscribed copy of his latest book to the winner. Let us take a quick look at this wonderful prize:

The Nearly Departed: Minnesota Ghost Stories and Legends by Michael Norman
Published by: Minnesota Historical Society Press
Publication Date: September 1, 2009
Format: Paperback, 304 Pages
To Order

The official patter:
"Everyone loves a good ghost story.

Phantoms of the Paramount, Shadows on Third Avenue, The Legend of Ann Lake, The Boy in the Red Cap. Veteran ghost hunter Michael Norman has uncovered almost three dozen stories of legitimate Minnesota eeriness to thrill readers. Norman, author of five nationally popular collections of ghost tales, interviewed local storytellers and combed newspapers to document legends involving supernatural and strange occurrences. Following old and fresh leads, he gathered stories from all over the state.

Ghost stories have existed as long as humans have been telling tales. Perhaps they rise from our curiosity about what happens to us and our loved ones after death, perhaps they explain phenomena that we do not understand, or maybe, just maybe, the dead do walk the earth. Norman does not attempt to prove or disprove the existence of ghosts but instead allow readers to make up their own minds. his tales feature people's strange and paranormal experiences in quite ordinary places, including homes, theaters, B&Bs, and restaurants. Many of the engaging and hair-raising accounts involve strange and frightening incidents of the last fifty years; some tales document very recent unexplainable or spectral events. The book includes a list of sites open to the public and documents the hauntings' locations–from Taylors Falls and Pipestone to Northfield and Nobles County–for Minnesotan who may want to "pass through" the sites.

Beware: these stories do not have conclusive endings, since they remain mysteries to this day. but perhaps that's best. An ending would just take the fun out of it."

THIS COMPETITION NOW CLOSED

Prize:
The Nearly Departed: Minnesota Ghost Stories signed and inscribed by the author, Michael Norman

Question:
What was you favorite Halloween costume? (Come back later in the week to find out Mike's answer!)

The Rules:
1. Open to EVERYONE (worldwide), and just because you haven't been following me all along doesn't mean you don't matter.
2. Please make sure I have a way to contact you if your name is drawn, either your blogger profile or a link to your website/blog or you could even include your email address with your comment(s).
3. Contest ends Saturday, November 7th at 11:59AM CST
4. How to enter: Just post below
5. And for those addicted to getting extra entries:

+1 for answering the question above
+2 for becoming a follower
+5 if you are already a follower
+10 for each time you advertise this contest - blog post, sidebar, twitter (please @MzLizard), etc. (but you only get credit for the first post at each site, so tweet all you like, and I thank you for it, but you'll only get the +10 once). Also please leave a link!

Posted by Miss Eliza at 12:32 AM 12 comments  

Labels: Contest, Halloween, Haunted America, Haunted Heritage, Haunted Homeland, Haunted Wisconsin, Historic Haunted America, Michael Norman, Robert Hardy, Space Ghost, The Nearly Departed

So, the Philippa Gregory contest is at an end. I know you're all just dying to hear who the favorite monarch is! What, you said you wanted the winner, no, no, no, monarchs will not wait for anyone, I'm sorry, you have to wait. I said wait. In a last minute upset, Henry VIII took the prize out of the clutches of his own daughter's hand! I'm sorry Elizabeth I, it seems having your own tv show is more important to getting into peoples hearts than just a few movies...Victoria, you tried your best, take consolation that, even though in 3rd place, you are the longest reigning monarch, until 2016 that is...

As for our competition winner....(insert drum-roll, royal fanfare, etc, etc)....Jennifer, who has the awesome blog Rundpinne, and who ironically couldn't choose between Elizabeth or Henry...she could have easily chosen the winner there! Well she's our winner, enjoy your books and your sons birthday, which I see happens to be today! See moms do deserve presents for all they go through and random.org agrees!

But don't despair gentle readers because even if you did not win this contest, October has so much in store for you! The author Michael Norman will be stopping by to discuss all things paranormal and ghostly. Perhaps I might even be able to finagle a copy of his new book, The Nearly Departed, Minnesota Ghost Stories and Legends for you. Also I have two more giveaways! Both authors have the same last name, but for one letter, though they are pronounced the same. One of the giveaways is a trilogy, to which I'm giving away a boxed set of all five of the books. The other is a biography of a man, who really should be synonymous with this time of year. An extra 10 entries to the first person who can named either book(s)...20 if you get them both!

Posted by Miss Eliza at 1:58 AM 1 comments  

Labels: Contest, Giveaway, Jennifer, Michael Norman, Philippa Gregory, Rundpinne, The Boleyn Inheritance, The Nearly Departed, The Other Boleyn