Discover The Supernatural and Emotional Worlds of Susan Schwartz
Photo: Susan Schwartz – Blending History, Haunting Tales, and Humanity Through the Written Word
Stories of Haunting Elegance and Emotional Depth
Susan Schwartz reveals her inspiration for heartfelt and supernatural tales, blending history, spirituality, and human connection. She encourages writers to explore deeply personal topics, showcasing courage and creativity through storytelling.
S usan Schwartz is a compelling voice in literature, seamlessly blending vivid storytelling with her profound personal experiences and historical research. Known for her gripping works in fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and the macabre realm of horror, Susan explores themes of loss, discovery, and the supernatural in ways that resonate deeply with her readers. Her ability to craft hauntingly beautiful narratives is matched only by her dedication to uncovering history and spirits tied to the past. From paranormal tales to deeply personal journeys, Susan’s works leave an indelible impact on those who dare to turn her pages.
In this issue of Reader’s House Magazine, we delve into the mind of this extraordinary author. From her contribution to The Lost The Found to her exploration of ghostly tales in Haunted Inns and Hotels of Virginia, Susan offers a rare glimpse into the stories that have shaped her and the creative process behind her works. Discover the fascinating intersections of history, spirituality, and human connection through Susan’s eyes – and get ready to be captivated by her passion for writing and the unknown.
Susan Schwartz masterfully blends emotion, history, and the paranormal, creating unforgettable tales that inspire reflection and spark imagination.
What inspired you to contribute to “The Lost The Found,” and how did you choose the story you shared?
I had taken three years of Tang Soo Do (Korean Martial Art) and knew some key phrases in Korean – hello, relax, sit here. Using these phrases, I assisted a very sweet Korean lady, who spoke no English, to feel a little more comfortable in a sterile environment. She lost her voice, and I helped to return it with only a small knowledge of the Korean language. I chose the story because it illustrates what just a little bit of knowledge and caring can do.
How do you personally relate to the themes of loss and rediscovery explored in “The Lost The Found”?
After people lose things – objects, important people, dreams – they tend to find them again in surprising places. The little Korean lady lost her voice while going in for a surgical procedure. To me, nothing could be more scary than to have surgery in a country where you don’t speak or understand the language. She lost her way to communicate; I found her voice and helped her speak with only a rudimentary foundation of the Korean language.
“After people lose things – objects, loved ones, dreams – they tend to find them again in surprising places.” – Susan Schwartz
Did writing about your experiences in “The Lost The Found” provide any sense of healing or closure for you?
It left me with a huge feeling of being healed. Ecstatic that I could help with one of the most daunting moments in her life made me grateful I knew just enough to facilitate a better ending to her story.
What message do you hope readers will take away after reading your contribution to “The Lost The Found”?
I hope people will feel more comfortable in knowing that even though they only have a small knowledge of certain topics, they can use that knowledge to help another get through a scary time they are experiencing. They should try as they may never know the impact they may have and how it may affect others.
“Writing can take you to heights you never thought could be reached.” – Susan Schwartz
Is there a specific moment of loss or discovery in your life that shaped you as a writer?
I began writing in 1998, fanfiction to TV shows I was watching at the time, and it was just an easy outlet. I started to journal around 2003 due to being diagnosed with Fibromyalgia. You might say I lost myself there for a while, but the writing allowed to to get my feelings out and onto the paper. I like to think of them as poison and making it leave in some fashion. Writing can take you to heights you never thought could be reached.
Regarding the haunted history in “Haunted Inns and Hotels of Virginia,” how do you approach researching ghost stories or paranormal events?
I like to research the history of the specific location and see if I can find out about the cause of the current haunting. Setting up an interview or to take pictures of the location allows me to put everything together – the research, the interview, and any events that may happen. I try to create a vignette of sorts to allow for the reader to enjoy reading about the location and then making plans to visit them and see what they may get on their recorders or camera.
“Unusual topics are what make the world go round – go for it!” – Susan Schwartz
Have you ever had a personal encounter with the supernatural while researching or writing “Haunted Inns and Hotels of Virginia”?
Yes, I have had plenty from being poked, pushed down stairs, and I have even heard someone say “Hello!” on my recorder. At the Black Horse Inn in Warrenton, Virginia, I was traversing the upstairs of the Inn by myself when I spoke into the recorder that if anyone was near and wanted to say HI, they should feel free. I waited a couple of moments to give them time to answer, then headed to the next room. When I arrived home and checked the recording, after I had said for them to say hi, there was a male voice on the recording that said “Hello!” I was by myself the whole time.
At the Hotel Monaco in Alexandria, Virginia, I heard old timey music in the stairwells, which could not be heard anywhere else in the hotel. I was also poked a couple of times in the stairwell. At the Carlyle House, a couple of blocks down from the hotel, I had heard it used be a Union hospital and several patients leapt from the upper floors to stop their suffering. When I visited, I was by myself and as soon as I walked near the front of the house, I started to hear this THUMP THUMP type of noise. When I researched it further and spoke to some people about it, I discovered that people hear these noises all the time, they think it is the sound of the bodies landing on the ground after they jumped.
Which haunted inn or hotel in Virginia intrigued you the most, and why?
Belle Grove Plantation in King George, and Dunnlora Inn in Mineral, have several entities that sometimes would try to communicate. Belle Grove Plantation has a caretaker, Baldwin Lee, who was known not to like people in his house. He would show up as a skeleton in their pictures. Belle Grove also has pictures of a Lady in White that hangs out on the second floor and many stories about some ghost cats that tend to lurk when people aren’t looking. There is also a little boy named Jacob who loves to play with balls and hide spoons. Dunnlora Inn is haunted by its original owners, George and Selina Erginbright. The owner has also spotted their young son, George Jr., in some pictures. He died when an explosion at his father’s work killed him in his teen years. Ghost cats seem to be popular here as well. The owner’s grandson sees them all the time.
Do you see a connection between exploring the spiritual themes in “The Lost The Found” and the ghosts of Virginia’s past in “Haunted Inns and Hotels of Virginia”?
I see a connection, yes. “Lost……and Found” conveys stories where people have lost something and then found it again in a most unsuspecting place. I think the same can be said of the entities in “Haunted Inns and Hotels of Virginia.” They have lost their ability to communicate or tell people what they want. By going in with recorders, cameras, and other paranormal devices, we can ask questions and see if they will tell us what they want or need. Sometimes they just want you to know they are present, other times, they may just want something moved or redone. I think we give them their ability to communicate back so they can feel heard again.
How do your personal experiences with history or spirituality influence your work as an author?
Having been a lifelong taphophile, I feel like these books were meant for me. The history and backgrounds only adds to the piece by allowing the reader to see the history behind what was actually happening and what may have caused the haunting. Having grown up in a haunted house and visiting several, I was quite ecstatic to find this particular genre.
What advice would you give to aspiring authors who want to explore deeply personal or unusual topics in their writing?
My advice is to GO FOR IT! If you have an awesome idea and want to explore it, do so. Unusual topics are what makes the world go round. Every day, we see new ideas and new stories about things we have never thought of pursuing – both fiction and non-fiction. The sky is the limit and some ideas and stories are incredible to read and experience. Don’t let anyone tell you NO.
