Thursday, October 25, 2018

Cape May Haunted Houses

This weekend we went to visit friends in Cape May, known for being one of the most haunted towns in the country. We stayed at a home built in 1690 by John Hand, a whaler who lived in the house with his beautiful wife, Mercy. According to the owners, her presence is still very real, along with her ghostly body. 
Stories of lights mysteriously going on and off, and strange, unexplained noises have made the owners, and their guests believe this home is a magnet for paranormal activity, In fact, medium and author John McManus was called to the beautiful farmhouse by this lively apparition during a seance across the street. 

Multiple stories were enough to have me convinced!





Even during the day, haunted houses can be found on just about every corner. During a bike ride, I passed the Cherry House, a private residence that gives the occasional haunted tour for those who are interested. 

This is a photo of the Physick House, apparently the most haunted home in all of Cape May. There was something downright eerie about the place, maybe it was the shadows lurking in the windows that seriously made me think twice about doing their late-night haunted tour. Even Delaney's, the quaint Irish pub where we had lunch, has been documented as a haunted dwelling. If anyone gets over to Cape May this season, I highly recommend the haunted trolley tour, especially with a group and you can decide for yourself!

Tuesday, November 14, 2017

Romance at its Best: Interview with Medium, Jill Marie Morris

Romance at its Best: Interview with Medium, Jill Marie Morris: LIVING AMONGST THE DEAD Welcome to Shari Nichol’s Blog My new release , HAUNTED will be available on November 27, 2017 , with Liquid ...

Saturday, November 11, 2017

Romance at its Best: Interview with Medium, Jill Marie Morris

Romance at its Best: Interview with Medium, Jill Marie Morris: LIVING AMONGST THE DEAD Welcome to Shari Nichol’s Blog My new release, HAUNTED will be available on November 27, 2017, with Liquid Silver Press.

When a hotel heir’s dream of opening the perfect romantic getaway comes with a ghost, he enlists the help of a striking medium.

I’m thrilled to share my interview with respected psychic investigator, Medium, author, entertainer, and radio show host, Jill Marie Morris.
SN: You’ve had quite an illustrious career. I find it downright amazing how one person can possess so many talents! What’s your secret?
JMM: I’m a hereditary psychic. Both my grandmother and her mother had the gift.
SN: You live in Los Angeles, which I guess makes you a true Hollywood Medium. Hollywood has always had an illustrious history of hauntings, secret societies, and paranormal activity. This dates as far back to the mysterious death of actress Jayne Mansfield back in 1967and her alleged association with a dark cult. What can you tell us about your experience as a psychic living and working in Tinsel town?
JMM: I spend a lot of time in the greater Los Angeles area, and I can tell you there’s a signature vibe in certain places that’s consistent with dark things. Certain geological aspects and mineral canyons are known to conduit spirit activity. There are some spiritually dangerous pockets that are best left alone.
SN: Wow, living in New Jersey seems downright boring! Who are some famous people that have come through to you?
JMM: I have had lots of famous people whose essence came through to me over the years. Some of the more memorable ones were Elizabeth Taylor, Jim Belushi, and Michael Jackson, just to name a few. Harry Houdini was one of my favorites. His spirit was incredibly strong and consistent with his flagrant persona when he was alive. I’ve also had the famous twenties heartthrob, Valentino and his wife come through to me when I dined at the Mercantile Room in Hollywood—boy was he a character! I’ve also encountered the spirit of Jayne Mansfield. Her car was donated to the Dearly Departed Museum, in Hollywood and I was able to pick up on some major activity.  
SN: That’s amazing! I would’ve loved to have been a fly on the wall. In my novel, HAUNTED my heroine, Karly, must banish a spirit from a haunted inn. As a medium, what’s involved in a haunting? How do you lead a spirit to the light?
JMM: I start off by conducting a full reading of the property to see what I‘m dealing with. Banishing a spirit is a strong act and sometimes isn’t necessary. There are times when the living and dead should learn to peacefully commune with one another unless the spirit or energy is dark and dangerous. In the case of the latter, I approach the scenario with rest and preparation, ready to do spiritual battle. I also know what my boundaries are, and what I’m comfortable with. On occasion, there’s a need to call in help from someone who’s educated in expelling extremely dark forces. This includes having the family contact a priest, or clergy member, or even a demonologist. If I’m handling such a case on my own, I ground, center and block. I’ll always sage prior to cleansing, but sage only rids negativity, not spirit energy. I also use directives to show the spirit out of the house. For example, I draw a line to alert the spirit that they aren’t welcome. A combination of prayers and chants, as well as meditation,  is important. Each individual energy is different. The residents are also an important part of the process. They must claim their space as their own and actively participate in letting the spirit or energy know the living have control over their home. House cleansings are dependent upon the space, the residents, and the spirit. After cleansing, a blessing is given and I recommend a celebration to restore peace and positive energy. 
SN: Holy smokes and I thought my job was detail-oriented! What should every person know about the supernatural to stay protected?
JMM: The spiritual realm is very real, and it needs to be respected. It’s energy that’s part of many different dimensions. We have to be open and remember that spirits do in fact impact us and vice versa. Don’t dabble with the dark side, because it will trip you up and create a host of problems that may not be easily untangled. 

SN: I want to thank my lovely guest, Jill Marie Morris, for all her insight into the fascinating world of the supernatural.

Check out her website for information about appearances, readings and her amazing dream journals. You won’t believe the accuracy of her predictions!



Interview with Medium, Jill Marie Morris

LIVING AMONGST THE DEAD
Welcome to Shari Nichol’s Blog
My new release, HAUNTED will be available on November 27, 2017, with Liquid Silver Press.

When a hotel heir’s dream of opening the perfect romantic getaway comes with a ghost, he enlists the help of a striking medium.
I’m thrilled to share my interview with a respected psychic investigator, Medium, author, entertainer, and radio show host, Jill Marie Morris.
SN: You’ve had quite an illustrious career. I find it downright amazing how one person can possess so many talents! What’s your secret?
JMM: I’m a hereditary psychic. Both my grandmother and her mother had the gift.
SN: You live in Los Angeles, which I guess makes you a true Hollywood Medium. Hollywood has always had an illustrious history of hauntings, secret societies, and paranormal activity. This dates as far back to the mysterious death of actress Jayne Mansfield back in 1967and her alleged association with a dark cult. What can you tell us about your experience as a psychic living and working in Tinsel town?
JMM: I spend a lot of time in the greater Los Angeles area, and I can tell you there’s a signature vibe in certain places that's consistent with dark things. Certain geological aspects and mineral canyons are known to conduit spirit activity. There are some spiritually dangerous pockets that are best left alone.
SN: Wow, living in New Jersey seems downright boring! Who are some famous people that have come through to you?
JMM: I have had lots of famous people whose essence came through to me over the years. Some of the more memorable ones were Elizabeth Taylor, Jim Belushi, and Michael Jackson, just to name a few. Harry Houdini was one of my favorites. His spirit was incredibly strong and consistent with his flagrant persona when he was alive. I’ve also had the famous twenties heartthrob, Valentino and his wife come through to me when I dined at the Mercantile Room in Hollywood—boy was he a character! I’ve also encountered the spirit of Jayne Mansfield. Her car was donated to the Dearly Departed Museum, in Hollywood and I was able to pick up on some major activity.  
SN: That’s amazing! I would’ve loved to have been a fly on the wall. In my novel, HAUNTED my heroine, Karly, must banish a spirit from a haunted inn. As a medium, what’s involved in a haunting? How do you lead a spirit to the light?
JMM: I start off by conducting a full reading of the property to see what I‘m dealing with. Banishing a spirit is a strong act and sometimes isn’t necessary. There are times when the living and dead should learn to peacefully commune with one another unless the spirit or energy is dark and dangerous. In the case of the latter, I approach the scenario with rest and preparation, ready to do spiritual battle. I also know what my boundaries are, and what I’m comfortable with. On occasion, there’s a need to call in help from someone who’s educated in expelling extremely dark forces. This includes having the family contact a priest, or clergy member, or even a demonologist. If I’m handling such a case on my own, I ground, center and block. I’ll always sage prior to a cleansing, but sage only rids negativity, not spirit energy. I also use directives to show the spirit out of the house. For example, I draw a line to alert the spirit that they aren’t welcome. A combination of prayers and chants, as well as meditation, is important. Each individual energy is different. The residents are also an important part of the process. They must claim their space as their own and actively participate in letting the spirit or energy know the living have control over their home. House cleansings are dependent upon the space, the residents, and the spirit. After a cleansing, a blessing is given and I recommend a celebration to restore peace and positive energy. 
SN: Holy smokes and I thought my job was detail oriented! What should every person know about the supernatural to stay protected?
JMM: The spiritual realm is very real, and it needs to be respected. It’s energy that’s part of many different dimensions. We have to be open and remember that spirits do in fact impact us and vice versa. Don’t dabble with the dark side, because it will trip you up and create a host of problems that may not be easily untangled. 

SN: I want to thank my lovely guest, Jill Marie Morris, for all her insight into the fascinating world of the supernatural.

Check out her website for information about appearances, readings and her amazing dream journals. You won’t believe the accuracy of her predictions!

Be sure to sign up to my newsletter for all the latest contest info, contests and giveaways.

http://sharinicholsauthor.com/contact.html#newsletter

What are your experiences with paranormal activity? I'd love to hear.

Monday, November 6, 2017

IT'S FINALLY HERE, MY NEW RELEASE, HAUNTED!



Karly made sure to keep her head down, wanting to avoid another run-in. Her gaze skittered over fallen leaves and flagstone tiles. Through the corner of her eye, she spotted a man in a suit and a few servers. Her fingers tightened around her key chain with every step, wanting to be far from the chaos of the evening.
She was almost to the main street, when she bumped into a solid wall of muscle that threatened to knock her on her ass. Her keys flew from her hands as she began to fall backward. Before she hit the ground, two strong hands reached out and caught her around the waist. She glanced up and into the gorgeous face of the god she’d seen earlier.
Up close, he was even more stunning and taller than she’d calculated. He exuded strength and masculinity, and when he focused that intense magnetism on her, all the air left her lungs, along with her ability to speak.
Genuine concern flashed in his whiskey colored eyes. “I’m sorry. Are you okay?” His voice was like warm chocolate, melting her insides. When he dropped his hands, Karly could still feel the imprints on her skin.
“Y-yes, I’m fine. I’m the one who should be apologizing. I wasn’t paying attention to where I was going.” Her heart pounded wildly in her chest. The man smelled incredible, like sandalwood and clean laundry.
“No need for apologies. Maybe you should sit down for a minute and have a drink with me.” There was elegance in the way he spoke that made her think of old money and private school.
For a moment she thought about taking him up on his offer, but she wasn’t in the frame of mind to pull off light conversation or flirty banter at this point. “Thanks, but I have to pass. This night, well, it didn’t turn out the way I’d hoped so I think it’s my cue to go.” She did her best to school her features, but inside she was feeling raw and vulnerable. The only thing she wanted to do was go home, soak in a hot bath, and lick her wounds.
His searing gaze swept over her and made butterflies flutter in her stomach “Perhaps I can make it better. Stay and have a drink with me.”
She glanced at his jacket for his nametag, but like her, he wasn’t wearing one. “I’m guessing you’re in either sales or politics, and if this is all for a campaign donation, I’m sorry, I already gave at the office.” Immediately she got a vibe telling her he was his own boss, which wasn’t hard to figure out. The man exuded confidence and power.
The throaty sound of his laughter raised goose bumps on her flesh. “So you’re funny and beautiful that’s quite a rare combo, Miss….?”
His words slid over her like a warm caress. A flush spread across her cheeks. She shook her head, a little dazed by the compliment. It would be hard not to succumb to his charms. If she was honest, his scent alone was driving her crazy. No, the man spelled danger. “I’m sorry. I should go. Good night and uh, nice running into you.” She sucked in a breath, turned and took a step toward the street.   
“I don’t think you’ll get far without these,” he said in a bone-melting voice that forced her to turn around. He held up her keys in his hand.   
She’d become so dazzled by his looks, she’d completely forgotten about them flying out of her hands. “Right. Thanks.”
“My pleasure.” The way he said the word pleasure conjured images of their bodies tangled together, rolling around in satin sheets. The air sizzled with sexual tension. Slowly, he closed the distance between them and placed the keys in her hands. She purposely avoided touching him, but his fingers grazed hers, sending a spark of awareness up and down her arm.
“Don’t go,” he whispered.
“Why?” She was curious to hear what he’d say next.
“I can’t let you disappear into the night without telling me your name.” The words were spoken in a commanding tone that normally would've irritated her, but for some reason when he said them they hit every one of her buttons. “You can give me that much can’t you? It’s not every day I meet someone that captivates me and you have, quite thoroughly I might add.”
The scorching heat in his gaze made her shiver. She swallowed and tried to regain her equilibrium. It’d been a long time since a man had looked at her with such blatant desire. “I’m impressed— that’s quite a pick-up line. I’m curious, does it usually work?”

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Saturday, August 26, 2017

Haunted excerpt

Summer, Summer, Summer

I hope everyone had a terrific summer. It's always kind of bittersweet when it comes to an end. For me, I keep waiting for it to start and then it somehow seems to drift away like those waves I keep hoping to catch.:) Every summer I vow to go to the beach more. But never do. The idea of spending my days basking in the sun with a good book sounds so appealing. All winter long I dream about gazing at the stars on a balmy summer evening and somehow always end up at my keyboard.

Truth be told, most of my summer was spent finishing my latest novel, HAUNTED.

Here's an excerpt I would love to hear any feedback.

Karly made sure to keep her head down, wanting to avoid another run-in. Her gaze skittered over fallen leaves and flagstone tiles. Through the corner of her eye, she passed a man in a suit and a few servers. Her fingers tightened around her key chain with every step, wanting to be far from the chaos of the evening.

She was almost to the main street when she bumped into a solid wall of muscle that threatened to knock her on her ass. Her keys flew from her hands as she began to fall backward. Before she hit the ground, two strong hands reached out and caught her around the waist.


She glanced up and into the gorgeous face of the god she’d seen earlier. Up close, he was even more stunning and taller than she’d calculated. He exuded strength and masculinity and when he focused that intense magnetism on her, all the air left her lungs, along with her ability to speak.

Genuine concern flashed in those whiskey eyes. “I’m sorry. Are you okay?” His voice was like warm chocolate, melting her insides. When he dropped his hands, Karly could still feel the imprint on her skin.

“Y-yes, I’m fine. I’m the one who should be apologizing. I wasn’t paying attention to where I was going.” Her heart pounded wildly in her chest. The man smelled incredible like sandalwood and clean laundry.

“No need for apologies. Maybe you should sit down for a minute and have a drink with me.” There was elegance in the way he spoke that made her think of old money and private school.

For a moment she thought about taking him up on his offer, but she wasn’t in the frame of mind to pull off a light conversation or flirty banter at this point. “Thanks, but I have to pass. This night, well, it didn’t turn out the way I’d hoped so I think it’s my cue to go.” She did her best to school her features, but inside she was feeling raw and vulnerable. The only thing she wanted to do was go home, soak in a hot bath and lick her wounds.

 His searing gaze swept over her and made butterflies flutter in her stomach “Perhaps I can make it better. Stay and have a drink with me.”

She glanced at his jacket for his name tag, but like her, he wasn’t wearing one. “I’m guessing you’re in either sales or politics and if this is all for a campaign donation, I’m sorry, I already gave at the office.”

Immediately she got a vibe telling her he was his own boss, which wasn’t hard to figure out. The man exuded confidence and power. The throaty sound of his laughter raised goosebumps on her flesh. “So you’re funny and beautiful that’s quite a rare combo, Miss….?” His words slid over her like a warm caress.

A flush spread across her cheeks. She shook her head, a little dazed by the compliment. It would be hard not to succumb to his charms. If she was honest, his scent alone was driving her crazy. No, the man spelled danger. “I’m sorry. I should go. Good night and uh, nice running into you.” She sucked in a breath, turned and took a step toward the street.

“I don’t think you’ll get far without these,” he said in a bone-melting voice that forced her to turn around. He held up her keys in his hand. She’d become so dazzled by his looks, she’d completely forgotten about them flying out of her hands.

“Right. Thanks.”

“My pleasure.” The way he said the word pleasure conjured images of their bodies tangled together, rolling around in satin sheets. The air sizzled with sexual tension. Slowly, he closed the distance between them and placed the keys in her hands. She purposely avoided touching him, but his fingers grazed hers, sending a spark of awareness up and down her arm.

“Don’t go,” he whispered.

“Why?” She was curious to hear what he’d say next. The scorching heat in his gaze made her shiver. She swallowed and tried to regain her equilibrium. It’d been a long time since a man had looked at her with such blatant desire. “I’m impressed, that’s quite a pick-up line. I’m curious, does it usually work?”




I based the hero on Ryan Reynolds in case you were wondering..

Friday, March 13, 2015