Greetings, Friends and Enemies!
It’s been a while, hasn’t it?
Time has really flown by. It seems only last week–and not early 2020–that I posted my last general update, which was about moving forward on several new and exciting paths of opportunity. Lots of pavement has rushed under my wheels since then. Rather than do a play-by-play from the last three years, let’s get right to the point–the present and future.
Events and Stuff
A few events are on the radar for 2023, so far, and I am open to more if you will have your local library, bookstore, paranormal convention, etc. shoot me a comment to get things started. That’s all it takes. Oh, and speaking of events and lectures, I’m going to give some insight into my lecture process for those who have been curious.
How I do Lectures
Some have asked whether all lectures are the same. No, at least not my lectures. I would rather speak from the heart than memorize and recite a script; I feel the message is more personal, and cuts much deeper, when speaking from the heart. Now, on to the delivery aspect.
If a lecture is about a large, complex topic, such as the “Bell Witch,” the “Sultana Haunting,” or about locations such as Waverly Hills, Sloss Furnaces, the St. Augustine Lighthouse, etc., I have lots of stored information to draw from, but only a short timeframe in which to present it. I can’t cover every nitty-gritty detail in a 1- or 2-hour lecture (unless it’s the legend of the White Screamer). So, what’s my approach?
I simply look at the audience, make a couple introductory statements, and let the story “tell itself.” The audience’s reactions and vibe are what guides the story in telling itself. You’ll never hear the same lecture from me twice; each one is unique.
Rant: Para events, investigations, inclusion, politics, etc., etc.
While the lecture/signing events are finally shaping up for this year, I am rather very disappointed by the lack of paranormal investigation locations, events, and opportunities these days. Finding a location used to be easy, as was finding teams who would bring me in as a special guest investigator, team lead, or guide for one of their events. I never had to “find” them; they found me.
The lack of locations to investigate and a shortage of events, as well as ageism, non-inclusion, and politics (three items that always come into play when a location IS found), has become a much bigger problem in the paranormal community nowadays than it was a few years ago. Not just here in the South, but everywhere; and not just with me, but lots of people. That is not who we are as a [paranormal] community; we are better than that.
Is Paranormal Radio Dead?
It also seems that the popularity of paranormal radio has been on the decline. By “paranormal radio,” I mean radio or podcast productions that feature only paranormal content. Some of the longer-term shows are still kicking and doing quite well, but paranormal programming in general is fading. As a gauge, I was receiving 3-5 interview requests per month up until a couple years ago, yet I have had only 3 interviews in the last year.
I’ve asked people what is contributing to the apparent decline in paranormal radio programming, and the most frequent was that “Most paranormal shows are the same, with nothing unique to offer.” While there might be a kernel of truth to that, I don’t fully agree. There were plenty paranormal radio shows with unique content and hosts with unique personalities. I think the biggest reason for the decline is that some creators have simply moved on to more friendly, less dramatic, and more profitable topics of interest.
And speaking of paranormal radio, I do have an interview coming up on August 8th @ 7PM Central, at AMOK Paranormal. Look them up and give them a watch (they’re video-oriented); I fully support their show and efforts, and I will help to promote them in any way I can.
Oh, No! Not that Dang Bell Witch Again!
On the Bell Witch front, I have been able to successfully connect the dots between several pieces of information that have come to my attention in recent months, and to some information found by others a few years ago. I now know what it was and how the story came to be.
No one will ever be able to “solve” the case because there is no theory that everyone will agree to, nor will there ever be. Someone could solve it, and no matter how good and airtight their theory is, the masses would still view their achievement as “just another botched theory and attempt.” No one wins or gets out alive.
This, of course, begs the question: “Is a case truly ‘solved’ just because everyone agrees on the underlying theory?” No. Someone could actually solve it even though most people would disagree. Facts, logic, opinions, and beliefs–four VERY different things. In the end, people will believe what they want to believe, or what they were taught to believe.
At any rate, one day I will lay out what I have concluded and show how it all fits together. But not now, so please don’t ask. I first need to determine the best way in which to share my conclusion (rough seas lay ahead; brace for impact). To be clear, I will be sharing it alone, through my own selected medium, and using my own time and dime. The revelation will have no effect on my Bell Witch writing, storytelling, radio, TV, and lecturing activities; I will still be the same ol’ me, doing the same ol’ stuff.
That’s it for now. Check the Events Page for upcoming events, and feel free to comment if you like. I promise to (one day) start updating regularly. Take care, and thanks for reading!
Pleasant Dreams ………….Pf
Pat Fitzhugh 