Building a Human, Rather than Scary, Ghost Story in “Davidson House Spirits”

Hunterdon County, New Jersey (23 March 2025) – In “Davidson House Spirits,” JK Steffens chases ghosts on a nightly basis.

According to William E. Spear, Jr., author of the story, “Steffens is a member of the Tri-county Investigative Association for Research on Beings of Otherworldly Origins. Nicknamed the BOOs, they view ghosts matter-of-factly rather than fearfully.”

The Association is headquartered in a refurbished social club built more than a hundred years ago. It is wood paneled with a kitchen and bar area. Members comfortably congregate to rationally discuss supernatural activities.

Spear continues, “Conversations revolve around separating myths and legends from verifiable paranormal beings. If their gear and technology cannot capture and measure an alleged ghost, spirit, or apparition, they conclude it doesn’t exist.”

How would a BOO react when confronted with actual ghosts?

“That’s what happens. Steffens is proclaiming victory in the Association’s annual competition to prove nothing is haunting Davidson House and two ghosts appear,” says Spear.

“They offer proof of spirits in exchange for assistance in finding a ghost train that runs through the county. Steffens accepts the challenge and is transported to an abandoned railroad station of slowly fading ghosts.”

From there, rationality collides with reality.

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“Davidson House Spirits” is one of eight short stories being written and developed for release in 2025. Other titles include:

• “Freaks from Another Planet”: Two friends reflect on parenting and grandparenting as if they were discussing alien life forms.

• “Just One More”: Stranded in a blizzard, an individual learns the most wanted is not always the most needed.

• “Paper Placemats at the Stack’em Up Diner”: An eighth grader gets a job to buy Christmas gifts but receives more than a paycheck.

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About the author:

William E. Spear, Jr., born in the Midwest and raised on the East Coast, is influenced by classical music, the Temptations, and Bob Seger. He writes quiet stories; the ones that might otherwise go unnoticed.