Undawnted Press Release: Saving the Conjuring House for Future Generations

Undawnted and the Paranormal 

As a paranormal explorer, investigator, and researcher for over two decades, I support the saving of the Conjuring House. 

Over the years, I visited various locations and have great stories to tell about them, including: The Whaley House, Star of India, and the now converted to an office building, the Santa Rita Hotel. I was immersed, so much so, that I became a horror journalist for the local speculative fiction society and wrote about my adventures to haunted locations. 

The byline, as well as other columns (e.g., books, reviews, featured article, etc.), earned me three consecutive Media Press Badges at Comic-Con San Diego before my body collapsed due to my disabling health conditions. That's plural. I fight for my life every day, but I continue to support others' efforts to bring about positive outcomes in the world.  

As I learned about myself, I am a sensitive to energies. A light in the dark. Understandably, the paranormal has been a constant companion throughout my life. At first, I did not understand the occurrences that I experienced from childhood, youth, and into adulthood until I confronted them. Now, I am at peace with the unknown. 

However, as a history major, I would love for this home to be saved. It predates the establishment of the United States. The home and property are a treasure. History, if possible, should be salvaged, not destroyed. 

If you can manage a few dollars, then please donate to this incredible cause: The Conjuring House -Together We Make History.

Thank you!  

_____

The Ask 

How it all began was with a plea from Ms. Perron herself to Jason Hawes: 

Andrea Perrons Video

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1BdBEetiZe/

_____ 

The Gofundme Drive  

When I happened upon Jason Hawes of Ghost Hunters fame's video eight seconds after it debuted on YouTube, I rushed over and put in my $10 worth.

______ 

The Conjuring House -Together We Make History 

 

Hello, I'm Jason Hawes.

Many of you may know me from Ghost Hunters.

I've dedicated my life to exploring the unknown and trying to make this field accessible for everyone.

I have never wanted to buy the Conjuring House. I’ve publicly stated this many times over the years, and I meant it. 

 

But, I have been contacted by past owners, employees, residents, all begging me to step in and try to save this property from being exploited and priced out of the range of the majority of people.

If you are unaware, The Conjuring House is going up for auction on October 31'st. 

 

If we don’t step in, there’s a very real chance it will be bought by some whose only goal is to turn it into a money making machine.

This isn’t just another piece of real estate. This house is an important part of paranormal history. 

 

It's a place that has drawn all types of investigators. Believers, Non believers, skeptics, debunkers and those that are simply curious from all over the world.

For decades, it has connected people. It has sparked curiosity, debate, and exploration. It’s a place that has helped keep history alive, and it deserves to be preserved, not exploited.

I’ve decided to act because so many have asked for my help.

I believe that as a community, we can make a difference. 

 

I’ve created this GoFundMe to raise funds needed to save the Conjuring House at auction. 

 

I’ll personally add as much as possible to give us the best possible chance to succeed.

If we’re successful, the Conjuring House will be placed into an LLC and those from this properties history will help run it and keep it open. 

 

Those who know and respect the true history of the property. They will oversee its day-to-day operations, keeping it open for tours, investigations, and anyone who wants to experience it.

I want to be clear:

I’m not looking to profit from this gofundme, and I have no plans to run the daily operations. This will cost me money!

I’m stepping in now for only one reason, because people I care deeply for asked me to. 

 

Lets try to preserve this house and protect its legacy for the paranormal community and for future generations, and to keep it from being priced out of the majority of peoples ability.

This truly feels like the last chance to save the Conjuring House. If we don’t act now, we may lose it forever to some that want it to be a money making machine, who won’t honor its history or its significance.

I can’t do this alone. To succeed, I'm asking everyone who cares about this property, and about what it represents, to step up and help. 

 

This could be historic! 

 

Together, we can protect this piece of history and keep it accessible for all who want to walk through its doors.

Please consider donating today. Every contribution brings us one step closer to making sure the Conjuring House remains what it was always meant to be — a place to learn from, experience, and share for generations to come.

How the Funds Will Be Used

Every dollar raised in this campaign will go directly toward purchasing the Conjuring House at auction.

If we are successful at the auction, the property will be placed into an LLC and be run by those from its history that are dedicated to preserving it.

I want to be absolutely clear: I am not seeking to profit from this Gofundme.

My role here is clear. I have been asked to help save this property by Andrea Perron, and many others around the globe. 

 

All I can do try!

This is a big undertaking, and I am willing to reconsider my position and help do what I can. This will take a historic movement! 

 

Together, We can make sure it remains open for tours, investigations, and visitors for generations to come.

If we do not win the auction, Refunds will be granted "unless a donor chooses to have their contribution directed toward other historic preservation efforts".

If we succeed and raise more than what is needed to purchase the property, any surplus will be used for restoration, repairs, maintenance, and updates that keep the history and significance of the house alive.

No raffles, No sweepstakes, No giveaways, or returns on investment are offered in exchange for any donations made to this GoFundMe.

Jason Hawes

Andrea Perrons Video

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1BdBEetiZe/

 

-----~o0o~---oOo---~o0o~~-----

 Donate Today! 

 The Conjuring House -Together We Make History.

 

 

Undawnted Interviews: Denise Aparo, Mowhawk Monster: The Curse of the Herkimer Diamond, Day 1 of WordCrafter's Curses: Chronicles of Darkness Anthology Blog Tour

About  Curses: Chronicles of Darkness

There are all types of curses.

Cursed places, cursed items, cursed people, cursed families.

Curses that last throughout time. Curses which can't be broken. Curses which are brought upon ourselves. Curses that will kill you and those that will only make you wish you were dead.

Eleven tantalizing tales of curses and the cursed. Includes stories by Kaye Lynne Booth, Molly Ertel, C.R. Johansson, Robert White, Joseph Carrabis, Paul Kane, Danaeka Scrimshaw, Abe Margel, and Denise Aparo.

_____

Introduction

Welcome, this autumn we have two blog tours. The first is Curses: Chronicles of Darkness anthology of horror stories. Undawnted's author interview for the narrative, Mowhawk Monster: The Curse of the Herkimer Diamond, is Denise Aparo. 

Please welcome her to Undawnted with our warm and graciously spooky hospitality.

_____

Interview with Denise Aparo 

What is it about a Curse that inspires your imagination?

A curse inspires my imagination because it is something outside the norm. Anything unusual or paranormal gets my attention! The very word, curse, incites connotations of evil, negative, and possible harmful outcomes. These emotions, sensations, and the reactions that result will make for good storytelling!

What type of Curse is your favorite to write about: blaspheme, afflict, imprecate, or torment? Hex or jinx? By spell, object, or charm?

I believe I use “imprecate” the most.

As an author, I like to write about the paranormal, where curses are invoked by a person or being. I have had my characters use charms or incantations to imprecate curses on another person or being.

I definitely use “hexes” more than a “jinx.” However, if I create a character that is either too foolish/playful or not as savvy as most, then I would consider having them use a “jinx.”

I use all three “spell, object, and charm.” My character’s recite incantations to invoke a spell or charm and I definitely use “charmed objects.” In a few of my stories I have a charmed tome and sigil that gives muse inspiration to those who know how to use them or if the tome sees fit to have the person inspired.

 

Do you use mortal, paranormal, or supernatural means to render a Curse in your creative imagination?

I have stories where humans invoke a curse, but I also have paranormal beings preform a curse on a person, being, or object. I am open to all possibilities and have many stories where supernatural means are used.

 

Which type of Curse or progenitor of a Curse enticed you to write your story?

I’m mostly drawn to the generational curse. It is one of the oldest curses, which are the line of descent. This is where the curse that is passed through the family line from one generation to the next. However, I don’t believe it must be only family but perhaps those connected to the family or ancestors is fascinating, too. 

In my story, “The Mohawk Monster: Curse of the Herkimer Diamond,” the curse is invoked by a Native American Goddess: Komorkis, Goddess of the Moon. She is devastated when the elite warriors of her sacred people are slain by an evil supernatural tribe. She curses the land where they murdered—hence, the diamonds embedded in the earth.

 

Are Curses forever?

As a writer, I can make a curse forever with only one way to break it and it is probably my most favored way of doing them. But I’m not opposed to setting limits on a curse, like a bomb! I plan to write my next curse story with a curse that is ‘set to go off’ at a certain time, or have it invoked when a certain ‘thing’ happens!

 

If you ever had the chance to use a Curse in real life, would you?

Definitely not. Curses are nothing to be flippant about. In life, I believe that our words have power. All words. This is why I am so attracted to words and language. This is why I am a writer. I believe that “Like attracts Like.”

In the law of attraction—the oldest law is found in the book of the Holy Bible and other ancient works like in Buddhism, Hinduism, Hermeticism, and Greek Philosophy. One bible states the following: Mark 11:24: "Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours."

Hinduism believes in Karma and “What you think, you become. What you feel, you attract. What you imagine, you create.”

 

Have you ever known anyone or anything (object, town, landmark) who/that was Cursed?

I believe that many people and objects can be “cursed”—on what scale is undetermined. Many call this sort of thing either misfortune, bad luck, fate, karma, or whatever. This can be believed through social conditioning, such as cultural beliefs and superstitions. Many families have at least a few of them, such as “don’t walk under a ladder!” or when a bird comes into a home through an open window it may trigger a negative event. It also depends on the color of the bird, too!

When I was in grammar school, I walked by an old, dilapidated, house each day. I would cross the road when I approached it! The windows were dark and there was always a buzzing sound that resonated from the building. I was terrified I would be cursed if I got too close. I wasn’t old enough to be cynical so I think it was an instinctive response!

 

Have you ever visited a Cursed place?

I have had negative feelings or vibes from places, in the past. I was in South Carolina several years ago and went on a tour to an old prison. One room gave me chills and it was a hot summer night. I left it immediately! I usually avoid those places if I am able. 

Another time, I did a tour of a Nantucket Mansion and I remember that one bedroom gave me bad vibes. I went outside after that.

 

Do you believe that in order for a Curse to work that the target of that Curse has to believe in it?

That’s a good question. Maybe not, because I believe in the ‘power of attraction,’ so a curse, negative energy, or bad mojo can definitely surround or overwhelm a person and possibly cause a negative reaction. However, again, I believe that we as humans can protect ourselves from negativity by attracting the positive! I suppose this means we are able to counter the curse, block or repel a curse with our positive thoughts…maybe these are our own spells or invocations? Many of the basic and predominant religions use invocations. Prayer or to pray is to make an earnest request to invoke a desire. Many holy people, shamans, ministers and priests use prayer or invocations.

 

Do you believe that a Curse is inevitable, and works no matter anyone's belief system?

No, I don’t believe they are inevitable. I think that a curse or bad mojo can affect a person, but how they handle the situation or deal with the negativity is up to them. I believe that we can protect ourselves much of the time. If someone is determined to do harm in any manor, then they probably are able to affect another person in some capacity. But again, I believe that we all can counter those negativities with our own will. This is why that when I write a curse story, the person, object, or being, can eventually break the curse.

 

What swear word is your go-to Curse?

A “curse” word or phrase I always say is, “oh, crap!” I suppose all ‘curses’ are the most negative thing or word a person calls to mind!

Anything else that you would like to add about yourself, your story, or books?

I think that most occurrences, objects, places, or thoughts in the horror genre, need either a curse, hex, jinx, or other adverse paranormal thing to create a good scary, or thought-provoking story.

I hope to publish my first novel, Crossbows, soon. It is a story with many curses, counter-curses, and supernatural gifts.

I think that I will always insert the paranormal in any story I write!

_____

About Denise Aparo 

Denise Aparo is an author with four published short stories in the horror/supernatural genre in the WordCrafter Midnight Anthologies. All of her stories are written under Denise Aparo and are edited by Kaye Lynne Booth, through WordCrafter Press.

As a native New Englander, she lives with her husband Joe, spending much of her time writing, reading, gardening, making crocheted blankets, and crafting with her grandchildren. She loves the paranormal historical fiction genre and has recently completed edits on her first novel, a historical fiction titled Crossbows, which will be self-published in the near future. 

She has a Master's Degree in English - Fine Arts/Creative Writing with concentration in Fiction from Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU). And a member of five honor societies with leadership recognition. CURSES: CHRONICLES OF DARKNESS.

She is published in several newspapers and magazines—special interest articles, along with poems and short stories that have been published in print and digital format. She is a member of the Connecticut Authors and Publishers Association (CAPA) and the author of a WordPress writing blog, The Write Voice. Denise has three short stories in the horror/supernatural genre in the Midnight Series, through WordPress. These short stories are published under Denise Aparo and the third and last of the Midnight Series will be released on September 30, 2025.

Social Links:
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/denise.aparo?_
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/denisea-
paro/?ref=xav_igxfb_comet_ig_book-
mark_mega_menu_launch
WordPress - https://gravatar.com/
tometamer?utm_source=hovercard
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/denise-
aparo-63038747/

_____

*Giveaway*

This tour, we’re giving away digital copies of Curses: to 5 lucky winners. Follow the tour and comment at each stop, so we’ll know you were there. You’ll be entered for another chance in the giveaway at each stop. Winners are chosen through a random drawing by WordCrafter Press. We’ll be watching for your name.

__________

Support Great Artists 

Writers of the stories in this dark fiction anthology deserve your support!

 

books2read.com/CursesChroniclesofDarkness

Make a purchase and keep creativity alive during this Halloween season. 

 

_____

Tour Schedule 

Day 1

Stop 1 – Writing to be Read – About the Curses Anthology & Meet Denise Aparo

Stop 2 – Undawnted – DL Mullan Interviews Denise Aparo

Day 2

Stop 1 – Robbie’s Inspiration – Kaye Lynne Booth & Joseph Carrabis with Readings of “It’s a Man’s World” & “Grafton’s Ghost-Child”

Stop 2 – Undawnted – DL Mullan Interviews Joseph Carrabis

Day 3

Stop 1 – Poetry by Mich – Meet Abe Margel & Paul Kane with a guest post about the inspiration of his story “The Weeping Man”

Stop 2 – Undawnted – DL Mullan Interviews Paul Kane

Day 4

Stop 1 – Roberta Writes – Meet C.R. Johansson & Robert White with a guest post about the inspiration for “The Longspeth Curse”

Stop 2 – Undawnted – DL Mullan interviews Robert White

Day 5

Stop 1 – Writing to be Read – Meet Kaye Lynne Booth, Danaeka Scrimshaw & Molly Ertel with Inspiration Video about “Clover’s Mirror Box”

Stop 2 – Undawnted – DL Mullan interviews Danaeka Scrimshaw

-----~o0o~---oOo---~o0o~~-----

This post is sponsored by: 

 

Available at these fine retailers:

 

Book: 

 www.undawnted.com/p/the-story-of-ophlupin-werewolves.html

 

Soundtrack: 

 www.undawnted.com/p/direwolf-soundtrack-ophlupin-undawnted.html 

 

 

12 Angry Dead Accepted into The Hanging Tree Anthology

Great news! 

Undawnted received word that DL Mullan's short story, 12 Angry Dead, has been accepted into WordCrafter's The Hanging Tree anthology. Due out this September 2024, this publication will be the home to several authors' rendition of the hanging tree motif. 

Imagine if you were hung unjustly...

12 Angry Dead explores such a travesty of justice: 

When the souls of the wronged rise to avenge their premature deaths, is there anyone who can stand against them? 

 

Marilla Gibbs, an heiress and a director of the historical museum, is a descendant of Aida Worthington, a victim of one of these unjust homicides. The mid-1800s was a tumultuous time, especially with figures like Josiah King, who took lives with impunity. 

 

In the afterlife, his victims came together to form a jury. On All Hallows Eve, when the veil separating the living from the dead is at its thinnest, Aida and eleven other spirits took control of their descendants to confront their killer, who is now a seven-year-old boy.

 

With the aid of her assistant, Shaun, and Justin, the child's father, Marilla seeks to outmaneuver the twelve angry dead. Yet, will their combined efforts be sufficient to redirect the course from vengeance to authentic justice? 

 

The trio soon realizes that no one can escape a past life.

Join this collection of writers in sharing their nightmare scenario with you... not all of them have happy endings. 

_____

A writer at heart, Undawnted's own creative spark, DL Mullan, began writing short stories and poetry before adolescence. Over the years, Ms. Mullan has showcased her literary talents by self-publishing several collections of her poetry. She also writes novels, designs apparel, and creates digital art. Ms. Mullan‘s creative writing is available in digital and print collections, from academia to commercial anthologies. As an independent publisher, she produces her own book cover designs as well as maintains her own websites. She is an award-winning digital artist and poet. 

Currently, she has embarked on writing her multi-book Legacy Universe, Supernatural Superhero Series.

For news and updates, subscribe to the Undawntable Newsletter.

 

Undawnted Presents: WordCrafter Blog Tour for Midnight Roost: Christa Planko and MJ Mallon are Spooky Fun Authors

Video Reading from The Cull by MJ Mallon

 

_____ 

MJ's writing credits include YA, paranormal, best-selling horror, supernatural short stories, flash fiction, poetry, pandemic inspired poetry and best-selling anthologies. 

Poetry/flash fiction collections include Lockdown Innit, Mr. Sagittarius Poetry & Prose, The Hedge Witch And The Musical Poet and Do What You Love. 

Her eclectic blog shares her love of reading, reviewing, writing, poetry, photography, and travel: https://mjmallon.com.

Visit MJ's Social Media Sites: 

https://linktr.ee/mjmallonauthor/

_____

Giveaway

A chance to win a free digital copy of Midnight Roost at every stop. Just leave a comment at Writing to Be Read to show your support for the tour, the anthology, and all of the fantastic authors.

To buy the Midnight Roost anthology 

with both author's stories,

 visit: Books2Read.

_____

Interview with Christa Planko about her short story: The Easterville Glass Ghost


What inspired you to write “The Easterville Glass Ghost?”

My inspiration for “The Easterville Glass Ghost” began with a trip to the Estellville Glassworks, a historic site near me. I first visited the site when I moved to the area in 2008. It has haunted me ever since!

Today, the glassworks is more of a graveyard for the 19th -century factory that bustled with activity from 1825 to 1877. Most of its structures have nothing left beyond their foundations. But the most prominent structure, the melting furnace, has three stone walls remaining. The front of the building features four large arches. Beyond these walls lies brick and stone rubble and the deep pits where glassblowers would form molten glass into cylinders.

Imagine how eerie it is to walk through the woods and happen upon Estellville’s imposing arched structure! As many times as I’ve returned to hike in the surrounding woods, I always get chills when the ruins first come into sight. It has prompted many imaginative musings about the people that lived and worked there. What was it like to work among fiery furnaces, handling molten glass? Was it competitive work? Was it dangerous? So dangerous that anyone ever died?

These musings led to the creation of “The Easterville Glass Ghost.” The story came together based on my own research about the factory and 19th -century glassblowing, coupled with imagination and fictional characters.

Have you ever had a ghostly encounter?

I did have an unexplained experience once. It involved the sensation of a hand sliding down my shoulder to my back. And it so happened that it was at the site of the Estellville Glassworks. This experience is what I fictionalized in my story.

While I’m not sure I had an actual “ghostly” encounter, if a spirit was present that day, it was a protective one. Nobody else was around at the time. I was technically trespassing at the site, climbing on top of a brick pile for a better view. The hand I felt on my shoulder coincided with me losing my footing—kind of like a steadying hand, ensuring my safety.

So, do I believe in spirits? I’m not sure about ghosts, but I do believe in spirit. By that, I mean the spirit that comprises character and lives on after a person expires. Elements of the human spirit—such as love, joy, kindness, gentleness—transcend time and space. These are things that we remember about loved ones and others who have passed. They are the traits written about heroes in history books. They imprint on us, encourage us, and inspire us to be the same—to make a difference in others’ lives. This is also a theme I aim to capture in my story.

Thank you for your questions and the opportunity to participate in the blog tour for Midnight Roost!

_____

Christa Planko, MA, is a professional writer with a passion for creative expression. She has had her poetry and short stories featured in several publications, including Tanka and Haiku Journal, Poetry Quarterly, New Jersey Bards, and Every Day Fiction. Her story, “The Olde-Tyme Village,” won the 2021 WordCrafter Short Fiction Contest. Christa resides in South Jersey with her feline muses. 

Christa graduated from Rutgers University (New Brunswick, NJ) with a BA in English Literature and from Drew University (Madison, NJ) with an MA in English Literature.  

Website: https://christascorner.godaddysites.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChristasCorner2023

_____

Purchase

To buy the Midnight Roost anthology 

with both author's stories,

 visit: Books2Read. 

 

 

_____

Undawnted's DL Mullan can be booked for your online Blog Tour, Book Event, Book Review (w/ARC), Interview, Writing Conference, or Genre Convention. Ms. Mullan has years of experience in public speaking, readings, presentations, events, and tours.

Book a quality author and presenter with Undawnted: Bookings online form. 

 

The Descent: a darker breed of poetry's Cover Reveal

This cover reveal introduces The Descent to a wider audience. The updated version of the popular chapbook will leave readers salivating for more gruesome stories of the unknown. As the veil lowers, and we catch glimpses of another world beyond our own, the poems in The Descent will guide readers around the mystical, magical realm of the paranormal; scare them with the supernatural; as well as, entertain them with the fantastical.

Join Undawnted's DL Mullan for her wide release party this Friday, October 13th on A Novelist Idea newsletter. 

You could win a copy for your very own...

 

The Descent Playlist

 

_____

 

This chapbook houses "a darker breed of poetry," from paranormal research topics to metaphysical literary iterations. There is a poem for everyone who is curious. Readers love to stalk the poems within:

"As if Poe came right off the page. This homage is literally perfect." 

"The poem [Breathe] is as scrumptious and sensual as it is dark and deep."

"This is a first for me. I have never read genre poetry before. I love it. Hugely imaginative and utterly unique..." 

 

"One of your best works. Beautiful 3 part movement. Flowed very nicely." 

 

"A lot of thought has gone into this very interesting poem, which made me think, which is what poetry should be all about, 5-star poem[.]"  

*****

Read what the buzz is about in Critical Acclaim at the bottom of each publication's page. 

To see the full cover, visit The Descent's dedicated page on Undawnted.

_____

A writer at heart, Undawnted's own creative spark, DL Mullan, began writing short stories and poetry before adolescence. Over the years, Ms. Mullan has showcased her literary talents by self-publishing several collections of her poetry. She also writes novels, designs apparel, and creates digital art. Ms. Mullan‘s creative writing is available in digital and print collections, from academia to commercial anthologies. As an independent publisher, she produces her own book cover designs as well as maintains her own websites. She is an award-winning digital artist and poet. 

 DL Mullan is sharing her knowledge via A Novelist Idea Newsletter. If you too want to become a Fearless Phile, then subscribe to her newsletter on Substack.

Her innovative style teaches writers how to reach their creative potential, and write more effectively.

Learn. Grow. Master… with Undawnted.