I’ve had paranormal things happen to me all my life. My most recent trip to New Orleans is a perfect example. I was there to attend the celebration of life for Anne Rice. It was a beautiful event. I’ve shared photos on my social media. I was even included in the video presentation, talking about how she influenced me as an author.
That night, after returning to the hotel and going to bed, I awoke just before three o’clock. I know the exact time because a church bell, a couple of blocks away, rang. Seconds later, I heard two knocks on the door. They were clear and sounded like the knocks earlier in the evening when I ordered room service. I held my breath, wondering why someone would be knocking at that late hour. A few seconds passed as I debated whether I should get up and answer the door. During that time, I began to hear rustling on the other side of the room. Creaks and little pops in different locations.
As my friend mentioned to me later that morning, when I described this to her, we were staying in an old hotel. Such noises might be normal. I accepted this as rational and valid, and most likely not paranormal. But that didn’t explain the two knocks I heard on the door. Those were not old hotel creaks.
I began searching online for the history of the Roosevelt Hotel. Lots of interesting details popped up; notorious one hundred years ago for its nefarious political and mob connections, grand with its balls for wealthy and important people, and haunted by several ghosts. Included in the article I read was a story about a ghostly housekeeper who likes to check on some guests during their stay. And the article stated, she always announces her arrival in the middle of the night with… yep, two knocks on the door.
An expletive escaped my mouth as I read that part.
Over the many years, I’ve come to realize that if a spirit dwells in a place I’m staying, it will usually make itself known to me. I have never asked for it to happen. I know they exist, but I don’t want to invite any attachment or interference in my beloved mission of writing books.
I’ve included a photo of me and my friend, Traci Andrighetti, who writes cozy mysteries, in our hotel lobby on the night of the Anne Rice celebration of life.