"Hey, I met a number of your fans at the conference in Louisville. Several people from IGT stopped by and they mentioned you. Several others had read your books or had seen you at an event. It was a Wanda Love Fest.
There were a number of Hoosiers there, some from Indy, others from around the state, and when they saw your books they told me they had met you or worked with you or simply had read the books and enjoyed them. They're all hot for Ghosthunting Indiana. I told them that the series name, America's Haunted Road Trip, grew out of a conversation you and I had on the phone one day. Chris Settles and Angela Smith, a couple in their 30s, were particularly nice. They're members of IGT and said they had worked with you on a haunted site. Can't remember which one."
Jack Heffron, Clerisy Publishing 7th Annual Mid-South Paranormal Convention September 26-28, 2008; Executive West Hotel, Louisville, KY
September 13, 2008
More Haunted Hoosier Trails going into third printing!!!! Congratulations Wanda !!!!
I am glad you are getting the recognition you deserve. You do write the best Ghostly folklore books- because you put so much historical background in a piece and still keep it dramatic.
Not many people who write those books do the research like you do.
I just love folklore of all kinds; fairies, ghosts, superstitions, mythology, plants, holidays. I have had an interest in these things since I was a school girl. You are my Folklore hero along with Walter Evans-Wentz, Eddie Lennihan, Lesley Pratt Bannatyne, Catherine Yronwode & Hans Holzer (probably more of a paranormal investigatior than folklorist).
I really think you should be in more films. Dan should do a whole documentary based on your books with you as the star. You have great dramatic presence and a flair for storytelling in person as well as on paper.
I have been catching your articles in Country Roads now that I know to look for them.
They are so interesting and informative as well as well written.
Patty
September 11, 2008
Greetings from The Ancient One
Hello Wanda,
It is with mystical understanding that I compliment you on the essence of the self that is your online home. Your site is a reservoir of creativity and individuality. It serves as a testament to the magnificence of your being. I celebrate your existence and honour what you have accomplished. You are a richly imaginative and authentic individual whose life and work have purpose and meaning. Thank you for sharing who you are for to do so is to cultivate awareness and enrich the spirit. I wish you a joy filled life of peace and prosperity.
May you create possibilities and inspire action as you embrace the true beauty of the inner self and may you bring out the light in others as you live your destiny.
Greet everyone you meet with a warm smile. No matter how busy you are, don't rush enounters with co-workers, family and friends. Speak softly. Listen attentively. Act as if every conversation you have is the most important thing on your mind today. Look your children and your partner in the eyes when they talk to you. Stroke the cat, caress the dog. Lavish love on every living being you meet. See how different you feel at the end of the day.
~ Sarah Ban Breathnach (from 'Simple Abundance : A Daybook of Comfort and Joy')
August 8, 2008
You are just too modest! You are a brilliant historian, antiquarian, and folklorist! Your narratives and research capture my imagination and always will. I’m very proud to know you.
You were first and still the best! Being a storyteller is the essence of the whole thing. Ghost stories are folklore and you understand that and handle the genre beautifully. Doing the history and the maps/travel guide was another ingenious idea since many ghost hunters are haunted house tourists who want to go check it out.
Many people who write these books aren't even from the area and don't even bother to come here and research in person. You know your state, and not just Northern/Central Indiana, but little 'ol Southern Indiana, too.
John and I were infinitely impressed that you knew about Baldwin Cemetery and Tunnel Mill. Most people in Jennings county don't even know Tunnel Mill's ruins are there. John and I have been going there for hikes/photography for many years. You should see the spring flood waters rush through that tunnel. Did you know that there was a group of cabins for a worker community there? You can find evidence of cabin foundations up on the hill between the cemetery, river, and mill. Perhaps where bloody Mary was murdered? I have never read any historic accounts of that, though. Murders where a big deal in the early days, so it seems that there should be some news account. It makes a good campfire story, though!
I am sure that Wanda Lou Willis will not soon be forgotten!
