I’m thrilled to welcome friend and fellow writer Mae Clair back to my little slice of the blogosphere today. She just released book three of her Point Pleasant series, A Desolate Hour, which I reviewed not long ago.
Today she wants to discuss curses, and I can’t think of a better person to dive into the supernatural with us. Here she is; let’s give her a warm welcome.
Do You Believe in Curses?
From literature to the Bible, to famous objects and haunted places, curses abound. There are cursed objects (the Hope Diamond), cursed places (King Tut’s Tomb), cursed movies (Poltergeist), and even cursed performances (multiple instances of the play MacBeth). But what about a town? Is it possible for an entire town to be cursed and to carry that misfortune through centuries?

My Point Pleasant series has been a blend of fiction, folklore, and history. In book one, A Thousand Yesteryears, I introduced readers to the Mothman and examined the Silver Bridge tragedy from a fictional perspective. Book two, A Cold Tomorrow, is populated by Men in Black, UFO encounters, flicker phenomena, and a mysterious visitor who is far more than he appears.
Much of Point Pleasant folklore is tied to a curse cast by Shawnee Indian Chief, Cornstalk. A friend to the settlers in the area that would become Point Pleasant, Cornstalk arrived at the settlement in 1777 to warn them of an impending attack from tribes massing along the Ohio River. Cornstalk was detained and later killed, along with his son. According to legend, he cursed the town as he lay dying:
I was the border man’s friend. Many times I have saved him and his people from harm. I never warred with you, but only to protect our wigwams and lands. I refused to join your paleface enemies with the red coats. I came to the fort as your friend and you murdered me. You have murdered by my side, my young son. For this, may the curse of the Great Spirit rest upon this land. May it be blighted by nature. May it even be blighted by its hopes. May the strength of its peoples be paralyzed by the stain of our blood.
Is the curse real? Point Pleasant has suffered multiple tragedies, including:
- A fire that took out an entire block in the late 1880s.
- A mine collapse in 1907 that claimed the lives of 31 miners, making it the worst coal mine disaster in American history.
- Devastating floods spanning several decades, two of which (in 1913 and 1937) almost wiped out the town.
- The collapse of the Silver Bridge in 1967, a tragedy that claimed 46 lives and still ranks as the worst bridge collapse in American history.
- The loss of river trade and closing of the town’s major employer, resulting in an economic downturn from which Point Pleasant still struggles to recover.
In A Desolate Hour, the final book of my Point Pleasant series, new and returning characters rush to determine whether or not Cornstalk’s curse is at fault for releasing an ancient malevolence. Drawn by that evil, the Mothman reacts with deadly retribution.
A Desolate Hour: Blurb
Sins of the past could destroy all of their futures . . .
For generations, Quentin Marsh’s family has seen its share of tragedy, though he remains skeptical that their misfortunes are tied to a centuries-old curse. But to placate his pregnant sister, Quentin makes the pilgrimage to Point Pleasant, West Virginia, hoping to learn more about the brutal murder of a Shawnee chief in the 1700s. Did one of the Marsh ancestors have a hand in killing Chief Cornstalk—the man who cursed the town with his dying breath?
While historian Sarah Sherman doesn’t believe in curses either, she’s compelled to use her knowledge of Point Pleasant to uncover the long-buried truth. The river town has had its own share of catastrophes, many tied to the legendary Mothman, the winged creature said to haunt the woods. But Quentin’s arrival soon reveals that she may have more of a stake than she realized. It seems that she and Quentin possess eerily similar family heirlooms. And the deeper the two of them dig into the past, the more their search enrages the ancient mystical forces surrounding Point Pleasant. As chaos and destruction start to befall residents, can they beat the clock to break the curse before the Mothman takes his ultimate revenge? . . .
Universal Purchase Link (All Retailers)
About the Author:
Mae Clair has been chasing myth, monsters, and folklore through research and reading since she was a child. In 2013 and 2015, she journeyed to West Virginia to learn more about the legendary Mothman, a creature who factors into her Point Pleasant series of novels.
A member of the Mystery Writers of America and the International Thriller Writers, Mae pens tales of mystery and suspense with a touch of romance. Married to her high school sweetheart, she lives in Pennsylvania and numbers cats, history, and exploring old graveyards among her passions. Look for Mae on her website at MaeClair.net
You can find Mae Clair at the following haunts:
Website | Blog | Twitter (@MaeClair1) | Google+ | Facebook Author Page |
Amazon Author Page | Kensington Books Author Page |
Goodreads | Pinterest | Newsletter Sign-Up | Story Empire
Thank you, Mae, for stopping by today and sharing all this with us.
Readers, please do yourself a favor—check out Mae’s body of work, starting with her Point Pleasant series. I’m a huge fan, and I know if you read her stories, you will be, too. Click on the covers below for quick links to all the books in the series, and sound off below to discuss Mae, her work, and/or this post. Thanks!
I enjoyed Mae’s first book in the series and look forward to the rest of the series. It’s a fascinating series. Great post, Staci! I will share this post. 😘
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Thank you!
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Like you say, there’s the curse of the Hope diamond, the tomb, Macbeth, and PP. Spooky, to say the least. I always wonder which came first, the curse or all the events that appear to support its existence. Still, so interesting to think the curse came first. Then one hears about death curses, like Cornstalk’s. I wonder how many death curses were uttered in the bloody history of conflicts, and how many seem to have taken root. Hmm, that could be the basis for a new urban fantasy series. Now you’ve got me thinking! Good luck with the new release, Mae! I’ve got a couple books ahead of PP3, but I’m looking forward to reading it!
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Julie, I like the fact this has you thinking about a new urban fantasy series! Definitely, with PP, the curse came first, but there were “oddities” in the area even before it, according to the strangeness George Washington encountered when he was surveying prior to the Revolutionary War. I wonder if the curse was responsible for making those “thing” manifest in new and frightening ways. I love thinking about this stuff!
And I hope you enjoy A Desolate Hour when it surfaces among your TBR. Thanks for your support!
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One of the best things a writer can hear is that the reader is thinking because of something she wrote. And that series sounds great. When you write it, let me know!
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Although I’m not a believer in curses, you do write about them well.
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That she does, Michele. That she does.
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Aww, thanks, Michelle. That made my night! 🙂
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Got my copy this week. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the Point Pleasant series and can’t wait to read this one.
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I really did, too. (Obviously.) I know you’ll love it, Joan.
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Yippeee! Thanks, Joan. I hope you like the way everything wraps up. I truly appreciate your support!
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Wow. What an interesting history.
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The lore behind this series is fascinating, Traci. It alone is worth reading the books. The amazing writing seals the deal, though.
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I have her first book on my TBR pile. I’m slowing working my way toward it. With Pitchwars, a lot of my reading has been put on hold but I hope to get back to it soon.
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I understand, Traci. My TBR pile is out of control, too. It’s so hard to find the time…
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So much of that is what attracted me to the folklore of the area, Traci.
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I never realized towns could be at the center of bad luck. People, sure. But, it stands to reason, it could happen.
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Especially if the town is Point Pleasant 😉
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Wishing you the absolute best with pitchwars, Traci. And I completely understand about a mammoth TBR. Mine is mutating, and the last book I read was 860 pages, taking more time than usual. Oh, for more hours in the day, LOL!
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I hear you! I got word a thousand-pager but had to say no. There’s just no way. A favorite author too.
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What well documented occurrences! You do so well at weaving together two or more levels of reality. Great series!
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I agree with you, Flossie. Mae always writes the best posts, and her research always inspires the best stories.
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Thanks so much, Flossie. I’m delight you’ve been enjoying it. I know you appreciate an oddity or two 🙂
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Reblogged this on Kim's Author Support Blog.
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Thank you, Kim. You are a sweetheart!
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Thanks for sharing, Kim!
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Point Pleasant certainly had its share of tragedy. Sad really.
Voodoo and curses just scare me! But I’m easily startled. The toaster pretty much gets me every time…and I’m standing there waiting for it. True story.
So excited for you, Mae, and I’m really looking forward to seeing how this series ends. It’s on my Kindle!
Staci, your review is awesome!
Many cheers and thanks to you both. 🙂
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Natalie, you have me laughing about the toaster. I can just picture your reaction, because that would be something I’d do too. As odd as it may seem, as much as I love writing about creatures and folklore, I’m a wimp when it comes to spooky stuff. I won’t even go on a haunted house tour or watch a scary movie. I liked the old mystic style movies, but the new vein is too freaky and demonic for me. I’m a wuss. 🙂
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Too funny, Mae! I’m so jumpy at the simplest things. Can’t even watch a trailer for a scary movie. I made the BIG mistake of watching The Blaire Witch Project years ago…sweet God! Poor decision making score for me. That scene where the guy is staring into the corner is imprinted in memory. Yup, it’s there! Always there.
I’m really looking forward to The Desolate Hour, though. I love the suspense and mystery of your writing. I actually feel like I’m in Point Pleasant…that’s brilliant writing. This would make one awesome movie! Cheers, my friend. 🙂
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Natalie, that’s funny. Might I suggest a toaster oven? I’ve been using one for years, and there’s nothing to pop up at me. 😉
Thanks so much for visiting and supporting Mae’s release. Much appreciated!
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Staci, I thought of that! But I’m soooooo stubborn and, therefore, continue this battle with the little silver monster. 🙂 Some days I claim victory. Yay me!!
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The Blair Witch Project was definitely freaky. That was one of the few movies I’ve actually watched. The area itself isn’t that far from whee I live, but I can’t bring myself to venture there. As strange as it may seem, I can separate “creatures” into a safe category, but supernatural things like witchcraft, demons and ghosts fall into an area where I don’t want to trespass. So, I guess I like “weirdness” but with limitations, LOL.
I’m glad you’re looking forward to A Desolate Hour! 🙂
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Congrats on your new release! I can’t wait to dive into this one 🙂
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Thank you, Jacquie. That is wonderful to hear! 🙂 Snoopy dance
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Thanks for dropping by, Jacquie. 😀
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Well done Mae. looking forward to the book. Thanks, Staci for hosting Mae today.
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Thanks for stopping by, John.
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Fabulous to hear, John. Your support is truly appreciated! 🙂
P.S…Give Stella a hug from me (er, if she’ll permit it from coming from the lower echelon of us peons)
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She will allow one a day. I told her today’s was from you. She thanked you and then asked for milk.
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I’m so honored!!! I was allowed the hug!! 🙂
I will try to contain my adulation. But…you know…it’s going to be rough coming down from that high. Stella is such a regal queen.
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Ha ha ha. We treat her as such as well. Thanks, Mae.
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Totally intrigued – just downloaded A Desolate Hour to my Kindle. Fab post!
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Thank you so much!!! It’s actually the third (and final book) in the series but it can still be read as a standalone. I address what went before (in the previous two books) so you shouldn’t have any problem following along. I’m going to guess Chief Cornstalk’s curse was not the one you heard about earlier today? 😀
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Ahh brilliant – no doubt I’ll go back and catch up on the first two, I’m a terrible one for reading series out of order, but very much looking forward to this!
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🙂
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The books really do stand on their own, so you don’t need to worry about being confused. But the series is so wonderful, you’ll want to read the whole thing. I hope you enjoy them as much as I did.
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🙂 Me too!
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After you read one (or all), let me know what you think. (I’m always happy to chat about books with people.)
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I definitely will!
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That is a sad background story to the curse. There does seem to be a lot of events pointing to a bit of bad luck for that area. I always find this type of information fascinating. I look forward to finishing the series, Mae. Thanks for hosting, Staci.
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It was my pleasure to have Mae here today. I’m so glad you dropped by!
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A horrible way for Cornstalk’s life to end, D. L. Whether the curse (from folklore) is real or not, he really was killed after trying to warn the settlers of attack. I go a bit into the history in the book, as well as putting my own spin on how things played out.
I’m delighted your looking forward to finishing the series. Thanks for visiting with me and Staci today!
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So tragic and fascinating. I’m not sure that curses work, but I do think that thoughts have power and collective thoughts even more power. Great post! I’m looking forward to the series. 😀
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Perhaps that is why the legends of curses have such staying power and often come to fruition….because of collective thoughts. Excellent thought, Diana!
And I hope you enjoy the series when time permits 🙂
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There is a legendary entity called a tulpa (I think I’m spelling it right) that is essentially malevolence born of collective belief. Basically, if enough people believe in a particular evil, that evil comes to life.
Ah, the power of suggestion. If only we could put that concept to good use…
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I was just thinking the same thing. We’re doomed…! 😀 At least on WP everyone is collectively kind and supportive.
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I remember writing about the tulpa for a Mythical Monday posts (when I still ran that feature on my blog). That post creeped me out more than any I’d done. Horribly spooky stuff.
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It’s really scary if you think about what’s happening in the world. The negative energy feels like it’s mounting. We gotta keep spreading the love and kindness. 🙂
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I agree completely. Light needs to shine in the darkness!
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I miss those posts of yours. I always found them so interesting.
I actually learned about the tulpa from the TV show Supernatural. (My guilty pleasure.) It’s terrifying to think that belief can bring something to life. (Especially with word spreading so quickly on the Internet.) I can see why it spooked you.
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See my reply to Natalie up above.
I’m a wuss. 🙂
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Fascinating!! I can’t wait to read it. Congratulations, Mae. You are an amazing writer!
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Thank you for such a lovely compliment, Gwen! I loved writing this series and am saddened to see it come to an end. But it’s also exciting to bring everything full circle!
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She is, indeed, Gwen. I know you’ll enjoy it.
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Just got my copy! 🙂 I’m a bit behind with my TBR but that means I can have a gorge-fest with books 2 & 3 now! 😛
With curses, especially one on a place like Point Pleasant, my attitude tends towards ‘one man’s curse is another’s deep misfortune’. Over a period of time there’ll be prosperity and catastrophes like floods, or more man-made disasters, but luck plays a part as well, and that can be what you make it of course!
Putting a curse on people is a different matter – there’s a psychological and emotional aspect to it that can get very scary, and provide lots of scope for exciting yarns and occurrences! 😀
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Enjoy the gorge-fest. If I ever have a few days’ free time, I would love to binge-read this series again. I really loved it, and I’m sorry it’s over. (Can’t wait for her new work, though! It’s promising to be just as compelling.)
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Thanks for grabbing a copy, Jan. I hope you enjoy books 2 and 3 and how everything wraps up. I’m dreadfully behind on my TBR too, so no worries.
And I think you’re right about the psychological and emotional aspects of a curse. Just the thought of someone doing that makes me shudder!
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Thanks, Staci. Looking back on the series, I’ve got fun memories of how it all came together. It will be nice to have a certain critique partner along to help me with the next one 🙂
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Your critique partner is excited!
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The series is in my reading queue. And for the record, I do believe in curses 😉
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When you said, “I do believe in curses,” I immediately thought of the Cowardly Lion saying, “I do believe in spooks. I do I do I do I do I do.” LOL
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That’s too funny, that’s who I thought of, too!
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Great to hear, E.J. Er…not about the curses, mind you, but the reading queue 😀
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I had no idea about the curses on the town – makes the history even more intriguing.
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The lore Mae wove into her story is fascinating.
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Teri, Cornstalk’s curse is supposed to be responsible for everything….right down to and including the Mothman. There is so many threads of folklore twined around Point Pleasant, I could probably spin another whole series!
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I’d love to read that, Mae.
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Ahh, if only for more hours in the day 🙂
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Great introduction to the story! I can’t wait to dive into it.
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Jan,
I have to apologize. You keep ending up in spam and I have no idea why. Please be patient with me here and with us at Story Empire until we get this figured out.
I’m really, really sorry. And thanks for commenting on Mae’s post. You’ll love the book when you read it. It’s so good!
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Reblogged this on From the Pen of Mae Clair and commented:
Do you believe in curses? I’m over at Staci Troilo’s blog today discussing how an ancient curse is tied to the town of Point Pleasant, West Virginia, and the urban legend of the Mothman. It’s all part of the background incorporated into my latest release, A Desolate Hour.
Staci is a wonderful blogger, fantastic author, and is always ready to support others. She’s also an exceptional critique partner to yours truly 🙂
If you haven’t already clicked the “follow” button on her blog, I highly recommend a click!
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Well, thanks, Mae. What a lovely thing to say! Much appreciated.
And, more importantly, I’m thrilled you’re here today!
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Staci, thanks for hosting me today and helping me spread the word about A Desolate Hour. The Mothman and I are both delighted to visit your wonderful blog 🙂
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Happy to do it. You (and the Mothman or any other cryptid or paranormal entity) are always welcome here.
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I am SO looking forward to getting back to Mothman, and being introduced to Chief Cornstalk. Great post, Mae! Thanks, Staci! 🙂
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I really enjoyed the book. And the series. I know you’ll love it, Marcia.
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Thanks so much for visiting, Marcia. When I first started exploring the legend of the Mothman, I had no idea everything tied back to Cornstalk’s curse.It was interesting researching, especially given all that Cornstalk accomplished prior to his tragic death. My husband and I visited the memorial where he is buried in Point Pleasant. There is so much history and folklore in that tiny town!
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So excited to tear into this one.
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I loved it, Craig. I’m sure you will, too.
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Thank you, Craig. The Mothman and I hope you enjoy the conclusion of his story 🙂
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A lovely guest post with Mae. I bought A cold tomorrow yesterday but now I see that A thousand yesteryears is the first book so I will dash back to Amazon and get that one too.
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You won’t be disappointed. It’s a great series.
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Thank you so much, Robbie! I really enjoyed writing these stories, especially as they contain a good deal of historical fact mixed in with my fiction and the folklore. Your interest in the series is soooo appreciated. Enjoy! 🙂
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Are curses real? I can’t say for sure, but tragedy does seem drawn to some places or people too frequently to be mere coincidence.
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The first novel I wrote was set in a “cursed” town. I’m with you; I don’t know if curses exist or not, but some people, places, and things seem to be magnets for tragedy.
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I agree with those thoughts, Jess. Although Cornstalk’s curse is part of folklore, there’s no denying the town of Point Pleasant has suffered one tragedy after another, along with numerous spats of bizarre occurrences. When I was researching this post, it’s amazing how many curses kept cropping up over and over again, especially a number tied to people and objects.
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There’s definitely something hovering over that town 😳
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Reblogged this on Author Don Massenzio and commented:
Check out this guest post by author Mae Clair as she appears on Staci Troilo’s blog
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Thanks for sharing, Don. 🙂
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You’re welcome.
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Thanks, Don. You’re always so generous with your blog space! 🙂
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You’re welcome.
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