How I Met My Ghost

Readers of my Issy Castillo murder mystery series ask me how I came up with my paranormal character, Doña Isabella, Issy’s ancestor and spirit guide. I did not invent her; she co-opted me! I’m dividing this post into several short sections so I don’t overwhelm you with info.

Part 1 One night a few years ago I awoke around 3:00 to the sound of persistent drumming. I went to my bedroom window and saw an old Indian man with a white braid sitting cross-legged down in the driveway hammering away on drums. Around him, an equally elderly Indian woman danced a spiral dance. The expressions on both faces was very serious, not at all cheerful.

I called to my husband who said, “Come back to bed; you’re dreaming.” I wasn’t dreaming or hallucinating, but I did go back to bed, and soon the drumming stopped. I put the incident out of my mind. (More in my next post.)