question for the paranormal buffs

[Michael24]

I'm in the beginning stages of developing a story about a haunted house and would like to know if there are any good books out there that sort of detail the process ghost hunters go through to investigate a house: equipment, methods, things like that. I kinda know the basics from having seen various movies, but I'd like to know a little more in-depth about it.

Also, any books that have documentation on hauntings from over the years? I guess sort of like a "who's who"-type chronicle of various hauting encounters and such.

Thanks. :)

[Delia]

That show T.A.P.S is a goldmine. I think it's still on the sci fi channel. They talk about the tech, and you see it all in action.

Of course, most of it's just dust, lol.

[Dr.Pepper]

I know that one thing you need to bring is a camera and don't be afraid to use it. As for books you can read try looking at the library. I am sure there will at least be a few.

[mookie75]

If you've never read The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson, I highly recommend it. It won't help a whole lot with the methods and equipment used by ghost hunters (although the whole premise revolves around a scientist who wishes to "study" the house), but it might give you some ideas about how to establish the mood for the scenes that focus on the supernatural. That book creates the perfect mood which is impressive since you really don't see much, very few things are explained, and all the while it restrains itself from going over the top.

I'd also recommend the old black and white version of the movie because that is also excellent (and a pretty faithful adaptation to boot).

[purplehairedwonder]

That show T.A.P.S is a goldmine. I think it's still on the sci fi channel. They talk about the tech, and you see it all in action.

Of course, most of it's just dust, lol.The show is Ghost Hunters, the company is T.A.P.S., and yes, it is on Sci-Fi every week. New episodes premiere in a few weeks, I think.

What? I <3 that show.

>.>

[Squall]

Just check out these three websites:

http://www.theshadowlands.net/

http://www.unexplained-mysteries.com/

http://paranormal.about.com/od/paranormalgeneralinfo/a/top25.htm

This alone will give you more information than you could possibly ever need to write a good story. ;) BTW, my favorite kind of paranormal story is the kind that begins in vintage "X-Files" fashion: An event associated with everyday, normal life is dramatically interrupted by something rare, and paranormal. Then the rest of the story is spent on unraveling the mytery. :cool:

[Baltofan]

The book Mothman and Other Curious Encounters.