Book resembles "A Christmas Carol" with ghostly Appalachian backdrop

CHAPMANVILLE, W.Va. - Pour yourself a mug of hot cocoa, wrap your favorite blanket around you, and brace yourself for ghostly stories and strange encounters that take place in the shadows of snowy hilltops or along icy mountain trails.

This week, Woodland Press has announced the release of a new book title as the chilly winter season approaches. The book, entitled, "Appalachian Winter Hauntings," includes eleven chilling accounts—penned by many of the preeminent storytellers in the business—that are appropriate to the Appalachian region and relative to the heart of the holiday season.

"This anthology is designed for cozying up close to a blazing fireplace on the coldest of winter nights," said Charles Tinder, spokesperson for Woodland Press, an independent book publishing company, located in Chapmanville, WV. "The stories are gritty, moving, and sometimes sentimental. Think Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol turned up a notch with a ghostly Appalachian backdrop."

When organizing the writers for this volume, Woodland Press, along with editors Michael Knost and Mark Justice, wanted to seek stories and tales that did not disrespect or alter the religious aspects of the holiday season. Instead, the stories, although having a distinct ghostly theme, are of a family-friendly nature. Contributors include: Ronald Kelly, Brian J. Hatcher, Patricia Hughes, Steve Vernon, S. Clayton Rhodes, Steve Rasnic Tem, Sara J. Larson, Scott Nicholson, J.G. Faherty. EmmaLee Pallai, and Elizabeth Massie.

"It is especially satisfying to orchestrate such a project—with such a high caliber of writers involved—that brings positive attention to our state and the Appalachian region," Tinder added. "It is a very unique book."

For additional information about this title, see woodlandpress.com or amazon.com.