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#HistFicThursdays - Ghosts: A Brief Timeline

Macbeth Seeing the Ghost of Banquo by Théodore Chassériau  Following on from last week, I'm sticking with the topic of the supernatural and looking at the history of ghosts. I've lived in a few haunted houses over the years (you can find some of These Experiences here ), and I've found that there are few things which capture a peaked emotion or imagination quick like tales of the paranormal. So, for today's #HistFicThursdays blog, here's a story or two of real ghosts in history... Who knows, perhaps I'll be reading some of your books inspired by them in the not-too-distant future. According to historians, the oldest portrayal of a ghost is from a Babylonian tablet . As someone who loves studying stones (check out my book about the carved stones of Stempster here ), I love the vague promise of this image. According to those in the know, Babylonian ghosts existed because they suffered from a deficiency - in this case: company. Ghosts are exorcised by following the
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#HistFicThursdays - Things To Inspire - Stories and Storytelling

Can you tell a story?

It's not the same as writing a book. It's not even the same as creating a great plot. Storytelling is a totally separate skill. It is the ability to take words and bring them to life, not only for yourself, but for others. Every word must count, but it should be mesmerising rather than minimalistic.

For the past few months, I've been sharing artefacts which I have collected over years, including the box file of inspirational items, and the special objects and notebook, both of which I was given as presents. Now, I'm challenging you to do the same. Here are five objects you could include in a story...

One: A bamboo and paper parasol

Two: An enamelled snuff box

Three: An ornamental belt buckle

Four: Two gem-encrusted tigers

Five: A wicker birdcage

You can use one or all of these items as prompts. You don't have to write these tales down, but make sure that the story grips it's audience in the ancient art of storytelling. Even more brownie points if you can record yourself telling the story and share it.

Go ahead - bring a tale to life...

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