Large Fierce Mammal

New from Canada’s Master Gatherer J. R. Colombo! Go and buy it!

Back in October 2008, I finished reading a book titled The Big Book of Canadian Ghost Stories by acclaimed writer and story collector John Robert Colombo. At the end I found a note from the author that invited readers to submit stories of their own experience with the supernatural for possible inclusion in a future collection, and so I set about doing just that.

What I sent was a link to my 7 September 2008 article that chronicles my encounter with a spectral little girl in 1984. The same day he received it, Mr. Colombo sent this by e-mail:

Dear Mr. Whynacht:

You write very well, so well in fact, I wonder if I could use your account in my next collection, due next fall.

Each contributor receives a copy of the book upon publication. If you agree, could you check over the text here and let me know of any changes or corrections?

Thanks for getting in touch with me.

The text he referred to was my article with the addition of a beautifully crafted preamble. I approved it and that was that.

In early February 2010 I noticed the release of The Big Book of Canadian Hauntings had occurred the month prior, and not yet having inspected a copy, I sent an e-mail to J. R. Colombo inquiring if my story had made the final cut. As usual he replied with blinding speed:

Dear Mr. Whynacht:

Thanks for keeping in touch. The fine account of your eerie experience is scheduled to appear in the next collection. I am negotiating with the publisher for its appearance, now. Initially, when you wrote, I thought your account had appeared in “The Big Book of Canadian Hauntings” but as I recall it arrived too late to appear there. These books are a long time in production. I’ll be in touch —

JR

Indeed he did get in touch. In yesterday’s mail I found a parcel containing his latest collection titled Jeepers Creepers, page 208 of which marks the start of my story under the title In the Dimness Was a Little Girl. While I never mind blowing my own horn – my story is pretty shit hot – the rest of the tales included in this new collection are likewise fine fare. With Hallowe’en approaching, you all need to get out and score yourselves a copy.

For more on the man titled “Canada’s Mr. Mystery”, read this interview with John Robert Colombo published on the Open Book Toronto website in late August of this year.