Debbie Delung has released a captivating novella inspired by her experiences at The Windsor, a historic hotel known for its intriguing past. Delung’s connection to the venue deepened after she moved to the area following the death of her father, seeking to be closer to her mother. A poignant memory of her grandmother’s Gardenia perfume served as a catalyst for her storytelling, evoking feelings of nostalgia and spirituality.
During her frequent visits to The Windsor, Delung engaged in conversations with staff and guests, many of whom shared chilling accounts of ghostly encounters. One guest recounted a photograph that revealed a mysterious figure appearing behind them, despite no one being present at the time the picture was taken. These stories, combined with her exploration of The Windsor’s “paranormal” notebook, which documents various unusual occurrences, fueled Delung’s creativity.
Ghostly Inspirations Spark Creativity
Among the many individuals Delung met was a housekeeper who had recently relocated from Atlanta. This housekeeper shared her own unsettling experiences, including an incident in which she felt a presence rush past her while cleaning. Delung found these narratives both captivating and inspiring, particularly one tale of a woman who met a tragic fate in the hotel’s past—pushed down an elevator shaft by her lover during a dispute in 1900.
Drawing on this historical account, Delung crafted a narrative that parallels the original tragedy, keeping readers guessing about the fate of her protagonist until the final pages. She describes her novella as “a mesmerizing ghost story about love, resilience, and the echoes of the past that can shape our present.”
Local Artisan Contributes Unique Artwork
The novella’s cover features a distinctive design by local artisan Greg Montague, who created a laser etching in glass representing The Windsor. This artistic collaboration adds an additional layer of local flavor to Delung’s work, further connecting the story to its setting.
As readers delve into Delung’s novella, they will encounter a tale that intertwines personal memories with historical intrigue, exploring how the past can resonate through time. The release of this novella not only highlights Delung’s literary talent but also serves as a reminder of the rich stories that can emerge from places steeped in history.
