Vernon Oickle is an award-winning journalist and editor.   He is also the author of several books. When we chatted at his home in Liverpool, I asked him about the 27 books he has written.  Imagine my blush when he gently corrected me.  He had written 33 books, not 27.  He smiled as I apologized, and told him I was happy to be corrected.  33 Books is no small feat! 

We talked about how many of his books focus on the heritage, stories and culture of Atlantic Canada.   Some of his best-selling books include Ghost Stories of the Maritimes, Ghost Stories of Nova Scotia,  the Nova Scotia Outstanding Outhouse Reader, South Shore Facts and Folklore, The Bluenosers’ Book of Slang and Red Sky at Night. 

His latest book, Queens County: A History in Pictures,  is a collaboration with Linda Rafuse and Kathleen Stitt.  It is said a picture is worth a 1000 words.  That certainly is the case in this book.  It is a fascinating look at Queens County and its people, over time, through historical photos.

Fortunately, finding the material for this book was not a challenge due to the rich collection of the Queens County Historical Society.  Since 1929, the Queens County Historical Society has been collecting photographs of the people, industry, landscapes and events of Queens County.  To date, the collection contains more than 40,000 photographs and thousands of artifacts.  I noted that the challenge had to have been narrowing down the pictures! He agreed.

Oh yes! 40000 photographs are a lot of photographs!  Without the work of Kathleen and Linda this book would probably still not be ready.  They painstakingly curated each photo for the book based on a specific criteria. It was important to us, as we pared photos down, that each was a reflection of one, or several of the criteria.  Queens County- culture, its people, industries, businesses and diverse areas of the County.  Also we looked for specific news events and famous people.  A couple of note are the photos of the great Tiger Warrington and Babe Ruth! 

We talked about publishing.  About how important creativity is in many aspects of writing and being published. 

I self-published my first two books and that was a huge effort!  Figuring out what to do, and making it all come together, took a lot of creativity.  Most people don’t understand what goes into being an author, never mind self publishing! You are doing every job.  I am glad I did it and I am also glad I now work with a publisher.  At the end of the day I want to write. I love it!  Both fiction and non fiction. There is creativity in both styles.  Ideas come to me and I have a lot of books in me.  They are just there. Like my Crow series.  I started with One Crow Sorrow.   The most recent, 4 books later, is  Five Crows Silver.  

He went on to say that the next book in the series, Six Crows Gold, is in the works.

Over the years, and through several books on the subject, Vernon has established himself as a go-to person for legends and ghost stories. He has a passion for stories and describes himself as a collector.

My wife Nancy says I can go to a party and have each person’s life story by the end of the night.  That is partially from 33 years as a journalist.  Also being a good talker and listener. My favourite thing about being a journalist was writing about interesting people.  Taking the time to learn  their stories. Listening as they share their superstitions, legends, or oral histories about families and communities.  Fascinating stories.  I have learned a lot of ghost stories and I am always adding more. I consider myself a collector.

This time of year Vernon is often invited to share his vast collection of ghost stories at in-person appearances.  Due to the pandemic restrictions,  many of these personal appearances have been cancelled or postponed.  But he looks forward to doing a few he has still on the books.

People love to hear about superstitions,  ghost stories and spooky legends.  My mother and grandmother were very superstitious so I know many.  Some people say they are not superstitious at all.  But I have come to know that many of us are, if only a little bit.  Especially when breaking a mirror or deciding whether to walk under a ladder.

I asked him what advice he can share about writing.  After 33 years as a journalist and 33 books, he is qualified to answer.  Not to mention that in addition to a long list of newspaper awards and honours, in 2012 he received the Queen Elizabeth II, Diamond Jubilee Medal, recognizing his contributions to his community, province and country. In 2015 he received a Distinguished Alumni Award (Community Leader) from Lethbridge College.  This spring he was one he was inducted into the Atlantic Journalism Awards Hall of Fame for 2020.

I will tell you what I tell everyone.  If you want to become  good at anything. You have to practice.  Want to be any kind of artist? You have to do the art.  Want to be a painter? Paint.  Same with writing.  Want to be a writer? Write!  The more you write, the better you will be. 

I’m currently enjoying my autographed copy of Queens County: A History in Pictures.  Next,  I think I am going to pick up one of the Ghost Stories series to set the Halloween mood. 

Do you like to read spooky books this time of year? Or any time of year?  Drop me a line and tell me your favourite one! 

You can find these books in local book stores or online where you usually buy your books. Or contact Vernon Oickle directly at vernon.l.oickle@eastlink.ca.