Haunting the Gulf Coast: Writing Gulf Coast Paranormal and Uncovering Southern Ghosts

Hey there, my haunted friends! It’s Monica, your resident Queen of Southern Gothic, here to share a little about my Gulf Coast Paranormal series and the eerie journey it’s taken me on. If you’ve ever felt the chill of a Gulf Coast night or heard whispers in the Spanish moss, you know this stretch of the South holds secrets—and I’ve loved every minute of exploring them through my books.

When I started writing Gulf Coast Paranormal, I wanted to dive deep into the supernatural heart of the Gulf Coast, from Mobile’s historic haunts to the lonesome beaches of Dauphin Island. The series follows a team of investigators—Midas, Sierra, Sara, Josh, and Peter—who face more than just restless spirits. In The Ghosts of Kali Oka Road, they meet Cassidy, a young artist with a strange gift, and uncover a malevolent entity at the abandoned Oak Grove Plantation. It’s a story that’s close to my heart because it lets me blend my love for history, mystery, and the paranormal into one thrilling ride.

Writing this series has been like stepping into my own ghost-hunting adventures. I’ve explored real haunted spots, like St. Vincent DePaul Cemetery in New Orleans with my friend Victoria, and wandered historic Southern homes with my pal Nicole, hoping to catch some spooky vibes. Those experiences taught me that the ghosts of the South aren’t just echoes—they’re storytellers. They linger in the creak of an old porch, the flicker of a lantern, or the scent of magnolias on a moonlit night. They’re tied to the land, to the history of slavery, war, and lost love that saturates the Gulf Coast.

One thing I’ve learned is that Southern ghosts don’t mess around. They’re not just here to haunt—they want to be heard. In Gulf Coast Paranormal, I give them a voice through characters like Cassidy, whose gift lets her see beyond the veil, much like Carrie Jo’s dream-catching in my Seven Sisters series. These unique abilities help my characters—and me—dig into the past, uncovering tragedies that refuse to stay buried. I’ve also learned that the scariest entities aren’t always ghosts. Sometimes, it’s the darkness tied to a place, like Kali Oka Road, that’ll make your skin crawl.

The Gulf Coast has taught me to listen—to the wind, to the shadows, to the stories that refuse to fade. Writing this series lets me share that magic with you, whether it’s through a chilling investigation or a quiet moment where the team realizes they’re not alone. So, if you’re ready to explore the haunted South with me, grab a copy of The Ghosts of Kali Oka Road (it’s on Freebooksy right now!) and join the hunt. Let’s uncover the ghosts of the Gulf Coast together—I promise they have plenty to say.
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What’s your favorite Southern ghost story? Drop it in the comments on my site or tag me on X @AuthorMLBullock. I can’t wait to hear what haunts you!

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