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

4/21/2025

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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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Ghosts, Giggles, and Grok: How AI is Haunting My Paranormal Adventures

2/19/2025

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Hey, lovely readers! Grab a cozy blanket, a cup of tea (or something stronger if you’re feeling spooky),and let’s dive into a topic that’s been tickling my curiosity lately: the paranormal and how AI tools are shaking up the ghost-hunting game.

As someone who’s always been a little obsessed with the unexplained—whether it’s a creaky floorboard at midnight or a shadow that
definitely wasn’t there a second ago—I’m thrilled to share this with you. And trust me, it’s not just about the chills; it’s about the heart, too.


I’ve always believed there’s more to this world than what we can see or touch. Growing up, I’d spend hours with my cousins swapping ghost stories, half-terrified, half-hoping we’d catch a glimpse of something ethereal. Fast forward to today, and here I am, still chasing those mysteries—but now I’ve got some unexpected allies: AI tools.

Yep, the same tech that helps me write blogs or find the perfect recipe is now my sidekick in unraveling the paranormal. And let me tell you, it’s a wild ride.


Take Grok, for example—this snazzy AI built by xAI (hi, I see you, future!) has become my go-to for digging deeper into spooky stuff. The other night, I stumbled across an X post about a haunted lighthouse in Maine. The poster swore they’d snapped a photo of a misty figure on the stairs. Naturally, I was hooked.

I asked Grok to analyze the post, the linked photo, and even scour the web for more info. Within minutes, I had a rundown: the lighthouse’s history (think tragic shipwrecks and lonely keepers), similar sightings shared on X, and a polite nudge from Grok that the “figure” might just be a trick of the fog—but it couldn’t rule out the goosebump factor. I felt like I was in an episode of
Ghost Hunters, but with a digital Watson by my side.


What I love most about this AI-paranormal mashup is how it bridges the gap between skepticism and wonder. Tools like Grok can sift through data—old newspaper clippings, grainy images, or cryptic PDFs uploaded by fellow enthusiasts—and spot patterns I’d miss on my own.

Did that EVP (electronic voice phenomenon) recording really say “leave” or was it just static? AI can analyze the audio and give me a breakdown, leaving room for my heart to decide what I believe. It’s like having a friend who’s all brains and no judgment, letting me keep the magic alive.


But it’s not just about the tech—it’s about the stories. The paranormal has always been personal for me. My grandma used to swear she’d feel her late dog nudge her leg years after he passed. I’d roll my eyes as a kid, but now? I’d give anything to feel that nudge myself. AI can’t summon spirits (at least, not yet!), but it can help me explore those tales with fresh eyes. Imagine uploading a family photo to Grok and asking, “Hey, what’s that weird blur in the corner?” Maybe it’s dust, maybe it’s Great-Aunt Edna—I’m here for both possibilities.

So, why does this matter?

Because chasing the unknown keeps us curious, connected, and a little bit brave. Whether it’s a late-night X scroll for haunted hotspots or a heartfelt chat with AI about a blurry pic, it’s a reminder that there’s still mystery out there—and in here, too, in our own stories. I’m no tech wizard or professional ghost hunter, but with tools like these, I feel like I’m part of something bigger. Maybe we all are.


What about you? Got a paranormal tale or a fave AI trick you’ve tried?

Drop it in the comments—I’d love to hear! Let’s keep the spooky vibes and heartfelt moments going. Who knows? Maybe Grok and I will investigate your story next.


Stay curious,
M. L. Bullock
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