Today, I welcome onto my blog, author Rachel Poli for an interview about her upcoming new book, Apparitions Anonymous.

Q01 How did you come up with your book’s title?

It was completely by accident. The idea of The Grim Reaper helping souls cross over through therapy-like sessions was a random thought I had one day. It reminded me of those help groups, like Alcoholics Anonymous.

I joked about it being called “Spirits Anonymous” or “Ghosts Anonymous” but it didn’t have the same ring to it. And, of course, I love alliteration. So, I went onto Word Hippo and looked up synonyms for “ghosts” and Apparitions Anonymous was born.

Q02 Was there a moment when you didn’t think this book would get completed?

Yes, but only because I thought about releasing Apparitions Anonymous differently. At first, I wrote these stories for myself and for fun. It was never supposed to turn into a book. However, I’ve always wanted to create my own video game. I love visual novels and thought Apparitions Anonymous would be a great game idea where you play as The Grim Reaper.

I went back to school to get a certificate in video game writing, using Apparitions Anonymous as my portfolio piece. As with everything else in life, I realized that creating video games is a ton of work, sucks up a lot of time, and costs a lot. I knew it would, but I didn’t realize how the industry works until taking these courses.

I still hope to turn these stories into a visual novel game at some point, but for now, since I already had the stories written, I figured I might as well compile them together in a book.

Q03 What has been your favourite part of writing/creating this book?

Getting it all out of my system! Seriously, I didn’t know I had these kinds of thoughts in me. Some stories fell flat, and I needed to fluff them up a bit, but for the most part, these stories share wonderful messages about life and love.

Are they good lessons to learn? I’m not sure, but I do hope something in this book will resonate with my readers.

Q04 What inspired you to write this story collection?

Mostly my fascination with death and ghosts. I don’t know why I’m fascinated by it or when the interest started, but I wanted to explore the unknown in a unique way. I wanted to answer the question, “What happens when we die?” in a way that gets people thinking not just about death but also about the way they live their lives. It’s all fictional, of course, because no one knows what happens when we die. Do I really think we’ll all meet the Grim Reaper and meet them for a therapy session? Not necessarily, but that’s the beauty of the unknown; possibilities are endless.

My other inspiration, or I guess what kept me going, was what happened in my real life at the time writing these stories. Before writing Apparitions Anonymous, my grandfather passed away, and I lost my grandmother to dementia. During the writing process, my aunt unexpectedly passed away. Less than three weeks before the book launched, we said goodbye to one of our dogs. You don’t know what each day will bring to the table. You don’t know what turn life is going to take.

What happened to my family during those 14 months inspired me to keep writing these stories because it was good for me to do. Despite them being fictional people and scenarios (aside from the two parts based on my grandfather and grandmother), they helped me process grief differently. The stories were cathartic to write, allowing me to wonder where my loved ones may be right now. It helped me recognize that they’re okay, my family is okay, and that I am okay.

Q05 How long did it take you to write Apparitions Anonymous?

About a year, believe it or not. And yes, I’m aware this book is much shorter than my usual work! Still, this is the fastest I’ve ever written a book without getting burnt out with it.

To be honest, I can’t remember the exact time I started writing it, but I want to say it was autumn 2023. I wrote one story to post on my blog for Short Story Sunday, and then the ideas for more stories spiraled, and I kept writing.

Q06 This is a collection of short stories, which is your favourite and why?

This is a tough question to answer. Each story is broken into four parts, and I have certain parts that I absolutely love. However, speaking of each story as a whole, I think I have to go with group two. The three souls don’t seem like they mesh well until they reach the group session with each other. I appreciate the message of group two and it ends full circle, which was completely by accident.

When proofreading the book, I actually didn’t like how group two ended. The session was abrupt, and it felt empty. So, I changed one line and then an idea hit me and the conversation between the three souls continued.

The main message of group two is all about inspiration and I’m happy with how it turned out. I think it’s an important message for everyone to know and recognize about themselves and I hope my readers will learn something from it.

I also have a soft spot for group four because it’s the “climax” of sorts. Those souls get the Grim Reaper thinking, which I enjoyed writing.

Q07 How different was this from what you normally write?

Oh, this is different in so many ways. One, I didn’t think my second book would be another collection of shorts. Two, every short story is broken into four parts. So, it’s not like each story has the typical consecutive beginning, middle, and end.

Finally, I embraced my writing voice and style. I know every author has a unique voice and style, but I’ve always tried to make my writing sound more like what the industry wants.

As someone who doesn’t picture things in my head, Apparitions Anonymous doesn’t contain a lot of description and it’s heavier with dialogue. I allowed myself to write how I write (and comprehend words) best. I know it’s not going to be for everyone and I’m okay with that because I’m proud of it.

Q08 Do you plan on expanding this collection with a second book?

I do; surprise, surprise! It originally was going to be a standalone, but taking those video game writing courses helped me view writing overall differently.

Those courses, since I used the idea for my portfolio, helped me expand The Grim Reaper’s background and even have thoughts to add an antagonist. I also already have a couple of other stories written.

As of now, The Grim Reaper Files is a duology and I plan on keeping it that way. If it turns into a trilogy or something more, I’m in trouble.

Q09 What do you want people to know about Apparitions Anonymous?

I want people to know that it came from the heart. I realize how corny that sounds, but I put literal tears into this book. Seriously, some stories I wrote brought me to tears and I hope I can reach my readers on an emotional level.

If you read the book, even if you dislike the premise or despise my writing style, I still hope you learn something. We live in such a world where we’re always on the go, hustling, trying to keep up with society’s expectations, but there’s so much more to life.

If anything, I hope the messages in these stories help you look at life a little differently, start each day with an open mind, and don’t let the people and things that cause you happiness pass you by.

We don’t know what tomorrow will bring because, at the end of the day, we’re all still human. Except for the spirits who walk among us (because ghosts are totally real).

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About Rachel

Rachel Poli is a cozy mystery and paranormal author, writing short stories, novels, and the occasional flash fiction piece.

Her work explores the obscurities of life through themes of love, loss, and mental health. These stories unleash genuine emotions that will leave you with deep thoughts.

In her spare time, she’s usually organizing something or playing video games with a coffee in hand. She lives in New England with her zoo.

Website | Instagram | Linktree |

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Apparitions Anonymous

Most people are afraid of me because I’m associated with dying. They believe I cause death and the scythe is my weapon. That I am death.

‌I don’t know how these rumors started, but I’m here to help and ensure all souls are comfortable in the Afterlife. Just because you’re dead doesn’t mean you stop living.

‌Join the Grim Reaper as they recount counseling sessions with various souls, helping them understand life, death, and life in death.

Universal Buy Link or Buy on Ko-fi (available 21st October)

Big thank you to Rachel, for joining me today on the blog.  Please wish her all the best with her new release and do take the time to check out her links above.

Happy reading