John Hallock didn’t specialise in ghost stories. But they seemed to specialise in him. His very first fiction was a ghost story. John worked as a book- keeper in a lumber company to earn a living. However, writing gave him some additional income that helped him to pay for the landlord or the grocer. Jenkins asked him to write another ghost story. This time he wanted something really sensational and full of horror. Something that the public wants. John couldn’t contradict Jenkins as his magazine had been the only one to print his stuff.
John was not particularly gifted for writing ghost stories. He just managed to write them. Even he didn’t know how and why. Sometimes he had to chase inspiration for months. Even, Helen, the ghost undermined John’s ability to write a ghost story.
John’s creative inspiration as a writer of ghost story has strange links with Helen, the ghost. After Lavinia threatened to leave him, John felt that the end of his domestic bliss and peace had come nearer. However, the encounter of Helen and Lavinia proved a blessing in disguise. Lavinia was now sure that a very unattractive ghost like Helen posed no danger to her. He not only got the love of his estranged wife but also the best plot for writing a ghost story again.
