Susan Kronick, Interview by Michelle M. Pillow (Originally published in Paranormal Underground Magazine)

Susan Kronick, Interview
Michelle M. Pillow, www.michellepillow.com

Author Susan Kronick is not new to researching the paranormal. With a Ph.D. in Paranormal Studies/Psychology, she works as a psychology professor at Palm Beach State College and Barry University, as well as being a psychic and a medium in South Florida. Her new book, “Sarah, They’re Coming For You” released in eBook September 21, 2010 from wildchildpublishing.com and can be purchased online.

Thank you, Susan, for joining us!

* * * *

Q: In your book, Sarah, They’re Coming For You, you delve into the world of haunting and the afterlife. What inspired you to write about this?

Susan:Sarah is inspired by actual events from my own life. Having the ability to see spirits since childhood, I have been fortunate to have had many such visits which included some of my deceased relatives. I have also had experiences with not so friendly spirits and entities over the years. I melded my ghostly encounters with having traced my maternal grandmother’s family history back to Austria, then the storyline fell into place.

Q: Can you tell us a little about the book? Did you base your story off of personal experiences, or known myths throughout history?

Susan:The main character is Sarah, a psychology professor with the ability to communicate with spirits. Throughout her life she has been tormented by the restless spirits of the dead who are not at peace. The only way Sarah can end her haunting is to make the journey from her home in south Florida to her family’s ancestral castle in the tiny Alpine town of Meiningen, Austria. Along the way she encounters many eclectic travel companions who accompany her to the fortress. The unexpected discovery of her great great great great grandfather’s diary begun in year 1818, explains the origin of the family’s battle with the rogue ghosts. Sarah must face the ghouls at the castle head on or lose her soul forever. The book is based on many real life experiences I have encountered. I am a psychology professor, as well as a medium, and have researched my family genealogy back to Austria.

Q: You have a Ph.D. in Paranormal Studies/Psychology from Union Institute and Graduate School. How did you get into studying the paranormal? Do you believe in the supernatural? Or are you a skeptic?

Susan:Having the abilities of both a psychic and a medium since childhood, I was both fascinated and confused by the paranormal events I experienced and took to be normal. I always sought to understand the phenomena scientifically. Earning a Master’s Degree in Psychology and a Ph.D. in Paranormal Studies/Psychology has given me the training as a scientist which provides another perspective for investigation of supernatural phenomena.

Q: Do you have an area of concentration that you’re particularly interested in?

Susan: I am fascinated by the different types of haunting that occur, such as a residual haunting as compared to a genuine spirit. I am intrigued by precognition, having made many accurate predictions over the years, as well as having been on the receiving end of some. I am interested in retro time travel, and the concept of time warps. Having studied quantum physics, we come closer to discovering a scientific explanation for many supernatural occurrences.

Q: You mentioned you have extensive experience in the investigations of hauntings and the paranormal. Do you investigate haunting with a team?

Susan:If I am investigating for a friend or acquaintance, I initially check out the situation by myself, but if I detect some phenomenon will return with another medium to validate or dismiss my initial findings. In the case of an investigation for a client, or if there is a reporter or camera crew in tow, I always bring an assistant. I usually have an assistant who is also a medium and I assume the role as a scientific investigator, ruling out all possible psychological and/or natural occurrences for the phenomena. However, my own abilities as a medium are an additional advantage. If there are genuine paranormal events going on, I can collaborate.

Q: I recently went on my first paranormal investigation (after a ton of research of course) and loved it. What advice do you have for new investigators or those interested in studying the paranormal?

Susan:Keep an open mind. Do not assume every situation is indeed paranormal. Once it has been determined there is paranormal activity, be sure to accurately document the phenomena. All witnesses to the events should be interviewed separately and out of earshot of the other witnesses, to rule out collaboration or suggestions among the witnesses. Also, if there is more than one medium they should each walk the premises separately before comparing notes to ensure independent fact-finding.

Q: Why do you think readers, and society in general, are fascinated by the paranormal?

Susan:Much of our culture is so grounded in conscious reality. Many believe what we are capable of seeing with our eyes is all there is. This is particularly true of those not blessed with the gift of seeing spirits. Regarding life after death, we want to believe there is something that awaits us after our demise, hopefully a reunion with our loved ones (including beloved pets) who passed on before us. I believe the fascination with the paranormal comes with the exposure to such events, which cannot be disputed and provides evidence that such phenomena exists.

Q: What are your favorite paranormal shows, movies and books?

Susan:I love the original Poltergeist movie, also a made for television movie called The Two Worlds of Jenny Logan with Lindsey Wagner, TV shows Ghost Whisperer, Medium, and Paranormal State. My favorite book Time and Again by Jack Finney, and The Fortune Teller’s Daughter by Susan Wilson.

Q: Have you ever had a paranormal experience?

Susan:I am blessed with both psychic and mediumship abilities since childhood. Throughout my entire life I have experienced countless paranormal experiences! As a psychic I have accurately predicted countless events over the years, both happy and sad. As a medium I have investigated many a haunting, as well as communicated with many spirits. One of the coolest experiences was at my own wedding. Two of my psychic friends attending the event, who did not know each other, both informed me on separate occasions they saw my late mother in a blue-gray dress walking down the aisle during the ceremony!

Q: What kind of paranormal creatures do you wish you could meet?

Susan:Elves and fairies!! They are just so darned cute!

Q: If given the chance, would you become a vampire or werewolf?

Susan:No. Vampires creep me out! Werewolves are adorable, but I don’t want to morph into a werewolf. One of my rescued dogs, Pudgey looks like a baby werewolf…although he claims to be a schnauzer, he has the low sloped forehead like one!

Q: How would you react if you came face to face with a ghost?

Susan: I come into contact with ghosts all the time! I am always fascinated by the experience. Every ghost has a story, even if they are just saying ‘hello.’

Q: What does the future hold for your writing?

Susan:I have started a second novel The House on Gingerwood Lane, an old Victorian house which has the ability to transport its occupants back to the year 1892.

Q: Have you ever been to a psychic and/or a past life regression? What did they predict for you?

Susan:Most of my friends are psychic. My husband was described to me many years before I met him. I was also told I was the reincarnation of my great great great grandmother Dora!

To learn more about Susan and her work, visit http://susankronick.webs.com/ Interview by Michelle M. Pillow, www.michellepillow.com