I’m a stereotypical Ohioan, which means I’m obsessed with Halloween, I’ll talk to pretty much anyone anywhere at any time, I love freakish weather, and, predictably, I’m no longer an Ohio resident. I’ve settled in London after stints in San Francisco (with a front-row seat for the dotcom boom and bust) and Toronto (baby steps for moving to the U.K.), and I still miss pretty much every place I’ve ever lived along the way (plus the famous haunted house I never really got to live in). I traded corporate life for the flexibility of freelancing while my kids were tiny and I’ve never looked back.
These days I’m a freelance writer and editor, working on projects ranging from morning news emails to cookbooks to video game dialogue — though I don’t want to go all LinkedIn on a personal bio. If I had to pick one area of expertise to try to win $1 million on a game show, I’d pick the AP style guide.
I also write young adult and middle grade novels. While I’ve been writing all my life and I’ve completed four YA/MG manuscripts (plus a few for grown-ups and another dozen or so in various stages of editing) I’m just beginning my agent search in 2023. Until recently I felt I was still learning my craft because each new book I wrote seemed to teach me a new lesson about writing. But after a variety of creative writing classes and critique groups — and now that my kids are a little older and more independent — I finally feel like I have the time and experience to devote to a writing career.
michelle heimburger 
Hello Michelle,
My name is Abe Papadakis and I live in Cleveland, Ohio. This is where I was born and raised. I am looking for someone that I think is you. Are you the former owner of Franklin Castle on Franklin Ave?
If so, I’d enjoy hearing whatever you are willing to share about your experiences with being the owner.
Best regards,
Abe
hi Abe,
Yes, that’s me. I’ve been considering writing something about my experiences there. Quite a lot has been written about the history of the house and the various (mostly ludicrous) ghost stories associated with it, but I have wondered if people would be interested in someone’s personal reactions to the house and experiences in it. Maybe one of these days I’ll put some more work into my memories of my time there. I’ll let you know if I do!
Michelle
Michelle,
I think a book would be great, especially because there are so many outlandish stories and it becomes so hard to find accurate information. I think something coming straight from you, the former homeowner would get a lot of positive feedback. I must admit that although I am not much of a believer in ghosts, I have always taken great interest in history and folklore.
In fact, I am very happy I found your blog, as I am also interested in hearing what you have to say about the castle. I’ve been drawn to it ever since I was 11 when I saw the news reporting the fire…Is it possible you could send me an email so I could explain a bit more? I’d really love to hear from you!
All the best!
Abe – This is George from Meadville, PA. Do you remember me? Send me a message on Facebook to confirm….
Hi Michelle,
It’s almost Halloween! Please let us know if you have had any experiences with the house during your time there. Also, did you sell it? Do you own it? What is happening with the house today? Any information would be great.
Thanks,
Damian
So sorry I’ve been absent! I sold the house a few years ago and have not been in contact with the new owner recently. Last I saw she has a Facebook page, but I don’t know how often she updates it.
I belong to a paranormal group that is interested in doing an investigation. I would like to contact the current owner of Franklin Castle, would you be able to give me some information? I left my email below. It would really be appreciated!
Michelle,
Also…read the post about your dad and want to comment. I think death is mankind’s biggest paradox in that we’ve always tried to escape it, not think about, have fear of it, and think that it’s the end. Actually, it’s the beginning and I believe it is the best thing that can (naturally) happen to any of us.
Sincerely,
Damian