West Virginia Folklife Center Seeks Paranormal, Cryptid and Ghost Stories for New Publication

The Frank and Jane Gabor West Virginia Folklife Center at Fairmont State University, in collaboration with the paranormal podcast group the Mothboys, is seeking submissions of paranormal, supernatural, and cryptid stories for an upcoming zine. A zine is a small, independently published booklet that highlights creative and niche content, often featuring storytelling, art, and personal expression. 

Titled Traditions: The Ghost of Ruth Ann and Other Local West Virginia Lore, this publication will showcase eerie tales and folklore from contributors across the state. Selected stories may be illustrated and published. Submissions will be accepted through March 25, 2025. 

“The goal of the project is to collect and preserve new local lore from at least five West Virginia counties,” said Lydia Warren, director of the Folklife Center. “We plan to have the zine completed in July, and free copies will be available at the Folklife Center.” Copies will also be distributed to local libraries.

The idea for the zine originated when Folklife Center Founding Director Judy Byers attended the first annual Veggie Man Day, an event at the center organized by the Mothboys—Matt and Mike Schlang and Jake Haskin. Inspired by the cryptid- and paranormal-themed artwork on display, Byers suggested the next edition of the Traditions journal should focus on similar themes. 

Shortly after, at a staff meeting, Folklife Center student worker Melody Keeling reported seeing the ghost of Dr. Ruth Ann Musick at the center. Staff member Hayley Harvey then proposed creating a zine to document Keeling’s story and others like it. 

To bring the project to life, the Folklife Center enlisted the Mothboys, artist Jonathan Dodd—best known for his Sasquatch painting series—and artist Andrew Juhl, author of the Strange Days Paranormal Zine. The project is supported in part by a grant from the West Virginia Department of Arts, Culture and History. 

Submissions should be between 50 and 800 words and must take place in West Virginia. Only true, unpublished stories will be considered. Each person may submit one story. There is no fee to submit, and accepted stories will not receive payment. Submissions may be edited for length, typos and clarity, and not all submissions will be published due to space limitations. 

To submit a story, email wvfolklife@fairmontstate.edu.