How to Visit a Ghost Town in Arizona

You can visit an Arizona ghost town and come back with a sense of history and possibly something else: voice recordings from ghosts. Each Arizona ghost town represented opportunities for settlers during its heyday. For you, they represent not just a writing opportunity, but also an opportunity to explore the paranormal.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Explore the Internet for information about Arizona ghost towns. Go to websites with information about Arizona ghost towns. A list of towns open to visitors should be available. Click on one of the ghost towns listed and get its basic information. Do further Internet research on these towns' histories.
2. Access websites explaining electronic voice phenomenon. This will help you learn how to best record the ghost voices that may be present. Many ghost-related stories are about ghosts who stay near old sites, old buildings, battle fields, etc. Ghost towns are ripe for people wanting to break into recording ghost voices as a hobby or as a profession.
3. Look for travel-related magazines that publish stories on ghost town visits. Look to the travel section of foreign newspapers and publications. Read their travel sections to determine the feel and style editors prefer in articles for these publications. Contact these editors, letting them know that you're planning a visit to a few Arizona ghost towns. Query your story to determine their interest.
4. Get editor approval to do a story via email. Write for as many travel publications as you can. Let managers of area hotels and motels you will be staying at know you are working on a piece for publication about the local ghost town, motels and other Arizona related topics. You may receive a discount or get a complimentary stay as a result.
5. Arrange round-trip airline tickets. Pack a week before your trip, as you don't want to wait until the night before your Arizona trip. Reserve that night for a full night's rest.
6. Keep a journal during your visit. Take pictures of old buildings. Break out your recording equipment and start recording. Walk around the town and follow your gut, primal feelings. When you "feel" that the situation is right, ask a question, then pause for a bit and let your recording record.
7. Write your articles and develop your photographs after your Arizona ghost town visit. Submit these articles and photos to the editors that gave you the green light to write your articles. Consult with professional ghost voice recorders and have them process your tapes.