Author David Dominé has stories to tell. Whether it’s forgotten facts about Louisville or a ghost story that makes the hair on the back of your neck rise, David is ready. “Most of my books have Kentucky connections in some form or another, and Louisville offers a never-ending source of stories and inspiration,” David says. With books like True Ghost Stories and Eerie Legends from America’s Most Haunted Neighborhood, David’s enthralling storytelling style and attention to settings hooks readers immediately.
Captivated by the beautiful old Victorian houses, David fell in love with Old Louisville after moving here in 1993. “I love old houses, because each place has a story,” David says. He eventually purchased a home on Third Street that was supposedly haunted. “I’m fascinated by the paranormal, and I bought this house but ignored the previous owner’s warning,” David says. And like any good ghost story, that’s when the weirdness began.
During David’s last walkthrough of his new home, the owner told him about Lucy— a poltergeist that teased pets and walked through the house during the night. Along with those eerie warnings, David was told: “Whatever you do, don’t hang a picture on this wall, because Lucy hates pictures there. She’ll knock them down.” David acknowledged her story, but goes on to say, “…and what was the first thing we did, hung a painting on that wall.” By the end of the day, David remembers, it was on the ground, broken.
“We tried seven different times, and we could never have a picture there, and we finally gave up,” David says. Falling paintings and midnight footfalls were all part of David’s experience, and even though he still remains skeptical, he’s the first to admit he loves a ghost story. “What I discovered is you don’t need to believe in ghosts to enjoy a good ghost story.”
What do you love about writing?
When a story takes shape and I follow where it leads—I love that process. Yes, it’s very solitary sometimes, but I love when the work is done, and there’s something complete. I like the maxim: You write the book that you’d like to read. I crack myself up a lot when I write, and that openness resonates. If you can educate or shine a light on something you think is worthwhile, that’s really interesting, too.
What’s one little-known fun fact about Louisville?
I love the fact that Louisville has this wonderful disco ball history and tradition. When the HBO documentary based on my book A Dark Room in Glitter Ball City came out, the history of Louisville’s connection was a surprise to many. Omega National Products is here and they claim to have made like 90% of the disco balls at the height of the world’s disco craze, and it was a Kentuckian who first patented the myriad reflector in 1917. And the fact that we’re the birthplace of the Happy Birthday song—I just love stuff like that.
What’s your favorite book?
That’s such a hard question, but when I was young it used to be Charlotte’s Web. It’s always been a favorite because that’s the first time I remember understanding the power of reading and how it had an emotional impact on a person. I love Charlotte’s Web even to this day.
What’s your favorite hobby?
Well, traveling. And I discovered when I’m traveling, I’m twice as productive when it comes to writing. I go to Mexico a lot, and when I was younger, I studied abroad and lived in other places before I came to Louisville. I was in Austria for five years, and in Germany for a year. I really love traveling and languages.
What’s your favorite meal?
I don’t think I have a favorite meal, but I do love regional or local cuisine—anything with a story behind it.
What inspires you?
Again traveling—seeing the world and it doesn’t have to be exotic locations. I love off the beaten path things. I’m always looking for quirky, obscure stories, things people don’t know about— there’s so much out there.
What’s one thing you can’t get the hang of?
Anything to do with cars. I couldn’t change a flat tire to save my life. So, anything car-related, just forget about it.
What do you love to do during the weekend?
When I get up early and have coffee at home. When I’m in my zone—I find it more enjoyable the older I get.
By Tonilyn Hornung | Photo submitted
P.S. You may be interested in these events, one including David Dominé.
Leave a Reply