Sally Glass holds a copy of her new book, “Caleb’s Curse,” which is available from Chapel Hill Press.

Former Conway, S.C. resident writes book based on mother’s ghost story

Growing up in Conway, S.C. and being one of five children, Sally Glass, a self-professed dreamer with a vivid imagination, admits she always wanted to write a book. She attributes this desire to her siblings.

“They were always telling me stories, especially my older sister, Annelle,” Glass said. She read to me all the time, telling me stories. “In the back of my mind, I always wanted to write a book,” Glass continued. “I had people tell me, ‘You don’t want to write a book, you don’t know what you’re getting into. It’s too hard.’ I had a lot of people tell me that. It was discouraging, but it (the drive to write a book) always stayed with me.”

After her husband retired, she left her job with the York County South Carolina Solicitor’s office and they moved to the Blue Ridge Mountains. Even during her years working, the thought of writing a book remained in her mind. The thought remained there until action was taken three years ago.

Prior to writing the book, Glass “did a lot of painting,” focusing on painting horses. “The painting was fun and everything, but I just didn’t get the fulfillment out of it that I did from the writing,” she said.

About six years ago, Mr. and Mrs. Glass moved to Alleghany County, wanting to live in the mountains upon their retirement. “It was really funny because we weren’t really looking for anything in this part of the country and we found out about it (the area) on the Internet,” Glass said. “We came up and found property in Piney Creek and fell in love with the place. Everybody was so nice. We’ve lived here full time for six years.”

Putting the Story on Paper

Glass said she was at home one night and sitting in front of the computer, she just began writing. The process, which entailed writing, editing and receiving rejection letters, took about three years, she said. Despite the rejection letters, Glass continued to push forward, with a belief in her project and the never-ending support from family and close friends. “It was my mother’s (Hazel Spivey’s) ghost story and it really meant a lot to me,” Glass said. “She was right there with me on this. She was so supportive. I just finally said, ‘You know, she’s 80-years-old. She might not be with me much longer’ and decided to self-publish. I dedicated the book to her.

“I would call her when I had writer’s block and she would give me the inspiration to continue. Also, there is some artwork in the book by my brothers. I lost one of my brothers back in September and the other one is handicapped. I felt the need to put a part of them in the book. They both mean so much to me.”

Caleb’s Curse

“Caleb’s Curse” is a book based on a ghost story Glass’ mother told her. “It’s about a man who has a special gift. He can talk with ghosts, read minds, and call up spirits. He goes off to fight in the Civil War. When he comes back, he is a changed man. He mistreats his family, including his children and everything until the people in his town.

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