Tag Archives: rehoboth beach

Magic, Folklore, and Otherworldly Encounters at the Beach!

Shell House Front CoverLooking for the perfect read for the end of beach season or a trip to your own back yard? Check out SHELL HOUSE,  the latest anthology  by Year of the Book Press with stories by members of the Mindful Writers Retreat. Print and ebook versions are available everywhere and the ebook is on sale for $0.99!

Proceeds benefit the Marine Education, Research, and Rehabilitation Institute in Lewes, DE.

Several SHELL HOUSE authors will be signing copies at Browseabout Books in Rehoboth Beach, DE on October 1, 2022 at 4PM. If you’re in town, stop by, say hi, and grab a copy!

Browseabout Books
133 Rehoboth Ave, Rehoboth Beach, DE


SHELL HOUSE is also available from:

Mystery Lovers Bookshop

Amazon – Kindle

Amazon – Paperback

Barnes & Noble – Nook

Barnes & Noble – Paperback

Kobo – eBook


Each piece in the anthology takes place at SHELL HOUSE. The famous historical home on Rehoboth Beach provides the backdrop for stories of every genre, spanning from the roaring 20’s to present day. Beach life is magical in so many ways whether you live there or stop by for a short trip. The following stories beautifully bring magic, fantasy, and science fiction to the page.

The inspiration for Stephanie Keyes’ “Wren and the Sea Captain” came from an old, black and white movie, The Ghost and Mrs. Muir. It’s one of her favorites—spooky, very romantic, with sweeping vistas and sporadic comedic moments. There was a lost, forgotten quality to that film that came back to her as she reviewed the pictures of Shell House and the sea beyond. Read her story to see just how life meets the afterlife.

When Hilary Hauck began researching the Shell House for “The Heart of the Home,” it didn’t take long for a rather cheeky little character to be born. You know the kind, those often found in folklore, the ones who steal odd socks and knit dust bunnies to spread beneath furniture. With all the mischief these folkloric characters create she began to wonder what if they’re really sending a message to pay attention? What if their real quest is to encourage people to value what they have?

Michele Zirkle’s story, “Seashells and Cockle Tales of High Magic” was inspired by her experiences. Mysterious symbols appeared in the hands of her shamanic mentor and serendipitously connected her with a group from around the world who were seeing them in their palms too. This led to an energy healing modality called Belvaspata which Michele practices and makes an interesting Shell House tale for the curious-minded reader who wants to see beyond the 3D veil.

What exactly inspired the “magic” in Madhu B. Wangu’s story “Life in the Mirror?” As she studied the Shell House, the one hundred-year-old sprawling mansion with balconies, corridors, Victorian furniture, manicured gardens, beach in the front and wilderness at the back she began to hear the haunting sounds of a sorrowful voice as if searching for itself. And she hadn’t even written the story yet! Written in a day Madhu felt as though the character, Jada, was feeding her the tale, drawing her to the mirror… There’s nothing like a beautiful mirror to draw a person in.

Denise Weaver’s “Molly’s Magic” was largely inspired by her sweet aunt and her own life in the kitchen. But Molly is so much more than a simple cook in an enormous, historic beach house. She seems to have been the Shell House cook forever… Denise’s inclination to show love through food was the impetus for Molly’s role. What if Molly somehow always made the right recipe to create just the right experience for those who are searching—searching for love, for peace, for a new beginning? The magic of a lovingly prepared meal can work wonders.

Kimberly Kurth Gray’s “A Sunday Séance at Sea” was inspired by Kim’s Aunt Evelyn Norton. Auntie Ev, with her bleached blonde hair and kitten heels, was the perfect model for the character of Linda Porter. Like Auntie, Linda is fascinated with the afterlife and spirits. Auntie could spin frightening tales, and once even moved from her home because she was convinced a loved one would make good on his promise to haunt her. When Kim began to read more on Spiritualism she found that the actress Mae West was also a believer. Who better to help the spirits move from one existence to the next? It gives a whole new meaning to, “Come up and see me sometimes,” don’t you think?

My own tale of science fiction comedy, “See You Around the Cosmos, Sweet Cheeks!” originated on a sweltering July evening while walking the Rehoboth Beach boardwalk. Dramatic lights in the night sky almost convinced me that I was witnessing experimental military crafts or even extraterrestrials. But the silent light show was nothing more than kites laden with LEDs. Nevertheless, my writer’s brain began conjuring a story idea and I ran with it all the way back to autumn of 1983 when Rehoboth was less developed and the Shell House property would have been dark and deserted on an off-season night. This tale of a cynical college student and a snarky alien takes elements from my science fiction novel in progress, which is set in Wyoming. However, when the Shell House anthology was announced, I realized that I could carve out the opening scenes and rewrite it as a beach adventure.

Ghosts, Aliens, and Bootlegging at the Beach

Shell House Front CoverLooking for the perfect read for the end of beach season or a trip to your own back yard? Check out SHELL HOUSE,  the latest anthology  by Year of the Book Press with stories by members of the Mindful Writers Retreat. Print and ebook versions are available everywhere and the ebook is on sale for $0.99!

Proceeds benefit the Marine Education, Research, and Rehabilitation Institute in Lewes, DE.

Several SHELL HOUSE authors will be signing copies at Browseabout Books in Rehoboth Beach, DE on October 1, 2022 at 4PM. If you’re in town, stop by, say hi, and grab a copy!

Browseabout Books
133 Rehoboth Ave, Rehoboth Beach, DE


SHELL HOUSE is also available from:

Mystery Lovers Bookshop

Amazon – Kindle

Amazon – Paperback

Barnes & Noble – Nook

Barnes & Noble – Paperback

Kobo – eBook


Each piece in the anthology takes place at SHELL HOUSE, a historic mansion that once stood on the border of Rehoboth and Dewey Beaches between the Atlantic Ocean and Silver Lake.

The famous site provides the backdrop for stories of every genre, from the roaring 20s to present day. There’s nothing like the beach to bring out the fun in life. Read on to see what inspired some of the more lighthearted tales in the collection. In later posts, we’ll explore some of the other tales in various genres.

“A Sunday Séance at the Sea” by Kimberly Kurth Gray was inspired by her bleach blonde, storytelling, obsessed with the afterlife, kitten heel wearing Auntie Ev. Drawing from flamboyant relatives and researching Spiritualism, Kimberly found the pieces of her Shell House story falling together in the perfect, otherworldly way. She even discovered that the actress Mae West was a believer in Spiritualism. And who better to help the spirits move from one existence to the next? It gives a whole new meaning to, “Come up and see me sometimes,” don’t you think?

Kathleen Shoop offers two lighthearted tales set nearly a century apart and connected by champagne and pineapple upside down cake! The first story, “Flora & George” was inspired by the 1920s bootlegging that sprouted up along the Delaware coast. The roaring 20s was the perfect back drop for witty banter and insta-love to bloom. The inspiration behind “Frannie & Eli” is the story of Flora and George and the illicit party that brought them together. A message in a bottle, a secret hidey hole, and a century of fabulous Shell House stories. Oh, if the walls could talk …. Sometimes they do.

Cindy Moldovan’s “Love Dawns at Shell House” was inspired by, well, love! Main character Lacey is taking an early morning stroll when she realizes that she is in love. But this fun story explores more than romance. Lacey is soon tasked with finding a way to save Shell House from demolition. Conflicts arise threatening Rehoboth’s beloved home and the guy who has captured her heart! Can love win out?

My own tale of science fiction comedy, “See You Around the Cosmos, Sweet Cheeks!” originated on a sweltering July evening while walking the Rehoboth Beach boardwalk. Dramatic lights in the night sky almost convinced me that I was witnessing experimental military crafts or extraterrestrials. But the silent light show ended up being nothing more than kites laden with LEDs. Nevertheless, my writer’s brain began conjuring a story. I took the idea and ran with it, all the way back to autumn of 1983 when Rehoboth was less developed and the Shell House property would have been dark and deserted on an off-season night. The perfect location to encounter a massive alien ship? You’ll have to read to find out!

Party at the Shell House!

Shell House Front CoverReviews are pouring in for Shell House, the latest anthology from Year of the Book Press and the Mindful Writers Retreat members.

Below are the first four reviews from our blog tour. Click on any one of the links to see the full review, read excerpts from three of the short stories, and enter to win an ebook copy of Shell House and a $50 Amazon gift card!

“I am always in awe of the Mindful Writers Retreat Authors books. The collections of short stories are a fulfilling treat that leaves you in a state of reading bliss.” – Shelly at Lynchburg Reads

“In this fourth installment of the Mindful Writers Retreat Anthology Series you will find a beautiful collection of short stories that circle around the city of Rehoboth and its famous Shell House. The authors include a bit of the history of Rehoboth and share experiences of different types of love. Stories that feature bootlegging, fantasy, science-fiction, architectural conservation, and many more to explore the ways people love. I really enjoyed these stories and the couple of recipes included! A perfect beach theme and read!” – Natalie at Mammanatty

“Shell House is the fourth installment of the Mindful Retreat Series, and I must say I am just in love with these collections.” – Melanie at It’s My Side of Life

“[Shell House] is such a fabulously different summer read…  I love the Mindful Writers Retreat series, and I adore how the theme of each book is different, yet they still invoke a lot of the same feelings. This book is outstanding and is chock full of wonderful stories.” – Sonya at Sanity Is For Those Without Children

Contributors to Shell House include: Lorraine Donohue Bonzelet, Gloria Bostic, Deborah Hetrick Catanese, Jennifer D. Diamond, Judy England-McCarthy, Phil Giunta, Kimberly Kurth Gray, Hilary Hauck, Larry Ivkovich, Stephanie Keyes, S. M. Kraftchak, Cindy Moldovan, Amy Morley, Michael Morley, James Robinson, Jr., Larry Schardt, Carol Schoenig, Kathleen Shoop, Demi Stevens, Lisa Valli, Madhu Bazaz Wangu, Denise Weaver, and Michele Zirkle.

Proceeds benefit The Marine Education, Research and Rehabilitation Institute (MERR) in Lewes, DE.

The Secret is Out!

Beach Secrets BooksThe secret is out and my copies arrived this week! Beach Secrets is the ninth annual anthology comprised of winning stories from the Rehoboth Beach Reads short story contest sponsored by Cat & Mouse Press and Browseabout Books.
Beach Secrets includes my story, “Where Do I Begin?” dedicated to my friend Jessica Headlee who lost her yearlong battle with cancer in June at the age of 25.
Where Do I Begin? First Page
After a series of tragedies, a middle-aged man moves to Rehoboth Beach, Delaware to start a new life. While on his way to a date with a woman he met online, the man is plagued by hostile voices that threaten to undermine his plans—until one voice reminds him that it’s never too late to find happiness.
Beach Secrets cover    Beach Secrets Back Cover

Into That Good Night

It’s taken me a week to write this blog post. I could blame that on a few recent disruptions in my life, but the truth is that I needed time to gather my thoughts, which have been muddled in a torrent of emotions as of late.

In the first week of June, I lost two wonderful friends within days of each other.

Sandy Zier-TeitlerOn June 2, I received word that Sandy Zier-Teitler had died at the age of 67 after a series of health complications.

I met Sandy at the Farpoint SF convention over 20 years ago, but her history in fandom dates back much further. She was a legend in the Maryland convention scene, having worked for ClipperCon, OktoberTrek, and Farpoint. She was also a writer and editor for the Star Trek fanzine Mind Meld.

My friendship with Sandy solidified when I started publishing with Firebringer Press, owned by friend, fellow writer, and Farpoint co-founder, Steven H. Wilson. Sandy was the line editor on my novels and was always enthusiastic to read my next story. Hers was one of the most encouraging and effusive voices in my writing career. I’m grateful to have been her friend.


Jessica Headlee as the Shore Leave Rabbit

On June 6, one of the most adorable, intelligent, and vibrant young women I ever met lost her battle with a rare form of cancer at the age of 25.

My wife and I met Jessica Headlee through SF fandom and got to know her when she and our friend Ethan Wilson began dating around 2014 or so.  Jess became a ubiquitous presence in the Maryland SF convention scene, volunteering at Balticon, Farpoint, and Shore Leave where she was often seen dressed as the Shore Leave mascot (the giant rabbit from the original Star Trek episode from which the con derives its name).

Jessica also joined us in Rehoboth Beach for our summer vacations with the Wilson family every July. She was a marine biologist with a passion for saving our environment.  Jess and Ethan were married on the beach in Rehoboth in October 2019.

In June 2018, I drove down to Maryland to help the Wilsons with landscaping and yard cleanup at Steve’s parents’ house.

There was a point when I took a break and stepped into the kitchen. I was alone and my thoughts drifted to whatever problems were plaguing my life at the time and exacerbating my depression. At that moment, Jess happened to walk in and observe the despondent expression on my face. She said, “Oh my God, Phil! It can’t be that bad!”

She snapped me out of my dark reverie and for the rest of the day, I realized that it can never be that bad when you’re surrounded by friends who care. Of all the memories I have of Jessica, this is the one I will cherish the most.

Ethan and Jess at Rehoboth 2019

Goodbye, Dolle’s?

I developed a deep affinity for the Delaware coast since I started vacationing there in 2012 with my wife and several friends. Parasailing in Dewey Beach and visiting Cape Henlopen State Park have become summer traditions. Prior to that, I had not been to Rehoboth since high school. Due to COVID, I wasn’t able to visit this year, but I hope to return in 2021.
Over the years, I wrote a few short stories set in Rehoboth. Three were published by Cat & Mouse Press, based in Lewes, DE. “Tower Sixteen” took second place in the 2016 Rehoboth Beach Reads contest and was included in the anthology BEACH NIGHTS. In 2019, my stories “Tapestry” and “The Celestials” were accepted into BEACH PULP.
Dolles Salt Water Taffy - Rehoboth Beach, DE
Photo by Phil Giunta (July 2011).

Just before Christmas, the news broke that Dolle’s Salt Water Taffy would be leaving their current location on the corner of the boardwalk and Rehoboth Avenue when their lease expires on January 31.  Although relatively minor, this is yet another disappointing development in 2020. I hope they find a way to keep the iconic Dolle’s sign on display either in its current location or at another prominent site along the boardwalk or Rehoboth Avenue.‌

While Dolle’s is relocating only three doors away to merge with Ibach’s By The Sea (both shops are owned by the Tom Ibach), other landmark businesses, such as Nicola’s Pizza and The Pond, are moving out of downtown to Route 1. Change is inevitable, but I hope this does not become a trend.