Author and filmmaker Stanley Williams visited SFU on Oct. 16 to promote his latest novel “Wizard Clip Haunting,” which includes a local angle of interest.
While the book falls into the genre of historical fiction, according to Williams, many of the characters and events included in his book are real people and true stories.
The events that Williams documents in the novel were actually investigated by the Rev. Demetrius Augustine Gallitzin, the Catholic priest widely recognized as “the Apostle of the Alleghenies.”
Born in the Netherlands into a life of privilege, Gallitzin arrived in Baltimore in 1792 to complete his education “by travel.” He decided to enter the priesthood shortly after arriving in the States, was ordained in 1795, and is credited with founding Loretto four years later. Gallitzin is buried at the cemetery near Saint Michael’s Church, a church he founded.
“The Wizard Clip Haunting is a true American ghost story,” said Williams. “It ties together the many supernatural events that occurred in what was then Smithfield, Virginia, into a cogent, entertaining story that will hopefully one day become a movie.”
While Wizard Clip Haunting is based on a true story, Williams said he added fictional elements for dramatic effect.
History Professor Denise Damico recently began reading the author’s novel.
“I am really impressed by all the research Williams did,” said Damico. “I love the Prince Gallitzin connection.”