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The Realm of Spirit

John Russell Author Interview

The Crying Tree and the Magic Rock is a captivating collection of true-life paranormal experiences interwoven with personal anecdotes and reflections. Why was this an important book for you to write?

I want readers to understand that we are constantly surrounded by and immersed in the realm of Spirit and that even in the most ordinary-seeming moments we may experience the sacred.

What is a common misconception you feel people have about paranormal events?

That anything paranormal is “of the Devil,” demonic, malevolent, or dangerous.

How has sharing your stories and experiences impacted or changed your life?

It’s made me aware of how many misconceptions there are in regard to the psychic and paranormal realm.

What is the next book that you are working on and when can your fans expect it to be out?

My next book is titled, “The Can Sack Ghost,” and is more nonfiction paranormal experiences, and fans can look for it in mid to late 2025.

Author Links: GoodReads | Website | Amazon

My fourth book, The Crying Tree and the Magic Rock, is a collection of mind-blowing true tales of the supernatural, such as the night that my precious and beloved deceased cat, Gizmo, came back in the flesh to visit me yet once again, proving that there is a powerful spiritual continuum in our lives that endures and provides additional truths and reassurances that our souls do indeed live on.

Enjoy the hair-raising supernatural event that happened to me when I was just a boy, running my paper route on my bicycle…in the dark; the magic rocks I’ve found over the years that wrote me messages on their surfaces; an incredible story of the Devil himself dancing with several women in a West Texas nightclub during Cinco de Mayo; guidance from the Other Side that enabled me to save the life of a young child; and…the bizarre story of a snake that saved me and my buddies from a beatdown!

And then, there’s those pesky UFOs! Read about my own up close and personal encounters with these strange craft and my subsequent observations that have led me to draw distinct conclusions about their behaviors. That’s just a smattering of the amazing true tales you’ll enjoy reading in my newest book, The Crying Tree and the Magic Rock.

I have three additional books available on Amazon for you to enjoy:  Riding with Ghosts, Angels, and the Spirits of the Dead — A Knock in the Attic — 20 Ways to Increase Your Psychic Abilities

The Crying Tree and the Magic Rock

John Russell’s The Crying Tree and the Magic Rock is a captivating collection of true-life paranormal experiences interwoven with personal anecdotes and reflections. Russell takes readers on a journey through eerie encounters, from sentient trees to mystical rocks, blending a sense of wonder with profound themes about interconnectedness and respect for the natural and spiritual world.

Russell’s writing has a conversational tone that pulls you in, but at times, it feels almost too casual. The story about the titular “Crying Tree” stayed with me. Here, a half-dead magnolia tree with a face etched into its trunk becomes a symbol of neglect and care. Russell’s heartfelt interaction with the tree—and its eventual demise—was moving, especially as he detailed the “gifts” it left behind, like a canna and sunflower sprouting in its wake. Another standout moment is where a seemingly ordinary stone communicates with Russell, altering its weight, appearance, and even showcasing mystical symbols like his name. This chapter fascinated me but also raised questions. While Russell’s interpretations of these occurrences are earnest, the lack of critical exploration or skepticism may alienate readers who need more grounding. It’s undeniably entertaining, though, and his sincerity shines through every description. What truly kept me turning the pages were the unexpected doses of humor, as in “I Fried a Bus.” This anecdote about accidentally disabling a city bus with a burst of psychic energy was laugh-out-loud funny, showcasing Russell’s self-awareness and knack for finding humor in the bizarre.

The Crying Tree and the Magic Rock is ideal for those intrigued by the supernatural or anyone who enjoys deeply personal, reflective storytelling with a mystical edge. It’s not for skeptics looking for evidence or tight narratives. But if you’re open to wonder and a bit of the uncanny, this book feels like sitting down with a friend who has endless, bizarre, and heartfelt stories to share. It made me laugh, ponder, and—most importantly—believe a little more in the magic of the unseen.

Pages: 192 | ASIN : B0DK8MJ89N

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