My Halloween: JG Faherty

Five questions asked over a glowing Jack o’Lantern, under an Autumn moon obscured by passing clouds…in between mouthfuls of candy corn…and coffie with author JG Faherty… 

Why is Halloween important to you?

Well, I don’t know if important is exactly the right word. It’s my favorite holiday, and I look forward to dressing up and going to costume parties. I always have, ever since I was a little kid. Historically it is important, both as a modern holiday and ancient celebration of life. But it’s not like I sit around all year and think about it.

Describe your ideal Halloween.

Well, it would have to fall on a weekend so you could celebrate for 3 days. I’d do a book reading or appearance, maybe have a book premiering. There’d be a party to go to where everyone dressed up in wild costumes. I’d make some Halloween-themed drinks or snacks. That’d be a good Halloween if I stayed local. You could add a photo trip to local cemetery as well. However, if I could plan the ultimate Halloween vacation, it would be to a haunted mansion or castle, where a group of us would spend the night.

What Halloween collectibles do you cherish, or hate, or both?

What do you mean by collectibles? I have some statuettes and decorations that I like, and some Halloween-themed art and books. But they aren’t ‘collectibles’ per say; I certainly couldn’t retire (or even go away for the weekend!) if I sold them.

When was your very first Halloween, the one whereyou really knew it was Halloween, and how was it?

Probably somewhere around kindergarten or first grade. Back then just wearing a costume and getting candy was all that mattered. It wasn’t until my teenage years that I understood the history of Halloween.

What’s the one Halloween question you want to be asked and what’s your answer?

Q: What is your best Halloween memory?

A: Probably a couple of years ago when my wife and I spent the weekend in Salem, MA. I’d wanted to go there for years.