I learned about Linda Zimmermann, ghost investigator, scientist and book author, from a library lecture she gave in the mid-2000’s. It was October, and Zimmermann was discussing the paranormal and her experiences investigating claims of ghost activity around the Hudson Valley. This was the first time I’d heard the title “Ghost Investigator,” way before cable TV shows like Ghost Hunters and Ghost Adventures popularized that line of work.
With her scientific background, she approaches claims of ghost activity with an analytic eye, performing on-site experiments to determine whether an authentic haunting is taking place, or if there’s an earthly cause for the bumps heard in the night. But her work goes beyond the paranormal; she’s also deeply interested in sacred sites, military history, and UFO’s. Her expertise is sought after for documentaries and podcasts, and a search of YouTube or Amazon will bring up the variety of topics she can speak to, and the books she’s authored.
Linda Zimmermann (Photo by Matt Hess)
Woman Around Town champions women doing the work they love to do. Lucky for us, we were able to catch up with Zimmermann during this spooky time of year to ask her some questions about her life and the things she’s “possessed” about.
Linda, you have a wide variety of interests, skills, certifications according to your bio: amateur astronomer, historian, UFO researcher, research scientist, paranormal investigator, book author, lecturer. Of all these, which one is your main interest, and how did that all start?
I love to tell a good story, and that’s always my main goal whether I’m giving a presentation on the paranormal, writing about the Civil War, or doing my true crime podcast. Engaging the listener or reader with your words, entertaining them, and dare I say, having them learn something, well, that’s what keeps me going.
Did you ever anticipate the life you lead now, travelling to find sacred stones, or a civil war soldier’s grave? What did you envision for yourself as a career in your pre-college days?
I always knew I would be a writer, but I thought I would work for a few decades in my science career, and once I retired from the lab I would start writing. Well, when the company eliminated its research and development department after ten years, I thought maybe fate was giving me an opportunity if I was courageous enough to go for it. It was scary going from a good, steady job to the wild, unpredictable world of freelancing, but every day I am thankful I took that leap of faith.
You have authored over thirty books on these topics (paranormal, Civil War, UFO’s, mysterious sacred sites.). Was it difficult translating these experiences into the written word? Were there any authors that inspired you?
If there is one thing I do not find difficult it’s putting my ideas into words! Whether I’m talking or writing I have been fortunate to never be at a loss for words.
As for authors who inspired me, I can say none were modern. I was drawn to the very early English and American novelists. And my two favorite “storytellers” are Chaucer and Shakespeare. Perhaps it’s literary sacrilege to call them storytellers, but I consider it the highest compliment.
Of all your interests and qualifications, the one that has brought a lot of attention is your work in the paranormal. That, I believe, came about because of your interest in history and visiting various battlefields. People would ask you if you’ve ever seen a ghost there. But your interest in the paranormal has grown tremendously over the years. Can you account for this?
I was one of those kids under the covers with a flashlight and a book of scary stories. And I loved the classic science fiction movies and shows like Unsolved Mysteries and One Step Beyond. As much as I was devoted to science, to delve into mysteries like life after death, aliens, telepathy–it was irresistible! I never envisioned it would become part of my career, but the strange and unknown is catnip to me.
Zimmermann on her annual trip to the NY Mets training camp (provided by Zimmermann)
What is the one thing that people may be surprised to learn about you?
Probably my love of sports, both playing and watching. When I was younger and healthier, I used to play tennis, racquetball, softball, and bowling. I even started a horseshoe league. Then there was cycling, cross country skiing, kayaking, hiking, swimming.
I am still a HUGE Mets fan and even go to spring training in Florida every year.
If I had a genie in a magic lamp who could give me any career I wanted, it wouldn’t be a Pulitzer Prize-winning author. It would be a pitcher for the Mets, who also had a killer home run swing.
Zimmermann’s Halloweeen display includes a “haunted tree” she built herself (provided by Zimmermann)
What is a typical day for you when working on a project?
I am a very early riser, so I will be writing by 5:30 a.m., usually still in my pajamas because I can’t wait to write down everything I thought of during the night. I’ll stop for an early lunch, maybe a walk in the woods, and then back at it until early evening. I’m like a woman possessed until I finish a project. And because I love what I do, it isn’t work.
Lastly, would you share one piece of wisdom that guides you, or something that you “KNOW FOR SURE.”
What I know for sure is don’t live a life of regret. If there’s something you really want to do, have the courage and take that leap to do it. Maybe it won’t work out, but until you try, you’ll never know. Once you truly commit your energy to something wonderful things can happen!
Her upcoming events include a presentation of Haunted Objects, “What Have You Brought Home,” to be held at the Pine Bush UFO & Paranormal Museum, Orange County, NY. (October 11th at 7:30pm).
Learn more about Linda Zimmermann, log on to her Facebook page.
Top Photo: Zimmermann on a ghost investigation at the haunted Patchett House, Orange County, NY (provided by Zimmermann)
