Story Spotlight: “Dance Hall Days” by Jamie Ferguson
In “Dance Hall Days,” Jamie Ferguson invites us into a retro-themed swing weekend that brushes against another time—and the ghosts that haven’t stopped dancing.
Set in a quirky Oregon hotel filled with seashell lamps, tiki heads, and decades of charm, the story blends nostalgia, quiet romance, and a haunting that’s both playful and poignant. Part memory, part magic, this tale fits beautifully within Haunted Places, a collection of emotionally resonant speculative fiction where place and spirit are deeply intertwined.
We pretended to stare at the lamp, the base of which appeared to be made from three conch shells, as the couple walked by. Their footsteps were silent, muffled by the carpet on the wooden floor. A chill ran down my back and I shivered, wishing I’d brought my sweater along—at least I was finally cooling down. As the couple moved past us into the center of the room our eyes turned to follow their backs. They crossed the room, but instead of continuing down the hallway on the other side they turned and headed toward the collection of old photographs and framed paintings of boats that covered the wood paneling on the far wall.
Then they walked through the wall and were gone from sight.
I stared at the spot where they disappeared, my heart racing. The couple weren’t here for the charity ball—they were ghosts!
About the Author
Jamie writes stories where magic lives just beneath the surface—where ghosts haunt houses that no longer exist, selkies are stranded far from the sea, and witches discover their power one herb at a time. Her work blends folklore, emotional depth, and a deep empathy for characters navigating impossible choices. She lives in Colorado, where her two border collies are still waiting for her to get them a proper herd of sheep.
Find Jamie at: jamieferguson.com
Behind the Story
“Dance Hall Days” was inspired by a real place—the Historic Anchor Inn in Lincoln City, Oregon. Rumor has it there was once a ballroom on the third floor that was sealed off. Some say they’ve seen ghosts walking into a wall where the staircase used to be. Whether or not it’s true, the story captures the uncanny energy of a space shaped by celebration, memory, and time.
Read the Story
“Dance Hall Days” appears in Haunted Places, available now from Blackbird Publishing.
📚 Buy the book from your favorite store
If you liked…
- The Ghost and Mrs. Muir (1947 film)—for ghostly romance and poignant hauntings
- The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern—for atmospheric, slightly magical spaces full of secrets
…then you’ll enjoy “Dance Hall Days”—a ghost story with heart, humor, and a whole lot of vintage flair.
📘 Also featured in Haunted Places: “That Lake House Summer” by Deb Logan, a soft and wistful ghost story set on the edge of a summer memory.