Overton Native Publishes Southern Folklore Book

An Overton County Native has published a Southern Folklore book, focused on evil spirits and ghosts and the relevance to southern culture.

Toby Sells authored “Haint Blues: Strange Tales from the American South.” Sells said the title came from a southern tradition that originated from the Gullah Geechee people who would paint the porch ceilings and other parts of a house a light-colored blue to repel evil spirits and ghosts. Sells said he was inspired to write the book many years ago after an incident with a friend after they watched a movie called “The Legend of Boggy Creek”.

“I was afraid of Big Foot, so he invited me to go outside and I walked out and he closed the door right behind me and left me outside for five minutes,” Sells said. “And I am completely freaked out in the complete darkness and so it kind of sent me down this rabbit hole of interest to paranormal and unsolved mysteries, that just kind of persisted to this day.”

A portion of the book come from newspaper articles found in archives from South Carolina to Mississippi. Sells said folklore stories are important to Southern culture as these stories are passed down from generation to generation.

“I always say they are as important to southern culture as bluegrass and biscuits and gravy,” Sells said. “A lot of folks think we should only tell scary stories at Halloween time, but I don’t think so, I think these stories are important to us, they tell you who you are right, and the things around you that you talk about.”

Sells said he has received a lot of positive reviews about his book.

“It’s just amazing, it feels great,” Sells said. “And you know almost more than anything I would say it’s more about the stories and not so much about me, and to be able to share these stories with people.”

Sells is a reporter for the Memphis Flyer and has a podcast titled “Haint Blues.” Sells said his podcast reached several people but his book has seen more success as it has reached hundreds of people.