Norman, Michael, Michael Norman, Beth Scott

Michael Norman, born June 29, 1947, passed away on August 6, 2021. He was an American author recognized for his popular supernatural book series, "Haunted," which he created in collaboration with author Beth Scott. Norman, originally from Illinois, earned a master's degree from Northern Illinois University in 1969. He dedicated a significant portion of his career to academia, teaching in the journalism department at the University of Wisconsin–River Falls from 1973 until his retirement in May 2003. His work extended beyond writing, including a guest appearance on the animated talk show "Space Ghost Coast to Coast" in 1996. Norman also discussed "Haunted Hollywood" on the Travel Channel, a segment that featured a location ranked ninth on a list of the world's creepiest destinations. He was survived by his wife, Janell, and son, James.

Michael Norman's literary legacy is largely defined by his extensive "Haunted" series, a collection of books exploring supernatural phenomena and allegedly haunted locations across America. Collaborating with Beth Scott, he penned foundational titles like "Haunted Wisconsin" (1980), "Haunted Heartland" (1985), and "Haunted America" (1994). The series continued with "Historic Haunted America" (1995) and "Haunted Heritage" (2002). Norman also authored "Haunted Homeland" (2006) as a solo project. These works delve into real-life accounts of ghostly encounters and eerie historical sites, contributing to the popular fascination with the paranormal. His research and writing brought attention to these phenomena, with "Haunted Hollywood" being featured on the Travel Channel and highlighted as a particularly chilling destination.

Beyond his well-known supernatural writings, Michael Norman had a distinguished academic career. He obtained his master's degree from Northern Illinois University in 1969 and subsequently joined the journalism faculty at the University of Wisconsin–River Falls. He taught there for three decades, from 1973 until his retirement in 2003. This background likely informed his methodical approach to research and storytelling. Norman's literary output also included plays, such as "Entering the Circle: The Lives of Pioneer Farm Women" and "Nye and Riley Tonight!" Additionally, he contributed to educational resources with "WordWise: Vocabulary Guides to Enhance Your Real-World Conversations" (2006), demonstrating a diverse range of interests and writing capabilities.