Wanna get letters in the mail from a pen pal? Aimee Gauley, formerly of Ft. Madison, now living out west with her husband, son and three dogs, has an ambitious writing project, in addition to all her other projects, like books, movie scripts, acting, directing, producing and stagehand/make-up artist, to name a few. BTW: I’m quite pleased with Aimee. She attended my creative writing class a couple of years ago, and since then she has taken off like Jethrow of the Beverly Hillbillies, heading for supper. So I’m officially taking credit for Aimee’s success. Ha! She is like a stick of dynamite. Light the fuse and stand back!

When Aimee’s husband wanted to move west for a job change, it all hinged on Aimee being able to focus on her writing and movie making. He agreed and it was game on!

Aimee came up with a pen-pal writing project that is unique. For a subscription fee she will write to you as “Betty” or “John” (or both, whatever floats your VW) from a pen-pal perspective, one letter every two weeks. I have had the privilege of reviewing these letters, and, I must say, they have a grip on me like the professional wrestler, Baron von Raschke’s “brainclaw.” (Does this date me? Yep!) I find myself waiting with sweated brow and bloodshot eyes for the next letter.

In Aimee’s words, “I wanted to bring back the nostalgia of pen pals and getting letters in the mail. ‘Scary Pen Pal’ was born out of my fascination with creepy true crime stories and my love of the thriller genre. I love to read something that makes me want to keep turning pages while my heart is racing, and I think others do too. The anticipation of the next letter makes getting the mail something to look forward to. For those who know me best, the dark and twisted imagination in weaving these tales is no surprise…I created these characters using stories and crimes I’ve heard or read about all my life…New pen pals will be added, a third is already in the works so you can continue to get the letters with fresh stories.”

Meet “John” and “Betty” as described by Aimee on her website:

“On the surface John seems like any ordinary guy, but beneath that lies a chilling ambition: he aspires to be the most notorious serial killer. You’ll uncover things darker than you ever imagined–secrets that John only shares with you. Are you prepared to see the world through his eyes? Becoming John’s confidant might lead you down a path you never wished to tread. Are you ready to be John’s new BFF?” (Best Friend Forever?)

“Betty is a sweet old lady who lives alone in her big Victorian mansion, or does she? Betty starts to experience things she cannot explain and she has nobody to turn to, except you. Betty will take you along on her journey to figure out what, or who, is in her house. She will find out secrets that take her from questioning her reality to questioning her sanity.”

“Betty” is a not-so-creepy character. “John” on the other hand, is like a character from Stephen King’s “The Shining.” These letters are brilliantly written by-the-way, a testimony to Aimee’s talent and creativity. How she keeps two or three story lines going at once, is beyond me, a true credit to her imagination, organizational skills and hard work. She once told me she could write a thousand words about a thimble. I believe her.

Aimee’s website, where you can browse the pen pals and subscribe to the pen-pal letters is www.scarypenpal.com.

While you’re at it, if you haven’t already, pick up Aimee Gauley’s book, “Hunter and Prey” on Amazon. But fasten your seat belt. It’ll slap the ankle bracelets on you. Guaranteed. A movie is being made of “Hunter and Prey” and Aimee is writing the script!

In the future I see Aimee’s husband retiring, and Aimee supporting him. Seriously.

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Have a good story? Call or text Curt Swarm in Mt. Pleasant at 319-217-0526 or email him at curtswarm@yahoo.com. Curt is available for public speaking.