Today’s Q&A features a conversation with author and Queen Mary historian Nicole Strickland. I first encountered her work years ago while working as a tour guide aboard the ship. I bought a copy of her first book and eagerly read it. However, I didn’t meet her in person until the Queen Mary’s 90th anniversary last September. I remember her saying the ship “chooses her people,” and I find that to be incredibly true. As the late Commodore Everette Hoard might have said, “There’s definitely a kind of magic to the Queen Mary.“
Nicole has written three well-regarded books on the Queen Mary—Haunted Queen of the Seas, Spirited Queen Mary, and RMS Queen Mary: Voices from Her Voyages. She is also the founder of the San Diego Paranormal Research Society. Widely recognized as one of the West Coast’s leading paranormal researchers, Nicole brings a unique blend of historical knowledge and spiritual insight to her work.
Many thanks to Nicole for agreeing to sit down and chat with us today!
1. When did you first visit the Queen Mary, and what was it about the ship that captured your interest?
I first glimpsed the Queen Mary in 2000 during my college spring break from the backseat of a car on my way to a three-day Carnival cruise. I remember staring at the ship and saying, “I will embark on her decks one day.” That day came in 2005; once I stepped foot on A Deck, I immediately felt a connection to the Queen Mary. It’s hard to describe in words, but everything about it felt familiar and comforting. You can say that I fell in love with the ship that day, and the rest is history.
This inaugural visit signaled the beginning of my ongoing research of the ship’s unprecedented history, building, engineering, Art Deco influences, successes and triumphs, paranormal phenomena, etc. There’s so much to know about our beloved Queen Mary, and one can go a lifetime and still not uncover all there is to know about this prodigious ocean liner.
No other ship or vessel has accomplished what the Queen Mary has in her 31-year career and beyond. She helped bridge nations and has brought people together from all walks of life. Both Cunard Queens served as humanitarian ambassadors, acting on behalf of and for the world.
2. What inspired you to bring your love of history and the paranormal together in your work?
I have always been fascinated by history and paranormal phenomena since childhood. It is only natural that I combine those two when writing. History and ghostly activity share a deep kinship, as you can’t have one without the other.
I’m an advocate for the spirit world and paranormal study. It’s a thorn in my side that it’s often portrayed as a horror show. In many ways, paranormal research allows us to learn more about the people who came before us. It’s a way to keep history alive in the present.
Regarding the Queen Mary, her resident spirits serve as her historical guides. Scores of people have traveled aboard this renowned ship. Just think of all the emotion imprinted within her decks. The Queen Mary is magnetic; there’s a special connection between the vessel’s sentience, the interaction with her crew and visitors, and the intelligence of her resident spirits. For years, she has been uniting people and attracting those from all over the globe. It’s a beautiful thing!
3. Can you walk us through your writing process? How do you approach a new book from idea to publication?
When it comes to my writing, it’s all about quality vs quantity. I like to write on subjects I am most passionate about. I spend some time thinking about a book’s premise, its audience(s), and how it will impact readers. I’m big on writing outlines that organize chapters and their sections and sub-sections. Planning a writing and research schedule is pertinent as it helps to keep me on track. I tell new writers to enjoy the journey just as much as the finished product.
I write mostly non-fiction, so the research and archive process is crucial. I compile a substantial collection of research material and then begin to cross-reference for accuracy. Once I have everything I need, in addition to contributor interviews (if needed), I begin the writing process, devoting about one to two hours per day at minimum.
Proper editing is mandatory. It’s usually a combination of basic and substantive editing. This process can be tedious, so I recommend planning accordingly. Once the editing is finalized and the cover is designed, I then spend time on the book’s metadata. Accurate metadata helps your book become more visible on search engines and platforms, such as KDP or IngramSpark. The promotion process is ongoing even after the book has been completed.
4. What’s one of the most surprising or unexpected things you discovered about the Queen Mary while working on your books?
Not everyone will believe in this, but I’ve always felt that the Queen Mary is a highly sentient ocean liner. She is alive with a soul and has never once given up. Her destiny is to outwit and outlast. It’s almost incomprehensible what the Mary has endured and accomplished. She’s served as a role model for other ships and vessels.
Through my research, I’ve discovered that many other people feel as I do that the ship is alive and can communicate with us.
In both war and peace, she’s encountered several near-death incidents and prevailed through them with confidence, dignity, and grace. When you examine the engineering and construction that went into the Queen Mary, you can see how that’s helped her longevity at sea. She was masterfully built and a prime example of how ships should be constructed.
Just absorb the many amazing statistics about the ship, and you’ll see what a marvel she was for her time. Several engineering designs were unique to the Queen Mary. No matter what obstacles were thrown at her, she made milestone after milestone.
5. Why do you think the Queen Mary continues to captivate people after all these years?
I’m often asked far and wide why I love the RMS Queen Mary. Millions of others adore her as well, but I’m speaking for myself. The Queen Mary has the most unique historical tapestry of any vessel or ship to grace the seas. Her legacy is unrivaled and unprecedented. I like to say that her destiny was sealed long before her inception.
She’s a humanitarian emissary and a ship of peace. She has an uncanny knack for bringing people together and forging everlasting relationships. Some of the best people I know are those I’ve met through the Queen Mary.
She’s selfless and giving. She understands kindness and goodwill to all. Along with the RMS Queen Elizabeth, or “Lizzie” to many of her fans, she shortened the duration of World War II by a year. In doing so, these oceanic juggernauts saved numerous lives while helping to bring peace to the nations. Ludwig Katzenstein had a profound experience: the ship waited for him and his family for six hours, ultimately saving their lives. “The Queen Mary saved our lives. To go into this ship, this glowing, beautiful ship, you get such a feeling of awe; there’s no other ship in the world like her,” he proudly relayed.
Aligning with the Cunard tradition of excellence, she’s always taken such good care of her crew and passengers. She did everything she could to protect the thousands of young servicemen during the Second World War, as well as the numerous war brides and children after its dissolution.
The Queen Mary understands human connection. She instinctively knows the individuals who can feel the depths of her soul. As John Treasure Jones said, “…the Queen Mary is as close to a human being of any ship I’ve ever commanded.”
She consistently reminds us of the importance of living history. In doing so, she teaches us about sympathy and empathy, giving us a glimpse into the past and hope for the future.
6. Are there any upcoming books or projects you’re currently working on to keep an eye out for?
I’m working on a 4th book about the RMS Queen Mary to be published toward the end of 2025. I’m honored that my previous three are sold aboard the ship in her gift stores.
I’m also returning my show, The Afterlife Chronicles, in August and debuting The Life Inspiration Project in the fall.
The Afterlife Chronicles is a one-hour radio show/podcast and companion to my book, The Afterlife Chronicles: Exploring the Connection between Life, Death, and Beyond. In exploring the connection between life and death, this program aims to highlight the relationship between mortality and the afterlife by discussing concepts linked to paranormal phenomena, parapsychology, and spirit communication.
The Life Inspiration Project provides a compassionate platform that delves into the heart of inspiration through engaging discussions on diverse topics. It’s a collective gateway to enlightening perspectives and uplifting stories designed to brighten the world around us.
I have several presentations scheduled on various topics related to paranormal research. I am speaking about the Queen Mary’s renowned history and paranormal phenomena at Point Loma Library on October 8th at 1:00 p.m. I’ve presented about the ship many times on radio shows and podcasts and at different types of venues. For more information, you can visit my website at https://nicoledstrickland.com.
Wrapping Up
Huge thanks once again to Nicole for taking the time to share her experiences and insight. Her passion for the Queen Mary is incredible—and that’s saying something in a community full of dedicated fans. Nicole brings the Queen Mary’s history, spirits, and stories to life. Her work offers something special for every kind of reader.
Be sure to check out her books, podcasts, and upcoming projects. In the Queen Mary’s long life, voices like Nicole’s help ensure her legacy remains not just remembered, but deeply and keenly felt.
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