David Hess, Local Author & Massage Business Owner Ep. 48
On this Halloween edition of The Palm Beach Current, Chris sits down with David Hess, local author and massage therapist, to explore the inspiration behind his supernatural horror novel, The Witching Wall, and the story behind his sports massage business in Palm Beach County.
Set in 1989, The Witching Wall draws inspiration from a mysterious limestone passage on Palm Beach Island, also known as the Coral Cut, that has inspired local legends and spooky stories over the years. David shares how his fascination with ghost stories, supernatural mysteries, and growing up in Palm Beach County helped bring the novel to life. He also discusses the challenges of writing his first book, creating compelling characters, and building a story around teenage curiosity, friendship, peer pressure, and the fears that can follow us.
Beyond his work as an author, David opens up about his journey into massage therapy after suffering a herniated disc and discovering the benefits of therapeutic massage during his own recovery. He explains the differences between sports massage and therapeutic massage, how he works with clients dealing with acute and chronic injuries, and why knowing when to refer someone to another healthcare professional is an important part of the job.
Plus, David shares some of his favorite local spots, including The Dancing Elephant bookstore in Lake Worth, which helped support his journey as a first-time author.
Whether you're a fan of supernatural thrillers, curious about Palm Beach County's local legends, or interested in the world of sports massage, this episode offers a fascinating conversation about creativity, entrepreneurship, and pursuing new passions.
Tune in to The Palm Beach Current for a Halloween conversation featuring local storytelling, hidden history, and the people bringing Palm Beach County's unique stories to life.