Graham: The most fun thing about the ghost series has been that I'll be somewhere signing or appearing and the last person in the world that you would expect will come up to tell me a ghost story. The guy in the Armani business suit will be the one. That's part of what has been so interesting about the books is that people respond to them in so many different ways. I don't know that there are so many people who believe in ghosts, but they believe in the possibility that there is something else out there.

Bankrate: Have you ever seen a ghost?

Graham: I've been places where I feel there is definitely atmosphere where possibly there could be things. I kind of decided ... when my father passed away years ago, I knew he wouldn't just show up because he knew I'd have a heart attack on the spot. And I am capable of scaring myself if I'm alone at night. I usually do ghost work during the day. I think possibly why I want to believe it too is I lost my mom and stepdad and recently lost my sister and brother-in-law in one year. I think I want very desperate to believe in the possibility, too. I think most people are like that; we want to believe that there is something more, and that's a part of it. But also, as far as suspense goes, hey, I live in Miami. Remember, this is where we find suitcases with bodies in the Everglades all the time.

Bankrate: What have you enjoyed most about your success?

Graham: The opportunity to meet other authors. We're readers, so it's the biggest thrill in the world to get to meet another author that you really admire. It's the most friendly, professionally sharing group you could imagine. That's a major perk. And readers tend to be great. People who love books tend to be really interesting. And well read.

Bankrate: Have you invested your money?

Graham: I'm terrible! (Laughs) I like to do things and go places. If I've invested, I do have three homes, so I would say my investment is in my houses. I have a house in Worcester, Mass., a house in Coral Gables, Fla., and one here in Miami. They're all houses that need constant work, so I'm not sure if that's a brilliant investment. I have lots of conferences, so one might say I've invested in life. I could have done better.

Bankrate: How does it feel to be one of the most recognizable names on bookshelves today?

Graham: It's something that I still wake up every morning grateful that I get to do this for a living. I never, ever want to take it for granted. I want to make sure every book is new and fresh. I'm one of those people who wants to die over the typewriter. Hopefully on a nice beach somewhere.