The following interview with Scott Francis was conducted by READ magazine's Associate Editor, Audra Pace. Scott's book, Monster Spotter's Guide To North America is in stores now.

Click here for READ's special Monster issue.

READ: When did you start monster spotting?

Scott Francis: A couple of years ago. I invented the term "monster spotting" when I came up with the book idea. But, as a kid I always loved monsters and ghost stories--I used to check out books of scary local legends from the library. The idea of "monster spotting" sort of sprang from that.

READ: Can you tell us a memory of one of your favorite monster spotting expeditions?

Francis: My wife and I were searching for evidence of the Loveland Frogman along the banks of the Little Miami River. We brought our dog with us, which seemed like a Scooby Doo kind of thing to do at the time. He ended up sliding down a mudbank into the water and got completely filthy.

READ: Have you ever found yourself face to face with a monster?

Francis: Not exactly. I had a bat get into my house once, though. I caught it with a laundry basket.

READ: Please tell us your top three favorite monsters, and what makes them great.

Francis: I like the obscure legends that really smack of authentic folklore. For example the Black Dog of the West Peak is an incredibly creepy ghostly dog in Connecticut that is supposedly an omen of death. The legend literally gave me chills when I read about it. And there's a giant turtle that is reported to live in a lake in Indiana named the Beast of Busco. He is supposed to have a farmer's initials carved in his shell, which I think is a very quaint detail. But probably my favorite is the Appalachian legend of the Wampus Cat because I grew up in the mountains of North Carolina and heard tales of it as a kid. That, and it has a funny name.

READ: You cover all of North America, and cross national borders in this comprehensive guide. Do you think there is any specific region in the country, the continent, or maybe in the world that is particularly monster-prone?

Francis: I haven't researched other continents in depth enough to compare, but in North America I'd say that it's a toss up between the Midwest and Canada, just based on variety of kinds of monsters. Almost anywhere has it's own Bigfoot legend.

READ: How do your friends and family feel about your hobbies? You mention your wife both in your book and on your blog as "patient and understanding." How does she feel about monster spotting?

Francis: Everyone wants to be involved actually. My sister sends me monster spotting reports from her vacations. My friends forward me links to monster sightings they read about online. I tease my wife about putting up with me, but the truth is she loves this stuff just as much as I do. At least I think she does...

READ: Finally, the unavoidable topic: skepticism. How do you feel about it?

Francis: Skepticism is healthy. If you don't question things then you're simply not thinking for yourself. But at the same time, if you don't consider fringe possiblities then you're limiting yourself as well. My own stance is that some of the monster legends could be true, many of them probably are just good stories... but, who doesn't love a good story?

READ: Any last words of advice for a novice monster spotter?

Francis: Don't take yourself too seriously. It's not all that important what you are looking for, as much as it is that you are enjoying the search.

Don't forget to check out READ's special electronic issue:

MONSTERS