The Genesis of the AVS

 

Twenty years ago I never would have guessed I would be writing about vampires. I have never considered myself a vampire lover as such (never wanted to be a vampire, never thought vampires were creatures to look up to or envy, never thought drinking blood was cool, etc.). And I didn’t pick up the subject because it was popular. In fact, vampires were not much the rage when I was first inspired to write about the AVS. I don’t write anything because it is popular. (I tried that once after meeting an agent who told me fantasy was out and “sweet romance” was the rage. I set aside my fantasies and tried writing a Harlequin Romance. I fell flat on my face with that one; it was the biggest waste of time and effort I ever made, and it was crap. I decided to write what I really wanted to write, popularity be damned, and if people liked it, that would be great.)

What got me on the vampire kick was a dream I had one night. I take my dreams seriously. I often have dreams deep in symbolism, or even dreams that come true. I see many of my dreams as messages from God. I’ve had several that have been ideas for stories, but none so obviously so as the one about the girl vampire with short red hair.

I didn’t record when I had the dream—somewhere around 2000, maybe. I dreamed I was a jilted teenage girl seeing an event that amazed and terrified her. The dream continued with one scene after another, laying out key inciting incidents of a story with me as the main character, acting on the terrible reality of suddenly facing a vampire in her life and experiencing all the girl’s emotions. A confrontation led to a different approach to the subject than I had ever heard of, and ended with a question that demanded an answer.

Next, I was myself, in a wooden locker room, telling a teenage friend that I had had this dream and it was a good idea for a story.

When I woke up and thought over the question the girl in the dream asked, I decided it was a story that needed to be told.

This was back before the publication of Twilight and the craze that made vampires so appealing that readers and viewers practically filed the fangs off the monsters without any expectation of retaliation. I hadn’t even watched “Interview with a Vampire” yet. When I did, I was so spooked I could barely get myself to watch it again. Maybe it’s a bad thing I got used to the movie. But yeah. Vampires, for me, are not the kinds of creatures I want to meet in a dark alley (or anywhere else), and they certainly wouldn’t light up that alley by sparkling. I’m writing about people (whether they be considered human or not) that you love to hate . . . or hate to love.

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Soliciting Opinions

I would love to hear why you chose the vampire you did–or why you didn’t vote for one at all! If you answered the poll, what did you like/love/hate about the one you chose? What did you think about the others? If you didn’t answer, why not? Was it too hard to decide? Or do you just hate all vampires?

I don’t write about vampires to make them likeable. I would prefer that evil be evil and good be good in my stories. But you may see that there are many different types of evil, and maybe you will also see that even demon-driven vampires may not be all as bad as the demons that drive them. Or, even if they are bad, they can be funny in their badness. Please comment, and let’s discuss these issues.

Still a Vampire Lover? Time to Make a Choice

There you have it, folks: Five interviews with five vampires, eleven questions each. As the eleventh hour approaches, how do you react when you hear them outside your door? Would you let one in? Would you dare interview one yourself?  Perhaps ask for–or allow–something much more? 

New Kid on the Block: Hugh answers 11 questions

Francis Franklin, who made the Vampire Lover Blog Award (and who is re-blogging this one with comments) says you don’t need to be nominated to play; “it’s just an excuse.” If you blog at all (or just want to for the contest–after all, free blogs, like this one, can be easily started), please do. And let me know. I want to read what you come up with.

Alas, I have not heard from the well-known writers I nominated. We shall see yet, but they are probably too busy with published authorly things to slum with the likes of me. (Francis has at least published a book, Susie and the Monsters.)

Now I bring you the final vampire in our series of interviews–the one I almost forgot, because he is so new: I bring you Hugh, the 17-year-old whose hazel eyes change with his mood or clothes, and whose eyes now glow green when he is hungry . . . which right now is all the time. (The picture is from before the change–from an “innocent” date with Carletta.)Does living as a vampire have the same appeal as prior to being turned (if you’re that type of vampire)? If you had to do it over, would you? (Katya)

It did NOT appeal to me! When I found out my girlfriend was a vampire, I was horrified . . . but I was fool enough to stick around and find out what that meant and to think I could help her somehow. If I had to do it over, I’d have listened to my ex’s warning at the beginning and run the other way. FAR the other way!

If you live forever, or for thousands of years, and are difficult to kill, and are very strong and powerful… how do you not become a sociopath? And go off and start doing anything you want and acting on any impulse? (Katya)

Good question! I doubt any vampire can keep from being a sociopath for long. It’s only been about a day since I was forced to drink my girl’s blood. I don’t WANT to act on these impulses, but I don’t see how I can avoid it for long. They’re too damn strong!

What’s it like to be a vampire? (Rebekkah Ford)

Oh, God, it’s hell. You don’t want to know the urges shooting through my head, driving me, pushing me, and the horrible, horrible thirst. Just smelling you, I can’t stay long or I’ll kill you. So far, I’ve barely managed to not kill any people—almost drank from my own mom, who Carletta had already bitten. Had to run away from home to keep Mom alive. I started growing fangs weeks ago, after Carletta gave me a little bit of her blood on the slip, but they haven’t broke through yet, so I have to use a knife. Killed a cow. The cow blood filled me up for a little while, but it tastes terrible, and it’s not the thing I’m driven to have. Soon I’ll be killing people right and left—Oh, God, do something! Help me, kill me, stop me . . .

If you had the choice to no longer be a vampire – to just be a human again – would you go for it? (Robin Layne)

I’d give anything to just be myself again! But I guess it’s hopeless, there’s no sense in wishing for it. What am I going to do?

Are there other vampires, and if so what role does gender play in vampire society? (fjf)

I noticed my girlfriend Carletta always wanted to be in the lead when we had sex. Darrell, a guy who still tried to be my friend through all this, said she was just a deceptive monster. I didn’t listen to him because I thought Carletta must have had something terrible happen to her in the past. She said another vampire was out to get her, and she wanted to turn me so I could protect her from him. I don’t know anything about vampire society, but Carletta seemed really scared. . . . Now I’m the one who’s scared.

What do you think of the recent fashion for vampire books and films? Has it made your life harder or easier? (Georgiana Derwent)

I didn’t pay any attention to it before, really. When I saw Darrell going around in a Dracula cape, I thought it was just Darrell being Darrell, and when my former girlfriend Mary told me Carletta was a vampire and my hickey was really a bite, I thought poor Mary had gone off the deep end. I guess it made things worse because I thought my friends were victims of a craze. Turns out I’m the victim here. Nobody’s laughing.

Can you have sex the ‘traditional’ way? Do you have any desire for sex? (Tyro Vogel)

Me? Guess I could, but only after I satisfy this horrible hunger—it’s all I can think about now. When I was still myself and I was with Carletta, she was fantastic in bed. But now I realize she must have been killing a lot of people to maintain herself. Oh, God! I was so stupid to think she wouldn’t have to kill if she kept biting me. I didn’t want to believe I was sleeping with a murderer. When we got close, she got such a hunger in her eyes, and I used to think it was a hunger for sex. That excited me. Later, when I found out she always wanted to drink my blood—well, when she said she loved me, I wasn’t sure she loved me like a boyfriend or like a pot roast.

They say a vampire’s bite brings pleasure rather than pain. Is that true, and how is that even possible? (Francis Franklin)

For me, it’s been a combination of both. Carletta said her kisses make it so I don’t feel all the pain. It’s in the saliva, she said, so I guess the longer the bite takes, the less pain. What do you expect when your girlfriend kisses you? That’s what you get.

Do you believe in ‘true love’ and ‘soul mates’? (Francis Franklin)

I think I did before. Now I’m sick of the whole idea. I’ve been used. My life is over, and I’m not running off with the girl no matter what.

Would you date a werewolf? (Francis Franklin)

No way! What would I be then, a werevampire?

 Should humans tolerate the existence of vampires? (Francis Franklin)

 How can I answer that? I want to die, but I’m afraid. I want to keep Carletta from being killed, too. I can’t give you moral advice. All I can say is—run. Hide. No, come back. The fangs have broken through. I’m ready for relief.

 

Luke’s Mentor: Thaddeus answers 11 questions

(Note: Thaddeus died in the 18^th Century, so I am vaguely assuming some kind of time warp allowing him to peek into today before his death.)

 

Does living as a vampire have the same appeal as prior to being turned (if you’re that type of vampire)? If you had to do it over, would you? (Katya)

Oh-ho, you assume I wanted to be turned! Fascinating! How much have times changed over these past few centuries? Does everyone want to be a vampire? Fulfilling such wishes would not be practical for us all. Before I was turned, I barely knew what a vampire was. I sensed the woman seducing me was something other than just another Salem witch. She did give me a choice . . . and though I little knew what that choice entailed, I have not regretted it.

What aspect of humanity or being human have you lost or used less – or has diminished the most? (Katya)

Why think in terms of loss? I think of it all as gain.

If you live forever, or for thousands of years, and are difficult to kill, and are very strong and powerful… how do you not become a sociopath? And go off and start doing anything you want and acting on any impulse? (Katya)

Another interesting assumption—that vampires don’t do all they please. You seem to think we judge ourselves in the same way you do. This is not the case. Are we more impulsive than you? Some are; that’s one reason I’m extremely careful about who I am willing to turn. Others are more settled in temperament, especially the undead (for there are live vampires as well, who have not died. But we have much freedom to do what we want. We do not find a problem with it, as long as it doesn’t expose the secrets of our existence.

 From what you’ve witnessed yourself, do the history books have it right? (Sylvie)

I should like to have a peak at your history books. Is anything remembered about the witches of Salem, Massachusetts? I was not executed among them, but I did a good part of the witchcraft and then blamed others. How I joined the devils in spreading that hellfire through that city!

What’s it like to be a vampire? (Rebekkah Ford)

 A vampire is more aware of the spirit realm than most humans. They know they are never alone. Demons attend our steps and drive us into our bloodlust. But they give us so much of what we want!

Are there any female vampires around? (Sam Driscoll)

Certainly. I was changed by one. This seems to me another strange question. Are there not female humans in your time? Can they not be turned just as males can?

Can you be turned back to a human? (Tyro Vogel)

I have heard rumors that such a thing may be possible, but I have not been able to confirm any. As far as I know, the closest a vampire can come to returning to humanity is to die.

Can you have sex the ‘traditional’ way? Do you have any desire for sex (Tyro Vogel)

Heavens me, what do you think vampirism does to a person?

They say a vampire’s bite brings pleasure rather than pain. Is that true, and how is that even possible? (Francis Franklin)

I haven’t the patience, nor any reason, to bring pleasure to those I bite. Who is the “they” that told you we were so pleasant in so many ways? I am under the impression you are all under a spell—just waiting to be devoured.

Do vampires possess a soul? What difference does having or not having a soul make? What happens when you die? (Assuming you can actually die… Can you?) (Francis Franklin)

So people still haven’t stopped asking theological questions. In my own century, we had not made up our minds what a soul is. Why would a vampire be able and willing to tell you the answer to that question? To some, a soul is a life. Let me see . . . I am not exactly a demon. I am to some extent the same man I was before I was turned. I have demons within, including my familiar. All vampires have a familiar. But I may be thought of as a devil in my own right because of my dedication to the cause of darkness. As to whether I can die, why should I tell you?

Do you believe in ‘true love’ and ‘soul mates’? (Francis Franklin)

Do I look like Cupid? I’m a vampire, a killer, a bringer of death and destruction! What a confused and girlish time I have found myself in! I shall straightforth break this spell and return to my own time!

 

Born to Be Wild: Steven answers 11 of the questions

Continuing with the Vampire Lover Blog Award, I bring you my third vampire interview. I don’t have a drawing of Steven (I tried scanning a sketch of Carletta, but it’s too light; her image will have to await the completion of the painting for which I drew the sketch).

1. From what you’ve witnessed yourself, do the history books have it right? (Sylvie)

They say history is written by the winners. I say it was written by suckers. Take that any way you want.

 2. Do you miss food, the sun, or your heartbeat more? (Shah Wharton)

 I miss riding my motorcycle on sunny days, but it’s still a blast by night.

3. Is ‘live’ blood more beneficial than bagged blood? Is it true that the last blood from a dying person is sweeter due to their fear of death? (Dii)

Bagged blood is shit. I never touch it. Live is the only real thing. I always kill my victims, unless I have some other use for them. But when I leave them alive, there are things that make it taste best of all.

4. What significance, if any, does gender identity and sexual (etc.) orientation have for vampires? (fjf)

It can be a bloody mess. It can also be a lot of fun.

5. What do you think of the recent fashion for vampire books and films? Has it made your life harder or easier? (Georgiana Derwent)

I love it. I can fit right in with the crowd and just shine! And when I need a good laugh, there are plenty of cheesy movies and books to choose from.

6. Can you have sex the ‘traditional’ way? Do you have any desire for sex? (Tyro Vogel)

Yes, I crave sex, and plenty of it. And I don’t have to chase after anybody’s traditions. Who needs that crap?

7. According to folklore, vampires can’t cross moving water. Does this present problems for you? (James Lyon)

Only when I go to take a bath after a night’s killing spree. It’s hell trying to keep the water motionless. (No, not really. I’m not the Wicked Witch of the West.)

8. Is it possible some vampire-related genes can be passed down through human bloodlines over the centuries? (James Lyon)

I sure hope so. I’d like to think I’ve started a legacy. Did I show you the pictures of my girl? Did you know I’m one of the few vampires around to succeed at having a kid the normal way?

9. Do vampires possess a soul? What difference does having or not having a soul make? What happens when you die? (Assuming you can actually die… Can you?) (Francis Franklin)

If you want answers like that, go to a church! (Not that they really know the answers, but they can bullshit like nobody’s business.)

10. Do you believe in ‘true love’ and ‘soul mates’? ( Francis Franklin)

Don’t remind me. Mine got away, thanks to her mother butting in and running off with her. Have you seen a red-haired girl with my eyes?

11. Would you date a werewolf? (Francis Franklin)

 If she’s young enough, we’d have a howling good time.

 

Luke, Manga Style

Drawn by Paula W. and colored by me (featured in black & white in my zine, A Character Sandwich)

Calm, Cool, and Condemned: Luke answers 11 questions

I’ve been told I don’t have to link to the questioners; that makes my job a lot easier from here on out. I bring you now a vampire who’s older and more settled in his ways than Carletta, though certainly no less deadly. Watch out now for Luke!

If you live forever, or for thousands of years, and are difficult to kill, and are very strong and powerful… how do you not become a sociopath? And go off and start doing anything you want and acting on any impulse? (Katya)

Why wouldn’t I do whatever I want? Don’t you? Or wouldn’t you if you could get away with it? But no, I don’t act on every impulse. Some pleasures are better spread over time. I pride myself on my self-control. I was raised to be a gentleman. That training can come in handy.

From what you’ve witnessed yourself, do the history books have it right? (Sylvie)

What do you mean by “it,” Sylvie? History books change over time, and vary from country to country. One particular figure in American history became quite the scapegoat: General Benedict Arnold was a great hero in most eyes, before I helped him fall into infamy. He became a bitter, miserable man—just like I like them.

Is ‘live’ blood more beneficial than bagged blood? Is it true that the last blood from a dying person is sweeter due to their fear of death? (Dii)

Vampires were not made to live on bagged blood. Think: Which came first, blood or bags? Most vampires may love the taste of the kill. I am more of a spiritual man. I have a taste for souls. Better than just ending a life is making certain that that life ends up in Hell. I find that victory delicious!

Do you find the idea of being undead – ‘living’ for ever, sleeping in a coffin, and so on – as horrifying as I do? (Lucinda Elliot)

My undead existence is not an idea. It is my reality. Do you find your own life horrifying? It was in order to live forever that I chose to become a vampire. Consider the alternative. I am something of a traditionalist in that I prefer to sleep in a coffin. It’s quite comfortable. One likes what one is used to.

If you had the chance to be human again to do one thing, what would it be? (Justin Bienvenue)

Become the Antichrist.

What significance, if any, does gender identity and sexual (etc.) orientation have for vampires? (fjf)

It depends very much on the vampire—what they are like to begin with, and what they focus on after they’re turned. I’m not sure what you mean by the etcetera, so I’ll just address the sexual aspects. Being a vampire has not made me cease to be a man, that is, an adult male. I cannot produce children, but I can function sexually quite well. I never have wanted to be a woman or dress like one, but I appreciate beauty. In rebellion against the Creator I use my sexuality, like I use my other abilities, to corrupt others along with myself. Preference, orientation, it’s all a means to an end for me. There is so much to take! I despise vampires who are squeamish about what they are and what they can do.

Vampire physiology must be very different from human physiology – how is human blood digested and processed in the blood system? (Jeff Dawson)

I assume you mean How is the blood digested (in the digestive system) and processed into the circulatory system. This question can only be answered by studying vampires who are “alive,” and most are hostile to experimentation. Of course, that doesn’t stop me when I find one I dislike who is unable to exact revenge. I’ve had the opportunity now and then. A vampire’s blood is quite different from a human’s, transforming the system of any human who drinks it. We need human blood to thrive. Our stomachs can not only tolerate large amounts of it at a time, they are nourished by it. Most of the ingredients of human blood are useful to our bodies. Our powerful stomach acids begin the transformation of the blood from human to vampire. The blood is absorbed by the stomach walls and enters our bloodstream much faster than a human can digest its food. Hence, imbibing affects us almost as quickly as an injection. 

Do vampires possess a soul? What difference does having or not having a soul make? What happens when you die? (Assuming you can actually die… Can you? (Francis Franklin)

Interestingly put—a soul? All vampires possessing the same one? That would be fascinating, but I assume it was a typo. It depends on what you mean. If you mean a conscience that makes you a do-gooder, I don’t think so. Angel of television makes me laugh. Any of you still recall him? Getting his soul back at the whim of a gypsy? Losing it again from a roll in the hay with a so-called slayer? When we die, I can tell you our bodies don’t just vanish or turn to dust like in some of the movies. What’s convenient (for us) is that a dead vampire’s body resembles a human’s unless you really know what you’re looking for. What’s inconvenient (for you) is that if you kill a vampire, you will likely be arrested for murder.

Do you believe in ‘true love’ and ‘soul mates’? (Francis Franklin)

Ha! I had infatuations in puberty, when I was still human. Love is a chemical reaction in the brain whereby humans tend to reproduce and rear young, to keep the species alive. It’s useful, of course, to keep our food supply going, but any vampire who might claim to be in love is delusional.

Would you date a werewolf? (Francis Franklin)

Why not? My familiar demon is a wolf. I’ve seen much through his eyes. And wolves have a reputation for devouring “sheep,” even while dressed in their clothing. I suppose you’re suspecting some kind of innate animosity between vampires and werewolves. That’s a modern misconception. Even Bram Stoker’s Dracula took the form of a wolf.  

Should humans tolerate the existence of vampires? (Francis Franklin)

That’s a funny question for a human to ask a vampire. What am I supposed to answer—no, you should chase us all down to the ends of the earth and expend all the efforts you can to kill us all? But maybe you are asking for justification for our existence. So many of you love us so much, why would you want us to not exist? We are the stuff of your nightmares and fantasies. We help you live with the darkness in yourselves. Without us, without all evil creatures, how would you recognize the good? Or is there really any good at all? If there isn’t, at least with our help, you can feel that there is. You humans seem to need that belief. 

She’s 16–She’s Beautiful–and She’s Deadly. Carletta answers 11 questions

If you live forever, or for thousands of years, and are difficult to kill, and are very strong and powerful… how do you not become a sociopath? And go off and start doing anything you want and acting on any impulse? Katya

C: I haven’t been alive that long. I’m just trying to survive right now. But listen, some people deserve to die. I’m doing a public service! 

Is it true you have to be an old vampire to fly or teleport (being one place, disappearing, and showing up wherever you want to)? Or, if you were turned by a very old, strong vampire, does that give you the ability to do those things like flying or teleport that other vampires do? Angela (demonsangel) Fitzgerald

C: I can’t fly. Wish I could. It’d be so much fun! I don’t teleport, either. I’m just fast, and strong, and stuff like that. Some vampires can astral project. Is that sort of what you mean? I don’t know if it’s so much a matter of age as it is what your familiar spirit is. Mine’s a cat. Kitty doesn’t fly . . . 

Do you find the idea of being undead – ‘living’ for ever, sleeping in a coffin, and so on – as horrifying as I do? Lucinda Elliot

C: Lady, I can’t read your mind (no matter what Anne Rice says), so I don’t know how horrifying you find those things. I think living forever would be a blast, if I can manage it. I don’t sleep in a coffin. Don’t you think it would look a little funny in my room? I sleep in my closet. Being in the dark doesn’t horrify me. And what’s the “and so on” you expect me to know?

What significance, if any, does gender identity and sexual (etc.) orientation have for vampires? Francis Franklin

C: I can’t speak for all vampires. For me, though, being straight and getting back at males for things they do has a lot to do with how I live and feed. I try not to kill females. But there’s always a first, if she gets in my way too much. And whoever you are, don’t cross me when I’m having my period! I call it TMS—through-menstrual syndrome—loss of blood and all, you know?

Are there other vampires, and if so what role does gender play in vampire society? Francis Franklin

C: Of course there are other vampires. Though it might be interesting to destroy all of them but me . . . Another gender question. I don’t know about vampire society, but I use a lot of power over males. I like to be in control. And they love it—until the torments begin!

What do you think of the recent fashion for vampire books and films? Has it made your life harder or easier? Georgiana Derwent

C: P-leeeease! There’s a dork at my school who wears a cape every day and he’s a total idiot! I’m tempted to eat him, but I don’t know if I could stomach touching him. As soon as you mentioned fashion, I thought of him. It’s ridiculous what people make up about us, but nice that some of them think we’re cool. It beats everybody following you with stakes, you know? But good grief, I don’t sparkle unless I’m wearing glitter nail polish, and really, I prefer just red. 

Can you be turned back to a human? Tyro Vogel

C: My mother has been trying to find a “cure” for years. She thinks being a vampire is some kind of a disease. Recently, a girl I know came up with the idea of making me a normal person again. She and a few of her friends—including the dumb dude with the cape—are trying to help my mom with it. They all drive me crazy, but it’s hard to be too mean to people who want to help you—though “Dorkula” would rather stake me in my non-existent coffin. I don’t know if there really is such thing as a cure.

Can you have sex the ‘traditional’ way? Do you have any desire for sex? Tyro Vogel

C: Sure. And I don’t care what’s traditional and what’s not. I’ve got my boyfriend crazy about me. But with most of the guys I start seducing, I don’t get too far until they’re a meal instead.

They say a vampire’s bite brings pleasure rather than pain. Is that true, and how is that even possible? Francis Franklin

C: It can bring either, or a combination, because our saliva has an anesthetic in it. If I bite fast, it can hurt a lot, but if I start with a long kiss, and you think it’s just a kiss, you’ll probably love it. I take advantage of the power of human belief. If you think you’re having a good time with an ordinary girl, you won’t know I’m a vampire at all. 

Do you believe in ‘true love’ and ‘soul mates’? Francis Franklin

C: I don’t know, they might exist for some people, vampire or human. Though I think it’s harder for us blood-sucking fiends. Like, when I’m snuggling up with my boyfriend, I get a really strong urge to drink from him, and if I got hungry enough, he’d be dead. Good-bye, “true love”! Hello, dinner!

Should humans tolerate the existence of vampires? Francis Franklin

C: Of course. What would you do if all the cows, chickens, turkeys, and pigs rebelled and tried to eliminate the human race? But then, some vampires, just like some humans, don’t deserve to live and should be eliminated.

Vampire Lover Blog Award: The first character is me

Hello, friends, strangers, and people who are not so strange!

I have been nominated for the Vampire Lover Blog Award by Francis Franklin. Please enjoy his entry at http://alinameridon.wordpress.com/. My entry will be spread over a number of posts. If you have a blog (or would like to start one), feel free to write me and ask for a nomination.

The Rules

1. You must be a vampire.
2. Link back to the one who nominated you.
3. Display the Vampire Lover Blog Award image.
4. State 11 facts about yourself.
5. Answer 11 questions from the list at
   http://vampireloverblogaward.wordpress.com/about/
6. State these rules.
7. Nominate (and notify) at least 3 fellow bloggers.

Have fun – and take care!

I’ll start off, then, by sharing 11 facts about myself. Why 11? Don’t know, but 11 seems to be the popular number for this contest. Who am I to complain?

1. I am a committed Christian (never been committed to an asylum—though there could always be a first time).
2. Some of my fellow Christians think I shouldn’t be writing about vampires—a fact I find odd, considering they have no hesitation in reading, talking, or writing about Satan himself.
3. I would never have guessed many years ago that I would be writing about vampires.
4. I’ve had a number of dreams that have become stories, but the most obvious indicator was the one that inspired my novel-in-progress: I was the main character experiencing several scenes and then dreamed I was telling a friend I had had a dream that was a good idea for a story.
5. I put a lot of stock into my dreams; some are prophetic, like those of the book’s main character, Mary.
6. I don’t write about vampires because I “love” them; I write about them because they make such good metaphors for many realities: sin, evil, appetite gone amok, human need, etc.
7. Sparkly vampires make me shudder (not with fear but with disgust).
8. I also write plays, poetry, memoirs, short stories, and songs, and I do editing.
9. I had great fun letting two of my vampires write the answers to all twenty-nine questions that were submitted, and then had to choose the best answers to post here; the other three answered fewer than all.
10. The views expressed below are unlikely to reflect my own. (Do I really need a disclaimer for any intelligent reader of fiction?)
11. I advise you not to trust a vampire to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.

Before the five vampires who have agreed to be interviewed take the stage, I will name three authors whom I nominate. I know I am supposed to nominate bloggers, and I’m only sure one of the three has a blog that would be appropriate, but the bloggers I know have already been nominated. So I have reached out to some more well-known writers. We shall see whether they will take up the challenge. They are . . . drumroll, please . . .

Ray Rhamey

Kerrelyn Sparks

Chrisopher Moore

I wanted to also nominate Andrew Fox, but I don’t know how to get ahold of him. And JR Ward, but I haven’t found evidence she has a blog, either, although she is on Facebook.