Vampire Romance by R. E. Mullins
Fellow Wild Rose R. E. Mullins is back to tell us about her vampire romances. Along the way she answers questions about travels, writer’s block, and the struggles of getting published.
Take it a way R.E….
What interesting jobs have you had? How have those jobs affected your writing?
I came up with the idea for my first book: It’s A Wonderful Undead Life while working as a Phlebotomist. The lab was always filled with racks of vials filled with blood. I couldn’t help but think, as I was drawing blood, that it would be a great job for a vampire.
Is there an event in your life that affected you as a writer?
I started writing while going through my divorce. It was a tough time. My youngest was only seven. So, after he went to sleep, I would write and write and write. Next thing I knew, I had over 97,000 words written.
What was the most interesting place you ever visited?
Rome Italy. What can I say about this place? It was like seeing history become flesh. A statue or fountain to appreciate around every corner. The ancient and new melded into a seamless and timeless city.
Do your travels influence your writing?
My travels to see some of the Mayan Ruins aided my descriptions of the fresh water cenotes and pyramids. In the final book, Book 4 of the series: Cold Hearted Vampire, I wove elements from one of the sacrificial ceremonies into the plot. Though I wrote the words to the song they sang during it (I couldn’t find the original words), the rest of it is pretty authentic.
How much research do you do for each book you write?
I love history, but have never been interested in writing Historical Romances. Weird, huh? I do love to research. In Book 3 of the Blautsaugers of Amber Heights (btw This is my favorite book of the series and Metta is my favorite character) A Vampire To Be Reckoned With. Metta Blautsauger, has several flashbacks. At one point she receives a telegraph. That led to: What kind of dress would she have been wearing? Not only were the dresses of the period lovely but it was also when women started wearing Bloomer Suits to ride bicycles. Hmm, Metta could wear them at the Orcus Academy. What would be a good treat for the students? Huh, I didn’t know that Ginger Ale was one of the first sodas. Yes, I knew the original Coke had cocaine in it. Wonder when were condoms first used? Oh, really? That’s why vibrators were first invented! LOL… By then it’s inevitable. By this time, I’ve gotten so carried away that I’m trying to cram one interesting tidbit after another into the story. By this time, I’ve wasted a ton of time. I also realize I’ve put in enough facts to lose track of the plot, and I’m forced most of it back out. My children like to point out that most of the historical references only appeal to me anyway. Bummer.
Do you ever experience writer’s block?
In it now and have been for about a year. I won’t say that it’s because my older son moved back in with me while he renovates a house—but it might be because my older son moved back in with me…He does like to stop and talk whenever I’m typing. 
