Thoughts on Ghost Drums

I have recently been reviewing some reviews on Amazon and Goodreads and I thought now was a good time to address some reviewers points, questions, and ideas in a open discussion. A couple of things that came up in the reviews of Ghost Drums were (1) some readers wished the work was longer, even a full length novel and (2) there were a couple of questions regarding the fate of the savage girl.

While an expanded edition of Ghost Drums into novella or novel length was never intended, I can’t say I am opposed to the idea and it has gotten some wheels turning deep within the dark creative powers of my cerebrum. Will these wheels bare fruit, I can’t say just yet.

What I can tell you is what has been intended is a collection or ongoing collections of short stories featuring Lazarus and other vampires who occupy the same universe. Characters would know of one another and crossover into each other tales. The series is to be called Immortal Nights. The preview of At The Throat of God, which is experiment in how these tales might look in graphic novel form, introduces a few of these other vampires.

As for the savage girl, the first reviewer below was on the right track. The last few lines of the story:

“The ghost drums then faded under the roar of the flames as the apparitions dissolved into the night and I was left to wonder what would be my inspiration? Who or what would awaken the passion of the Lazarus of old?

The veins of the child’s throat surged against her skin as she tensed in her delirium.”

So, what I meant to insinuate here, is yes, the savage girl does become a companion of Lazarus and through this resurrects his old self. Was this too ambiguous?

There is at least one planned story with Lazarus and the savage girl, who is yet unnamed, to occur in the late 20th century or early 21st century, which would make her approximately 150 year old and a mature vampire who has come into her own.

Some Reviewer’s Comments:

“And what about the savage girl? What happens to her? Is she the key to helping awaken the Lazarus of old or just another meal?”

“I wished the story had been longer and fleshed out even more. Additionally, the ending was a little confusing; I found myself especially wondering about the young savage girl: What every happened to her?’

Your thoughts?

Tagged: Q & A, Reviews