What kind of vampire would you write about?

[Rita]

Stephenine is really a great author. Some of her books are beautifull. Charlaine,is a lot differant, She's more out there, in your face, kind of author. I like them both. Stephenine, leave a lot more to imagination, for her reader's. I even like Edgar Allen Poe, & some of his poems, but not an everyday, read.Yes you may be surprised, at the differances in the 2. Wish I could help you, but just cant. Good Luck!!!

[Rita]

I forgot to mention, LJ Smith. She wirghts The Vampire Diarias. She will take her characters way out there, on differant worlds. I believe they have a gost writer now though, because they want the books to go a little more on the lines of the TV Program. I saw a differance in wrighting style on the last book I read. Waiting for the next 1 to come out in Oct. or Nov. That will make 17 books. have read all of those.If you want a good read,with no vampires try, The Host,by Stephinie. Its beautifully

[Sandrine]

Christal wrote: "I'm taking a different approach to writing about vampires. With the story I have started the main character is not even a vampire but one of the humans. He rises thru the ranks from Food to boytoy ..."

Your idea sounds very interesting to me. How is your story progressing? What did you mean when you said your character rises to the rank of general?

[Sandrine]

This weekend (9/14-17) I am at a horror convention in Syracuse and it has been a great experience. I got to see the Ghost Hunters crew again (I have been on ghost hunts with them before; viewed the debut of several horror movies; went to a Zombie party and met some vampire authors; bought some of their novels and enjoyed being among a fang wearing/horror themed group! Always great to mingle with the vampire crowd. Will be going to New Orleans next month for even more of the same. I can't wait.


z

[Rita]

Have you ever been visited by a goast, or spirit whatever you want to call them? I had a little problem with 1 once. Scared the hell out of me, until I figured out, that it wasn't there to hurt anyone in our house. Its really a very strange feeling, & no I wasn't drinking or on drugs. It happened, but didn't leave untill, I figured out what it was trying to tell me.When I did, it left,& I felt it leave.I'm perfectly sane,believe me,it really happened. STRANGE!!!!!!!

[Krisi]

Sandrine wrote: "Megan wrote: "In my upcoming book, my vampires are the villain type. I never bought into the empathetic vampire because of their need for blood and living detached from humans (meaning they're only..."

I'm really looking forward to reading your books, Sandrine. I agree with you and Francis that the human/vampire conflict is the most fascinating aspect and what you said about your story really trying to get into the vampire's head to see what he thinks about himself and those around him intrigues me because it's very much akin to what I tried to do in my stories - plus giving a different interpretation of how vampires gain immortality and what it is they really seek. If you're looking for beta readers for your novel, I'd love to help, and I also work as an editor.

Thanks so much for asking about my books. These are the GR links for the first two books and I'm working on the third now, if you'd like to check them out:
On the Soul of a Vampire
Pro Luce Habere (To Have Before the Light) Volumes 1 & 2

They lean more toward the philosophical/spiritual, similar to Anne Rice's Interview with the Vampire, and with the more gothic, old-fashioned writing style, but I went in a different direction with the mythos - the vampires have most of the traditional aspects, but with a different underlying motivation and origin.

[Rita]

Sounds interesting.

[Robin]

Hi, all. Been busy, good to be back. This is an active thread! And helpful, informative. I have had some dreams that have come true more or less, some pretty amazingly. And I've also had dreams that gave me ideas for stories. But I've only had one that had an addendum to it in which I was telling someone I had had this dream and it was a good idea for a story--and that's the one that inspired my current novel-in-progress.
Did I mention that already? And did I say that I gave the prophetic dreaming ability to my protagonist, only more pronounced than mine, so that it plays a major role in the story?
I have never seen a ghost, but I saw an angel once--a fleeting glimpse, not clear. I have felt touches when no human being was there, and, recently, have heard a voice call my name. Not sure exactly what to make of the latter. They were female voices all three times, and the third time, it was the voice of a friend of mine and clearly came from the dining room. No one was in my home but me.

[Sandrine]

Responding to 158--161: I have had several encounters with the supernatural realm, and I believe with UFO craft also; shadow people, misty shapes appearing/disappearing. I do go on ghost hunts.
I believe in prophetic dreams; also in signs and omens, especially those that serve guide us.
Thank you Krisi for the titles of your books; I look forward to reading these. And for those of you who have offered to be beta readers/editors: I am working up the courage to leave my book in the hands of strangers--it is hard!!
I am more and more realizing the debt I owe to Rice; not just because she "gave" me New Orleans and her view of vampires. I see her inspiration in that I wanted more of the same from her, but she took it as far as she could go, without becoming redundant. It is up to those of us who appreciate what she was trying to portray to take up the challenge now, if we want/need more of the same.

[Francis]

(Has anyone considered that the reason Edward's skin sparkles in the sunlight is because while he was watching Bella sleeping he couldn't resist playing with her make-up and things got out of control?)

[Ross]

(Or maybe he was the victim of a glitter bomb. They're dangerous they are.)

[Rita]

Robin wrote: "Hi, all. Been busy, good to be back. This is an active thread! And helpful, informative. I have had some dreams that have come true more or less, some pretty amazingly. And I've also had dreams tha..."

My goast, talked to my mind, not in words, but things happened in the house, that were strange. It wasn't evil. I could feel that much, in my mind.

[Rita]

Francis wrote: "(Has anyone considered that the reason Edward's skin sparkles in the sunlight is because while he was watching Bella sleeping he couldn't resist playing with her make-up and things got out of contr..."

I don't think he did that. It was all Stephenine's idea. he always stayed in the bed beside Bella, because her sleeping facinated him,because he couldn't sleep.

[Rita]

Sandrine wrote: "Responding to 158--161: I have had several encounters with the supernatural realm, and I believe with UFO craft also; shadow people, misty shapes appearing/disappearing. I do go on ghost hunts.
I..." I'm so glad I'm not the only person to have had this sort of thing happen to them. I'v had a spiritual reader, tell me I have the gift, but don't want it.

[Rita]

Woolfie wrote: "(Or maybe he was the victim of a glitter bomb. They're dangerous they are.)"

Come on now, lets not make Twilight, a commody, please.

[Ross]

Rita wrote: "Woolfie wrote: "(Or maybe he was the victim of a glitter bomb. They're dangerous they are.)"

Come on now, lets not make Twilight, a commody, please."

Francis and I were just joking Rita:)
I thought it already was a comedy, albeit an unfunny one :p
I personally have had no interactions with the supernatural, and I'm quite glad about that to be honest.

[Francis]

Prompted by my daughter's happiness with her new glittery nail polish...

[Rita]

Woolfie wrote: "Rita wrote: "Woolfie wrote: "(Or maybe he was the victim of a glitter bomb. They're dangerous they are

I know ya'll were kidding around. That's just me, being me. No you really don't ever want to be confronted with anything like I was. Seriously, it was not tring to hurt anyone, just let me know something was wrong & I had to figure it out.I saw & heard it,and then not ,afraid of it. For 3 days & nights,& knew when it left. It talked to my mind. Strange,but not harmfull in any way. Don't ever want it to happen again though.Believe me I'm not crazy just receptive I guess.

[Rita]

Oh!! By the way, I'm from Texas,so yes, I say, ya'll.

[Sandrine]

Francis wrote: "(Has anyone considered that the reason Edward's skin sparkles in the sunlight is because while he was watching Bella sleeping he couldn't resist playing with her make-up and things got out of contr..."

LOL. I knew it! And I appreciate the way your droll english humor--just the way you phrased it--pointed that out. I actually somewhat liked the first two books, in a way. But I was totally creeped out by the way he and his family controlled Bella. And by his watching her sleep every night...I bet he was trying on her clothes too....

[Sandrine]

Woolfie wrote: "Rita wrote: "Woolfie wrote: "(Or maybe he was the victim of a glitter bomb. They're dangerous they are.)"

Come on now, lets not make Twilight, a commody, please."

Francis and I were just joking R..."

Woolfie wrote: "(Or maybe he was the victim of a glitter bomb. They're dangerous they are.)"

Rita wrote: "Woolfie wrote: "Rita wrote: "Woolfie wrote: "(Or maybe he was the victim of a glitter bomb. They're dangerous they are

I know ya'll were kidding around. That's just me, being me. No you really don..."


Glitter bomb!!!Hah! LOL

[Sandrine]

Rita wrote: "Woolfie wrote: "Rita wrote: "Woolfie wrote: "(Or maybe he was the victim of a glitter bomb. They're dangerous they are

I know ya'll were kidding around. That's just me, being me. No you really don..."

Rita, perhaps it was a spirit guide; the presence of someone you know who had passed, or just a helpful entity trying to respond to what you were needing then.

[Rita]

Sandrine wrote: "Rita wrote: "Woolfie wrote: "Rita wrote: "Woolfie wrote: "(Or maybe he was the victim of a glitter bomb. They're dangerous they are

I know ya'll were kidding around. That's just me, being me. No y..." Thats what it was. Like I said, it talked to my mind,& when I understood what it was trying to tell me, it left, in a few days.The way it let me know was strange, though,it moved right trough me, & it almost, took my breath away. My Son had a burgandy corvet at the time, & it was telling me something wasn.t right about it. When he got home, that afternoon,the first words out of my mouth were, whats wrong with your car,& he told me his brakes were gone.We got them fixed. It stayed for 2or3 days before leaving. Just strange all around.

[Megan]

Hi, sorry I'm responding late to the comments to what I posted.

When it comes to blood, I would think for a supernatural creature like a vampire, one adult human body is enough (but if they get a child, they'll have to get another to make up for what the first victim lacked). I also didn't make my vampires rely on blood for immortality; they need it for nourishment. And since they're not exactly human, they don't need to fill their stomachs three times a night.

As for the evil aspect, I do think being separate from humans for not a few years or decades, but centuries or even millennia would cause a vampire to lose empathy for humans, especially if their thirst for blood is stronger than empathy. At the same time, I would think a vampire with supernatural strength and powers would look down on humans and see themselves as superior. They'll be relishing in their abilities and probably laughing at humans.

I hope I covered everything that others brought up in response to my post. :-)

[Francis]

And perhaps clinging desperately to the last remnants of your humanity is the only thing that gives meaning to your forced existence.

[Megan]

Francis wrote: "And perhaps clinging desperately to the last remnants of your humanity is the only thing that gives meaning to your forced existence."

Depending on the vampire. Some of those I wrote about thoroughly enjoy their vampire existence, seeing it as better than their human life from centuries ago. But others are simply making the most of their existence, and accepting their fate. They have no way out, other than suicide if that's an option and they manage to pull it off. So why continue to battle over something you can't win over? If you can't beat them, join them, basically.

[Francis]

A little quote from Suzie and the Monsters:

I return home and spend the day catching up on housework. Washing and ironing make me feel human, whereas sorting through the junk mail makes me feel like an alien, so many bright colours advertising food I can never eat and clothes I wouldn't be caught dead in, let alone undead.

[Megan]

Francis wrote: "A little quote from Suzie and the Monsters:
I return home and spend the day catching up on housework. Washing and ironing make me feel human, whereas sorting through the junk mail makes me feel lik..."

I don't quite get what you mean here. Are you saying a vampire could feel human at times, and unhappy being a vampire other times?

[Rita]

I would like to think, that even, a vampire, can have a little humanity, once in a while. Not often though. Some,never. I'm not an author, so you wright however you want to. I like all of them, when I'm reading. Some I love, & some I love to hate. Makes it intersting, & my emotions, go in all, directions.A good book, pulls me in & if good takes my emotions, up & down. I get into the minds of the chacters,& live in the place where they are. Does that make since to an author?

[Francis]

Hi Rita, and it does make sense.

Megan:
Suzie's a vampire, and completely accepts that, and can be utterly ruthless when she wants to be. But she likes to be part of human society. When she's not out dancing, she likes to curl up with a good book, or maybe she'll watch films while getting drunk, and send text messages to her (human) ex-gf.

[Megan]

Rita wrote: "I would like to think, that even, a vampire, can have a little humanity, once in a while. Not often though. Some,never. I'm not an author, so you wright however you want to. I like all of them, whe..."

It does make sense, Rita. I'm not bothered by anyone's tastes; it doesn't upset me. Just like you think writers should write what they want, I think readers should read what they want.

[Megan]

Francis wrote: "Hi Rita, and it does make sense.

Megan:
Suzie's a vampire, and completely accepts that, and can be utterly ruthless when she wants to be. But she likes to be part of human society. When she's not ..."

Oh I see. I take it you believe a vampire can choose to hold on to its human side or not.

If so, I do agree. But I also think given the circumstances of their existence, and living centuries like that, may make it hard for some to hold on to their humanity.

ETA: I am not saying its impossible for a vampire to be empathetic, but I think it is also difficult to do so, especially if the vampire is centuries old and has lived detached from humans during that time. It certainly is a challenge. BTW: tonight, I'll make a blog posting about this.

[Francis]

Absolutely. :-)

[Rita]

I can see, where if the vampire, has not lived around humans for so long, that he could lose his humanity, but, get it back, if in love with a human. When a vampire is angry,that's when he goes on a rage,but some,at some point, can let it pass.Not all though. I dont care what kind of vampire, I'm reading, I can still get into his head, & know, the why, of it all.I put myself into all the books I read,& sometimes, reread, to make sure I know just whats really going on in their heads. In other words, I become the character. Isn't that what reading is all about,if not, then maybe I'm crazy?

[Francis]

It's nice when you can sink into the characters.

[Rita]

I guess, thats why I read, because it takes me,to another place & time, but I have to really like, where I'm going. I've been ask, why do you read so much? I tell them, because I live in the real world,& except life on it terms, but when I read, I can go anywhere on earth & even to differant worlds.If the author is good, I can see those worlds as well. Its not that I like to travel,because I've done more than my share, & not very well either. But, the mind is a very strong part of who we are,& so I use it. Like, I've said before, I'm extremly sencetive,to strange things around me,& things yet to come. I'm sure that a lot of people would think that I'm crazy, but I'm one of the most sane, people in the world.I may be just the type, that authors, really love to see comming.

[Sandrine]

Reply to 181, 185, 186: Liked all of these comments.
The vampire I write about isn't particularly concerned with his humanity, but the humans he is in frequent contact with worry about it, because he can be, and has been, extremely dangerous. He has been known to isolate himself, at times for a decade or so, and this concerns the humans who know about his existence and work with him. As vampire, he accepts that he is unable to change his existence, and is quite content being the baddest thing out there; but his existence has meant the loss of many things and this often upsets him and causes much sadness. Does all this make sense?

[Francis]

Not sure. Can you be content with who you are while also being upset and sad? Maybe.

[Sandrine]

Therein lies his dilemma.

[Rita]

Yes, it makes a lot of sence. If he can become upset, it shows, he still has, a small amount of humanity, even though he doesn't really want it.In fact he hates having any of it, left. He thought he had given all of that up. It makes him, a little bit, funerable, & thats what he hates most of all.

[Megan]

I'm a couple of days late but here's a link to that blog post I said I would do: http://wp.me/p2q6dm-5c

[Rita]

Thank you, Megan. I read what was there, & left a comment. I think, I posted it on facebook, but not sure, as I'm new, to computers.

[Rita]

Who ever it was, that made a friend request, try aagain, as I lost it.

[Rita]

Francis, I'm very content, with who I am, no matter what my emotions are, on any day. I cant even tell you, just what it was, that got me to where I am, but it sure took a long time. I'm happy, just being me. I don't know about how a vampire would feel though. Thats interesting, I'll, have to think on that a while.

[[deleted user]]

I came across question myself when I was contemplating what to write in my book. I wanted something fresh and original, an idea that hasn't been beaten to death by pop culture (like vamps being a teenage identity kind of ting) so I sent my mind to thinking up what I haven't seen before.
So in my book I have the character of a young woman who becomes accidently infected with vampire blood and throughout the story she has to deal with the gradual changes to her body and mind, the terror at knowing she's going to die and knowing nothing can be done to stop it. To really concentrate on the human side, asking how would you react to knowing you were cursed with certain death.

[Rita]

Aren't we all? I know a little, about,an illness,that is a death sentence, because, theres no cure. Not me, but my husband. It is extremly hard to deal with that, knowing your going to die.Good luck, with your, story.

[Francis]

Hi Robert. So, how's the book progressing?

With mine, I wanted to explore what it was to be, and have been for centuries, a lone female vampire in the real world - i.e., not some urban fantasy setting.

[Robin]

Hi, everyone! Sorry I have been away so long. Been very busy. Still am, and expect to be. Nice to come back "home" to this forum. Rita, I am so sorry to hear about your husband. What is his diagnosis? I will pray for him.

Part of my current novel includes a gradual change of one of my characters into a vampire as well. I think most see the change as sudden and complete. I'm reminded of Ann Rice's Lois describing himself as "a new-born vampire."

Now I need to take a nap because I was up too late last night vampire-like) and up too early this morning to make up for it. Best to all! And I will check out that blog when I can.

[Dustin]

Hi, Robin!

Thank you for the invite, I appreciate it.:)


Hello, everyone!

[Rita]

Scott passed in May,1993,of a very rare bone cancer, called, Condrosarcoma.Sorry,I don't know if that is spelled right.It started in the center of his R pelvic. Of course, we had to go to Dallas, for the right Dr.He did a surgery that he designed,but had to be the right person, because of the pain & strength, to make it work.He took the R.pelvic,hip,& 3 or 4ins. of the femar,& streached the leg & siatic nerve.He was in there for 12 hrs.Its a long story,but after 6yrs & 8 surgeries, he passed. He fought like hell, to live for us. Close to the end, we called Hospice. I loged every milagram of morphin, & fentinal patches for pain. People can't believe, when I tell them, he was on 7,000 mil. of morphine a day, & 8 fentinal patches a day.I'm not sad anymore,as I know where he is. I'm just, happy, to be who I am, so at peace with it all. Not at first though,I was angry. Not any more. We had 32yrs. together, not counting the 2 before we were married. We were teenagers then.