It has been 11 years since the last instalment in Anne Rice’s popular “Vampire Chronicles.” The latest, “Prince Lestat,” will be released shortly, but how does it compare to the previous editions? Andy Boylan reviews.
Category: Books
Reflecting on Vampires: Why Don’t They Appear in Mirrors?
Vampires don’t reflect in mirrors—that’s vampire lore 101. But is it accurate? Where did it come from? Andy Boylan briefly explores its appearance in books, TV and film—and discusses a clever twist twist on the trope.
Do Your Vampires Sparkle?
How much longer do we have to keep comparing vampire novels to Stephenie Meyer’s “Twilight” saga? All joking aside, it is becoming tedious. . . . why [do] readers and reviewers [ask] . . . “Do your vampires sparkle?”
Stoker and the Bat
It is now common knowledge that vampires can turn into bats but prior to Bram Stoker’s seminal 1897 novel “Dracula” the connection was not so obvious. “Dracula” . . . solidified popular knowledge regarding vampire lore.
To Touch the Sun: Inspirations
On February 25 my vampire novel, “To Touch the Sun”, was released . . . When asked why I wrote a vampire novel, “Well, everyone should write at least one in their lifetime.” Let’s be honest, there isn’t . . . a drought
Why I Hate Fangst
“Fangst” is a term I read on the Internet, . . . [so] let’s say “fangst” is an ironic term one may apply to the depiction of vampires as tragic heroes: beautiful, dark creatures doomed to a life they wouldn’t choose
Why I’m Back to Self-Publishing
I can’t tell you how excited I was when I heard from the publisher to whom I had submitted my “Highland Home” Series . . . the euphoria didn’t last long . . . I [took] my books back and return[ed] to self-publishing.
Ancient Blood: Cinematic Inspirations
I have a shameful confession to make: my novel started off life as a screenplay and . . . many of the works that inspired its creation were movies! I know, I feel terrible, but I’m glad to finally get it off my chest.
Love and the Undead
My fascination with vampires began when I learned my mother had Bela Lugosi’s autograph. My great grandparents owned a hair salon in Manhattan and Bela Lugosi had been just one of their famous clients. One day . . .
Less Is More: Creating a Vampire World
One issue I’ve noticed in a lot of paranormal fiction is scale: getting too big too fast. All the vampires have a werewolf bodyguard, legions of angels . . . and the sewers are bursting with more vampires than rats.