Vampires--What's the big deal?
What is it that makes readers crave vampire stories and, apparently, the more erotic the better? I gave my niece who barely reads a menu a set of Sookie Stackhouse vampire books and she is reading these books like eating chocolate. She even carries one in her purse (okay a big garment bag looking purse) and reads them at red lights. I only pray it's at red lights any way.
Thing is, I wonder what makes vampire stories so in demand? Is it because being bitten on the neck and having the blood sucked out is similar to a sensual or even erotic sex scene?
Is it because vampires are immortal and we all want to live forever? Perhaps it's the tortured soul thing. Vampires we love are looking for redemption or making a great sacrifice for the one they love by not actually killing them.
Or maybe vampires have lived long enough to en mass a fortune and some nice property. Money is power.
So, all you vampire authors, what's the big attraction? Why do you write about vampires and what do you think draws readers to stories about them?
Sarah J. McNeal
www.sarahmcneal.com
Monday, June 29, 2009
What's So Great About Vampires?
Posted by Sarah J. McNeal at 9:19 AM
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1 comments:
Hiya Sarah M!
I actually blogged about this on my own blog, here is what I had to say:
The first vampire book I ever read was Salem's Lot by Stephen King. Not exactly romantic cannon fodder! But being the morbid person I am, I related to these fallen beings that thought only of themselves and gorged unrepentantly on blood. It was brutal because it was meant to be. These were creatures that need blood to thrive. Nuff' said.
Then, a four part vampire series by L.J. Smith came along and rocked and warped my little world - The Vampire Diaries. The brothers, Stefan and Damon, were equally entrancing in their contrasts. One light, the other dark, and both undeniably beautiful. I was fascinated by the dichotomy of one man that was changed and resented the beast within versus another that embraced the darkness, only to discover ultimately, they both maintained a mortal soul and therefore a conscious.
Living with guilt for a literal eternity...Can you imagine?
Thus began my obsession with creatures that sport fangs, scorch in the sun, and live forever.
Now, I feel it only fair to mention that some of my favorite material as a reader is not erotica. I know, I know - odd! But it's true. Kim Harrison, the early works of Laurell K. Hamilton (note early works here, her stuff now is stuffed with erotica!), Charlaine Harris (the sexual content in her works are nothing like the show, Trueblood) and Patricia Briggs, are four authors that are prime examples.
I'm all about the history, angst, and need to find redemption. The other elements, namely the biting, blood drinking, and wealth, come second fiddle. Sure those things are nice and help a story move along smoothly, but I'd be just as willing to read about a broke vampire living in the broom closet that had serious issues as I would vampire royalty.
On the flipside, as a writer, I'm drawn to vampires because they offer such a limitless platform to mold and create from. A writer can craft something contemporary, located in modern day, with a centuries old protagonist that took part in the revolutionary war. There is so much to work with, so much you can bring to life. Be it longstanding friendships, unending rivalries, or a heartbreak that has endured ages. It also doesn't hurt that by design, vampires are beautiful, strong, knowledgeable, and because of what they are - utterly captivating.
So, that's why I enjoy reading and writing about vampires. And if the Twilight mania is any indication, I'm not alone. There is only one other hero with the sway to pull me away from those coldblooded predators Momma told me to avoid - those hotblooded werewolves.
Jaime
www.jasaare.com
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