Vampire Books Fans, Fangs and Writers discussion

Hi all, I'm a newbie to this site, but a connoisseur (I like to think) of Vampire novels. I'm even writing one myself. I'm tailoring my Vampires to suit myself and I think I've decided on all their traits and weaknesses. I'm just wondering what other people think would be the best part of being a Vampire and what would be the worst?

"I'm tailoring my Vampires to suit myself"
I like the sartorial humour in that phrase.

Two-to-three years ago I wrote a whole bunch of blog posts ranting about vampire tropes. You may find some of these interesting, particularly:
- but writing makes it so, the 'rules' when writing vampires
- The Female Vampire, sexual equality in vampire fiction
- Vampire Lover Blog Award, which is really just a set of questions to ask your vampires (privately or in public, you choose) to aid in character and world creation

Also, on a more sartorial note:
- Superficial Specificity: Lorenzi Heels and Illamasqua

Thanks for that Francis, I enjoyed reading your pieces. In particular the Vampire Lover Blog Award was interesting. The protagonist in my book is a female Vampire whose desire to become a mother over-rides all her emotions, common sense and indeed, her death. It's been interesting watching her lose her humanity over time while chasing her one goal and trying to reconcile her new nature.

And yes I must agree, they must be actual Vampires and not just hot people with enhanced abilities.

Heya Fiona. I'm a big fan of vampires a la Hellsing and Anita Blake. I think at its heart, vampirism is a reflection of our violent selves. Vampires are us if we embrace the violence of life. That's why they're eternally young - because the young embrace violence so much more than the old.

Well, that's the theory!

As for the best part of being a vamp:
You get to live like a punk forever. A broody, rich punk. You're essentially an immortal Sid Vicious.

The worst part:
Subsisting entirely off blood. Blood is very poor in nutrients. To live off blood, you would have to be 1) anatomically inhuman (stomach, teeth, facial structure) and 2) always on the lookout for snacks.

Your protagonist sounds well-developed and interesting. You've certainly pinned a good point - that internal conflict between violence and compassion will always be at the heart of any solid vampire protagonist.

Hi Fiona, that sounds interesting and different. I know a couple of series about a woman becoming a vampire who has a child from before, and I'm sure I've read about (or watched in films) female vampires giving birth but it's certainly unusual.

Although funnily enough - with apologies for self-promotion - my first novel (Kings of Infinite Space: The Quest for Alina Meridon) has a female vampire who gives birth at one point, and the excerpt/novella Hrana about her life is free on Amazon for a few days.

I would have to agree with the the worst being the living off blood, I would definitely miss cheese. Although I think boredom would come a very close second.

My vampire Suzie has a thing for nectarines. I suspect you're right about the boredom, though.

Nectarines? mmmm that provides me with an interesting visual image

'I love to sink my fangs into a meaty cock,' I tell him, showing him my sharp incisors. 'It's so... juicy. Like biting into a ripe nectarine.' Which is something I actually enjoy doing, although it's a bit like having unprotected sex with a man - one moment of pure pleasure followed by hours of general ickiness.

My attempt to terrify my victim is derailed suddenly by Cleo's collapse into hysterics. 'Nectarine!' she gasps after catching a breath, almost choking on fresh laughter.

'Cleo!' I whine in complaint.

Love it!

I am still pondering on what I would like or hate most about being a vampire. But since we are discussing vampire food, in my series, vampires can eat and drink human food - they just might not care for it as much.

“You have to learn to blend in with them Julia. Most mortals don’t observe other people much unless they draw attention. And if we keep standing here staring, everyone will notice,” Samuel said quietly. “Let’s sit down someplace.”
I nodded and Samuel took my arm and led me to a table in the shadows not far from where Adam was sitting with a young woman. Ruth Galloway, I supposed. We sat down and Samuel ordered a glass of red wine and some bread. He smiled at me as he did so. I gave him a dirty look and glanced towards Adam’s table. “Funny,” I commented.

It's interesting to read other's ideas of Vampires and their traits. I guess that's the fun of it, we can make them do whatever we like. Some standards remain though otherwise they wouldn't be Vampires

If I were a vampire, the best and worst thing about being a vampire would be the immortality/longevity. The best part is living and seeing history. The worst would be the loneliness and boredom.

The vampires I wrote are the evil kind, so they enjoy being a vampire for different reasons:

Best: longevity, being as powerful as a god, living a rich life full of debauchery, being a vampire is like being part of a tribe, strong senses, superhuman powers and strength

Worst: none of it is as cracked up as it seems to be, though they're afraid to admit it.

It's funny how writing about vampires can give you a new appreciation for being human.

Megan wrote: "If I were a vampire, the best and worst thing about being a vampire would be the immortality/longevity. The best part is living and seeing history. The worst would be the loneliness and boredom...."

I can definitely see that, Megan.