From the eBook point of view, vampires and love are big business. Romances are among the most popular eBooks, which means when you find a vampire eBook, it is likely to be a vampire romance. On eBook Connections' list of the Top 50 Best Selling eBooks for 2000, Margaret L. Carter's Dark Changeling was #49. J. C. Wilder's first three books in her Shadow Dweller series also made the Top 50, Retribution #45, Shameless #46, and the first book in the series, One With The Hunger #7.
When I asked Margaret L. Carter what made the vampires so interesting to write about, she compared them to Spock on STAR TREK, "...a being who looks human but is not quite human, capable of giving us an alien perspective on human existence." She also said that"...the vampire...has an exotic sexual appeal similar to that of Spok or any other not-quite-human, mysteriously aloof and powerful but potentially vulnerable creature, with whom intimacy will be hard to achieve but very rewarding when attained." I could relate to that idea. Years ago, my first novel was a STAR TREK novel published as a fanzine by Marion McChensey. Like many fans, I was fascinated with Spock and spent a great deal of time fantasizing about breaking down that cold reserve and awakening the passion that was buried within.
The majority of vampires written today have that erotic, sensual quality. They are no longer the decaying horrors that terrify us, but rather seduce and awaken us to exquisite passions. My favorite Dracula movie stars Frank Langella as an intensely romantic Dracula. Laurell K. Hamilton's Anita Blake series has been called Erotic Horror. Certainly Anne Rice is known for her sensuality. Romance writers like Christine Freehan, Shannon Drake, Nancy Gideon fill paperbacks with steamy passion.
So why is it that we have imbued the vampire with so much romantic appeal? That is the question I ask you, my readers. Check the discussion topics and give me your opinions.
Until then for your Valentine reading pleasure --
Sweethearts for Valentine A story inspired by Valentine's Day By Linda Suzane http://www.themestream.com/articles/3257...
Taking Pleasure A poem by Cecil Washington http://www.themestream.com/gspd_browse/b...
Cecil has a Themestream column, Vampire Erotica, erotoic tales and poems about Belial, the Moorish Vampire. http://www.themestream.com/gspd_browse/b...
Marion's Choice A romantic vampire short story by C. R. Allen http://www.themestream.com/gspd_browse/b...
Dark Changeling By Margaret L. Carter is available from Hardshell Word Factory.
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