Vampires Never Get Old: The Podcast

Join us for a discussion about bargains and Black faeries in pop culture with NYT Bestselling author, Dhonielle Clayton. Clayton's short story is a companion to her entry in Vampires Never Get Old, and she gives us an insight on making mythology feel fresh and new, as well as writing against tired old tropes.  Find Dhonielle on Instagram & Threads, and on her website Dhonielleclayton.com 

Absinthe. Faeries. What else could we ask for? Holly Black, the literary Queen of Faerie, joins us for a little absinthe tasting and a fantastic discussion of all things faerie, including some faerie folklore stories Holly loves. We pick her brain on how she writes such incredible bargains and stories while keeping them fresh. We also touch on aliens, writing, and have a chaotic and delightful talk about the tasting notes. Zoraida did not set her apartment on fire. Not a sponsored episode, we just like little treats.  Faeries by Alan Lee and Brian Froud  Legend (1985) Spiderwick Chronicles Absinthe:  Lucid (France) Absinthe Verte (Kansas City, USA) Meadow of Love (Delaware Phoenix Distillery) Sugar cubes from the book box by Jamison Shea

On this episode we welcome Christine Day, an enrolled citizen of the Upper Skagit tribe, and award-winning middle grade author. She joins us to talk pop culture, dark academia, indigenous histories and liberation, and the power in the possibility of invention.  Find Christine on Instagram or ByChristineday.com!

Award-winning author Anna-Marie McLemore joins the faerie revel. They discuss the queerness and fashion of faerie, and what it's like writing in the established world of VENOM & VOW, co-authored with their husband, Elliott McLemore.  Visit Anna-Marie McLemore on their website.

NYT Bestselling author Ryan La Sala steps into our faerie circle to discuss their contribution to FAERIES NEVER LIE, queer culture and safe spaces, Sailor Moon, and belonging. Join the revel!  Find Ryan on ⁠Instagram⁠ and ⁠RyanLaSala.com⁠!

Deep dive into the monstrous beauty of the faerie world with NYT Bestselling author Tessa Gratton!  Find Tessa Gratton online.

Welcome back to Untold Legends - season 3. This podcast serves as a companion to our series of anthologies. Season 1: Vampires. Season 2: mermaids. This season it's all about FAERIES. In episode 1, Natalie and Zoraida reintroduce themselves and discuss their short stories in the collection, when they first discovered faeries, and the process of making the anthology itself! Stay tuned at the end of the episode for an exclusive pre-order campaign for FAERIES NEVER LIE, available September 24, 2024 wherever books are sold. *explicit label for the occasional F*bomb*

Welcome back to the UNTOLD LEGENDS podcast hosted by Natalie C. Parker & Zoraida Córdova. We've had a little bit of a rebrand, so if you remember VAMPIRES NEVER GET OLD, we are still the same editors and writers, we've just expanded. Natalie and Zoraida are welcoming in the new year by chatting with Maggie Tokuda-Hall and Preeti Chhibber! This episode navigates honesty in storytelling, figuring out who the real monsters are, and how different iterations of Peter Pan—specifically the enchanting and sometimes terrifying mermaids from the tale—inspired their stories. Maggie Tokuda-Hall is the author of Also an Octopus, illustrated by Benji Davies, The Mermaid, The Witch and The Sea, Squad, illustrated by Lisa Sterle, and Love in the Library illustrated by Yas Imamura with more books forthcoming. She can be found on Twitter @emteehall. Called “Spider-Man super fan and author” by Publishers Weekly, Preeti Chhibber is a YA author, speaker, and freelance writer. She has written for SYFY, Polygon, BookRiot, BookRiot Comics, The Nerds of Color, and The Mary Sue, among others. She also co-hosts the podcasts Desi Geek Girls and Tar Valon or Bust. She's appeared on several panels at New York Comic Con and San Diego Comic Con, and on-screen on the SYFY Network. Honestly, you probably recognize her from one of several BuzzFeed “look at these tweets” Twitter lists. She usually spends her time reading a ridiculous amount of Young Adult but is also ready to jump into most fandoms at a moment's notice. She can be found on Instagram @runwithskizzers. Additional media mentioned: The Abyss (1989), Peter Pan (1953), Peter Pan (2023), Peter Pan by J.M. Barrie, The Little Mermaid (1989), Jennifer's Body (2009), and Cinderella Ate My Daughter by Peggy Orenstein. Follow Zoraida Córdova @zoraidasolo and Natalie C. Parker @ncparker on Instagram.

Welcome back to the UNTOLD LEGENDS podcast hosted by Natalie C. Parker & Zoraida Córdova. We've had a little bit of a rebrand, so if you remember VAMPIRES NEVER GET OLD, we are still the same editors and writers, we've just expanded. Join our dynamic duo as they're joined this time by the wonderful Darcie Little Badger. Together they discuss some fun (and deadly) marine facts along with what inspired her story in the anthology from the perspective of a horror and fantasy lover. Darcie Little Badger is a Lipan Apache writer with a Ph.D. in oceanography. Her critically acclaimed debut novel, Elatsoe, was featured in Time Magazine as one of the best 100 fantasy books of all time. Elatsoe also won the Locus award for Best First Novel and is a Nebula, Ignyte, and Lodestar finalist. Her second fantasy novel, A Snake Falls to Earth, received a Nebula Award, an Ignyte Award, and a Newbery Honor and is on the National Book Awards longlist. Darcie is married to a veterinarian named Taran. She can be found on Instagram @dr.littlebadger. We also found Darcie's magical octopus! The Octopus Squid has bioluminescent arms and can drop one as a distraction as it escapes predators. Check out the Monterey Bay Aquarium website for more on this critter. Additional media mentioned: Creature from the Black Lagoon (1954), The Lighthouse (2019), Dagon (2001), The Shape of Water (2017), and Love, Death + Robots "Jibaro" (2022). Follow Zoraida Córdova @zoraidasolo and Natalie C. Parker @ncparker on Instagram.

Welcome back to the UNTOLD LEGENDS podcast hosted by Natalie C. Parker & Zoraida Córdova. We've had a little bit of a rebrand, so if you remember VAMPIRES NEVER GET OLD, we are still the same editors and writers, we've just expanded. This time around we dive into an empathically poignant conversation about the radical transformation that comes with the exploration of gender and what happens to us when we face storms both physical and emotional. Katherine Locke lives and writes in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with their feline overlords and their addiction to chai lattes. They are the author of the critically acclaimed This Rebel Heart, The Girl with the Red Balloon, a 2018 Sydney Taylor Honor Book and 2018 Carolyn W. Field Honor Book, as well as The Spy with the Red Balloon. They are the co-editor and contributor to This is Our Rainbow: 16 Stories of Her, Him, Them and Us, which had three starred reviews and made Kirkus Review's Best Middle Grade of 2021 list, as well as It's A Whole Spiel: Love, Latkes and Other Jewish Stories. They also contributed to Unbroken: 13 Stories Starring Disabled Teens and Out Now: Queer We Go Again. They are the author of picture books Bedtime for Superheroes, What Are Your Words? A Book About Pronouns, and Being Friends with Dragons. They can be found online at KatherineLockeBooks.com and @bibliogato on Twitter and Instagram. Additional books mentioned: The Seafarer's Kiss by Julia Ember Follow Zoraida Córdova @zoraidasolo and Natalie C. Parker @ncparker on Instagram.

Welcome back to the UNTOLD LEGENDS podcast hosted by Natalie C. Parker & Zoraida Córdova. We've had a little bit of a rebrand, so if you remember VAMPIRES NEVER GET OLD, we are still the same editors and writers, we've just expanded. For our third episode, we're joined by Rebecca Coffindaffer and Julian Winters! Get to know the authors and their tales on asexuality and acceptance in MERMAIDS NEVER DROWN: TALES TO DIVE FOR as we dive into a discussion of Splash following a recent rewatch. We'll chat about its nuances and whether it aged well... or not.

Welcome back to the UNTOLD LEGENDS podcast hosted by Natalie C. Parker & Zoraida Córdova. We've had a little bit of a rebrand, so if you remember VAMPIRES NEVER GET OLD, we are still the same editors and writers, we've just expanded. Our second episode brings in two awesome guests: Julie C. Dao and Gretchen Schreiber! We revisit the original short story "The Little Mermaid" by Hans Christian Andersen, how embedding your culture into fantasy storytelling can be cathartic, and dismantling generational trauma, one mermaid tale at a time.

Welcome back to the UNTOLD LEGENDS podcast hosted by Natalie C. Parker & Zoraida Córdova. We've had a little bit of a rebrand, so if you remember VAMPIRES NEVER GET OLD, we are still the same editors and writers, we've just expanded. Our first episode introduces our new anthology, our mermaid origin stories, Trojan War bros, (almost) drownings, immigration, Disney's The Little Mermaid, and more of the mermish things that shaped us.

It's our last episode of VAMPIRES NEVER GET OLD: THE PODCAST and we are joined by New York Times bestselling author, Rebecca Roanhorse! We talk old favorites and new loves and Rebecca reveals her ultimate vampire inspiration for the enigmatic cowboy vampires that ride into town after being summoned by a young man's jukebox song. Thank you for listening to VNGO, and be sure to pair each episode with your favorite short story and contributors! Also in this podcast: Vampires Never Get Old ed. by Zoraida Córdova and Natalie C. ParkerBlack Sun by Rebecca Roanhorse The Lost BoysInterview With a Vampire by Anne RiceThe Casquette Girls by Alys ArdenMurder by Death - "Lost River" Support the show (https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250230010)

In our penultimate episode, we are joined by one of our contributors, Victoria V.E. Schwab, New York Times bestselling author of The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue. From the loveable tropes of What We Do in the Shadows to community and queer identity in vampirism, we cover it all, plus an insight to her short story "First Kill," only available in Vampires Never Get Old. Also in this episode: Vampires Never Get Old Victoria Schwab LestatTwilightWhat We Do in the Shadows Support the show (https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250230010)

We realized that Twilight is such a huge part of vampire literature, especially now that Midnight Sun by Stephenie Meyer is out, that we needed a part 2 to out vampire discussion. We're joined by Mark Oshiro, author of Each of Us a Desert, and creator of Mark Reads! When Mark read Twilight it began their journey in fandoms and became a staple of the SFF world. We dig deeper into Twilight and how the POV changes in Midnight Sun. The things we love. The things we hate. Why we keep going back. And Mark breaks down "Windows, Mirrors, & Selfies" their short story in Vampires Never Get Old! Also in this episode: Buffy the Vampire SlayerSpoilers for Midnight Sun!Twilight by Stephenie Meyer31 Questions We Hope Edward Cullen Answers in Stephenie Meyer's Midnight Sun44 THOUGHTS WE HAD WHILE READING MIDNIGHT SUN BY STEPHENIE MEYERBreaking Dawn by Stephenie MeyerEach of Us a Desert by Mark OshiroJane EyreMark Read Twilight Support the show (https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250230010)

Tessa Gratton is the author of The Queens of Innis Lear and Lady Hotspur as well as the original fairy tale Strange Grace and Night Shine. She's on this episode of Vampires Never Get Old to talk about the first vampires we love, and The Gilda Stories by Jewelle Gomez, as well as what went into writing her vampire short story "Seven Nights for Dying." What would make us want to become vampires? Listen and find out.Also on this episode: The Gilda Stories by Jewelle GomezAnne RiceThe Vampires Diaries Pre-order Vampires Never Get OldNight Shine by Tessa GrattonSupport the show (https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250230010)

This week on Vampires Never Get Old: The Podcast we're joined by anthology contributor and essayist, Kayla Whaley. Her work has appeared at Catapult, Bustle, Michigan Quarterly Review, Uncanny Magazine, Book Riot, and in the anthologies Here We Are: Feminism for the Real World, and Unbroken: 13 Stories Starring Disabled Teens. Her book pick of the week is Sunshine by Robin McKinley. This is uncharted territory for Zoraida and a favorite for Natalie. This episode digging into the good, bad, and the ugly of vampire morality, and you get a front-row seat to Kayla's vampire story "In Kind." Also on this episode: Sunshine by Robin McKinleyTwilightVampires Never Get Old Support the show (https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250230010)

All vampires are problematic faves, and Spike is no different. We do a deep dive into his character's introduction in season 2 and his journey from monster to ensouled through the series. Samira Ahmed gives us some insight into the writing process for her short story "A Guidebook for the Newly Sired Desi Vampire" only available in Vampires Never Get Old. CW: mention of sexual assault from season 6.Also in this episodeMad Bad & Dangerous To Know by Samira Ahmed Vampires Never Get Old pre-order campaignHero of a Thousand Faces by Joseph Campbell Support the show (https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250230010)

This week we talk about some absolute classics of YA vampire lore. The Vampire Diaries by L.J. Smith and Glass Houses by Rachel Caine present us with heroines who aren't afraid to dive into the dark world of vampires. We also give a sneak peek into the plot and characters of our co-written short story from the anthology, "Vampires Never Say Die." Also in this episode: Rachel CaineL.J. SmithPre-order Vampires Never Get Old Support the show (https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250230010)

Critically acclaimed author Laura Ruby talks monster girls and more. We do a deep dive into two of Laura's vampire picks: Salem's Lot by Stephen King and Coldest Girl in Cold Town by Holly Black. We ask the question "who is the real monster?" in correlation to Laura's fantastic short story "Beastiary" from Vampires Never Get Old, the anthology.A two-time National Book Award Finalist, Laura Ruby writes fiction for adults, teens and children. She is the author of the Printz Medal Winning novel Bone Gap, as well as Thirteen Doorways, Wolves Behind Them All. Other works include the Edgar®-nominated children’s mystery Lily’s Ghosts, the ALA Quick Pick for teens Good Girls (2006), a collection of interconnected short stories about blended families for adults, I’m not Julia Roberts (2007), and the York trilogy. Also in this episode: Neil GaimanSalem's Lot by Stephen KingColdest Girl in Cold Town by Holly Black The Poison Eaters and Other Stories by Holly Black Lauraruby.comPre-order Vampires Never Get Old Support the show (https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250230010)

This week our special guest is New York Times bestselling author Dhonielle Clayton. She is the author of The Belles, Tiny Pretty Things (coming to Netflix Fall 2020), and a contributor in the Vampires Never Get Old anthology. Her short story "The House of Black Sapphires" transforms the vampire mythology and roots it in Black American culture, creating something entirely new. We dig into Black vampires in books and media, as well as Fledgling by Octavia E. Butler! Also in this episode: The Originals - Marcel True Blood - Tara Buffy the Vampire Slayer - Mr. Trick Blade Twilight - Laurent (movie only)Stephenie Meyer's stance on POC actors according to Catherine HardwickeSupport the show (https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250230010)

Special guest Julie Murphy stops by for the Great Twilight Discussion! This episode focuses on the megahit that changed the landscape of young adult literature. We go over the things we love, the things we don't, and how Zoraida ~does~ like that vampires sparkle in this one. Justice for Kristen Stewart! Julie Murphy is the New York Times Bestlessling author of the novels Dumplin’ (now a film on Netflix), Puddin’, Dear Sweet Pea, and Faith: Taking Flight. Her short story in Vampires Never Get Old is called "Senior Year Sucks." Also in this episode: Spoilers for TwilightMidnight Sun by Stephenie Meyer Faith: Taking Flight by Julie MurphyVampires Never Get Old pre-orderRobert PattinsonKristen StewartSupport the show (https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250230010)

Zoraida gets nostalgic with the books that inspired her to become a writer and Natalie notes that the villain from book one is the love interest in book two. This episode focuses on In the Forests of the Night and Demon In My View by Amelia Atwater-Rhodes, and the themes of morality and damnation in vampire myth. Zoraida also dramatically reads an Edgar Allan Poe poem. Bonus: we discuss vampire friendship in our story "Vampires Never Say Die" features in Vampires Never Get Old.Also in this episode: Spoilers for In the Forests of the Night and Demon In My View!Songs of Innocence and Experience by William Blake 'Alone' by Edgar Allan Poe'In the End' by Linkin Park Hawksong by Amelia Atwater-RhodesVampires Never Get Old pre-orderSupport the show (https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250230010)

This week we talk the most BANANAS vampire book in our bunch: The Last Vampire by Christopher Pike (1994). After killing a detective in self-defense, a 5000-year-old vampire returns to high school to befriend his son and definitely left a feeling of "WTF did we just read?" Fair warning, the premise itself if incredibly controversial and appropriative of Hindu & Sikh beliefs. We continue our deconstruction of vampire tropes in classic vampire novels. Also in this episode: Spoilers!The original cover to The Last Vampire by Christopher Pike, subsequently retitled Thirst.Ten by Gretchen McNeilBeautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl Sexy blond vampire in True BloodSamira AhmedManpire Life and Death by Stephenie MeyerSupport the show (https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250230010)

You know the old adage: Vampires Never Get Old. At least, that's our adage. Vampires Never Get Old: Tales With Fresh Bite is an anthology forthcoming from Imprint/Macmillan on September 22, 2020. The anthology includes stories by authors both bestselling and acclaimed, including Samira Ahmed, Dhonielle Clayton, Zoraida Córdova and Natalie C. Parker, Tessa Gratton, Heidi Heilig, Julie Murphy, Mark Oshiro, Rebecca Roanhorse, Laura Ruby, Victoria “V. E.” Schwab, and Kayla Whaley.Our podcast aims to dig deep into the immortal creatures of the night we love. Each episode will focus on a classic vampire novel or character, as well as feature the contributing authors as guests! In this episode, we gush over the OG vampire boyfriend in Annette Curtis Klause's The Silver Kiss, a foundational text in YA paranormal romance. Evil brothers, vampires who mark their territories by peeing, lonely girls, and poetry—this gem has it all! Welcome. You're invited in.Also in this episode: The Shiny Narrow Grin by Jane Gaskell Seafire by Natalie C. ParkerIncendiary by Zoraida Córdova Blood and Chocolate by Annette Curtis KlauseThe Vampire Diaries by L.J. SmithSupport the show (https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250230010)