Vampires, Witches, and Geeks

This is part three of Inanna Arthen’s talk on the history of vampires in fiction. In this lively talk, recorded at Books and Boos in Colchester, Connecticut, on April 20, two thousand thirteen, Inanna traces the history of vampires in fiction and debunks some of the common mistakes and misinformation about the genre.She ended Part 2 talking about how the movie The Mummy is possibly responsible for giving us the plot device of the vampire falling in love with someone who he believes is the reincarnation of a past love.In Part 3, the conclusion, Inanna discusses how the vampire became a love interest, and muses on where the genre is going in the future.

This is part two of Inanna Arthen’s talk on the history of vampires in fiction. In this lively talk, recorded at Books and Boos in Colchester, Connecticut, on April 20, two thousand thirteen, Inanna Arthen traces the history of vampires in fiction and debunks some of the common mistakes and misinformation about the genre.She ended Part 1, by reading an article on vampires that appeared in 1855 in the periodical Household Words. The article was uncredited, which could mean that it was written by a member of staff, possibly the editor. The editor at the time was Charles Dickens!Part 2 begins with the end of the 19th century.

How did we get from Lord Byron’s story fragment to the billion dollar media empire of Twilight, and where does the modern vampire go from here? In this lively talk, Inanna Arthen traces the history of vampires in fiction and debunks some of the common mistakes and misinformation about the genre. Did Bram Stoker base Dracula on a 15th Century warlord? Do vampires burn in sunlight? Can vampires eat and have sex? If you think you know the answers, you’re in for some surprises! Inanna Arthen is an author, designer, and vampire expert who has been studying vampire folklore, media, and culture for 45 years. She runs By Light Unseen Media, a small press dedicated to fiction and non-fiction with a vampire theme. She is also the author of the Vampires of New England Series of novels, which includes Mortal Touch, The Longer the Fall, and, coming soon, All the Shadows of the Rainbow. Thanks go to Books and Boos for hosting the event. They have started an Indiegogo campaign to raise money to help them move to a larger store. If you appreciate independent bookstores and how they serve the reader, check out their Indiegogo campaign here. The campaign will run until 11:59 pm Pacific Time on October 13, 2013.

Gordon Linzner currently lives in New York, where he sometimes functions as a tour guide. For many years the editor and publisher of Space and Time magazine, he also found the time to write short stories and four novels:  The Spy Who Drank Blood (1984), The Oni (1986), The Troupe (1988), and The Hounds of Hell (2008, with Ron Fortier). This concludes my series of short interviews with writers at Necon 2012 who had written vampire novels in the past.

In this episode I interview writer Scott Goudsward. Scott's love of vampires began at an early age watching Bela Lugosi, Christopher Lee, and Peter Cushing on Creature Double Feature on Saturday afternoons. Scott always said he was going to write the massive vampire epic novel. Trailer Trash was not it. Scott's first published story, also called “Trailer Trash,” appeared in the anthology The Darkest Thirst. The novel was based on that story. Since then he has penned the screenplay for the short film “Granite Voice” and co-written two non-fiction books with his brother, David (Shadows Over New England and Shadows Over Florida). Currently he’s co-editing two anthologies for Chaosium with Rachel Kenley, Once Upon an Apocalypse, volume 1 and 2. Scott's short fiction has most recently appeared in the Stoker Award-nominated anthology Epitaphs, and the forthcoming Carnival of the Damned and Atomic Age Cthulhu. Visit Scott’s web site at http://www.goudsward.com/scott/ Goudsward is spelled g-o-u-d-s-w-a-r-d. Note: This interview was recorded at a convention, so there are varying levels of background noise.

In this episode I interview writer and bon vivant Hal Bodner. Hal is the author of the novels Bite Club, The Trouble with Hairy (both WeHo Vampire novels), and two non-vampire novels for Ravenous Romance -- In Flesh and Stone and For Love of the Dead. In Bite Club,  Coroner Beck O'Brien teams up with her old friend, Chris, and his flamboyant lover, Troy to find the secret lair of an ancient vampire preying on hot young men. Bite Club is the first in a series of campy, vampy novels set in West Hollywood, CA. Hal is a former Horror Writers Association (HWA) Trustee and lives in West Hollywood. His blog is at www.wehovampire.com This interview was recorded at a convention (Necon, July 2012), so there are varying levels of background noise.

In this episode I interview F. Paul Wilson, also Guest of Honor at Necon 32. Writing bestsellers for over thirty years now (including the popular Repairman Jack series), Wilson’s first published novel, in 1976, was the medical thriller Healer. He’s also written science fiction, horror, and supernatural novels. In his novel Midnight Mass, published in 2004, vampires try to take over the world. Wilson recently collaborated on a vampire novel, Draculas, with authors Jeff Strand (who I also interviewed in this series), Jack Kilborn (J. A. Konrath), and Blake Crouch. This novel features a different view of vampires than Midnight Mass. Wilson gives us the story behind writing both novels and answers the question, “Why the cross-wearing rabbi?” This interview was recorded at a convention, so there are varying levels of background noise.

In the last episode, I began an enticing series of interviews recorded at Necon 2012. In this episode I interview Guest of Honor Heather Graham, New York Times bestselling author of over 150 novels and novellas. Graham has written suspense, ghost, paranormal romance, romantic suspense, historical romance, and more, sometimes writing under her married name, Heather Graham Pozzessere, or under the pen name Shannon Drake. Starting with Beneath a Blood Red Moon in October 1999, Heather wrote a vampire series that spanned seven books, concluding in September 2006 with Kiss of Darkness. As I listen to my Necon interviews, especially this one, I wish that I had let the interview run longer. I neglected to ask her about her Vampire Hunter series, a three-book series starting with Night of the Wolves in 2009 and concluding with Bride of the Night in 2011. Even without discussing books, it would have made for a great interview -- she's such a fascinating person and pleasure to talk to. Mindful of the demands on her as a guest of honor, though, I didn't want to be greedy with her time. Next time I'll be greedy. You can find out more about Heather and her books at www.theoriginalheathergraham.com or www.eHeatherGraham.com. Postscript:   Beneath a Blood Red Moon, the first in the vampire series, will be re-released September 4th, 2012. The audio version will be released September 25th.

Welcome back to Vampires, Witches, and Geeks. I’ve been offline for a while, but I’m back with an enticing series of interviews recorded live at a small gathering of horror writers in Bristol, Rhode Island. Officially named the Northeastern Writers' Conference, most people know it as Necon, and those who know it intimately sometimes call it Camp Necon. My first interviewee is one of the Necon Guests of Honor, Jeff Strand. Jeff Strand is a really nice guy – and funny as hell. You’d notice the funny bit, even if you never had the pleasure of meeting him in person. Just look at the titles of his books: Graverobbers Wanted (No Experience Necessary), Single White Psychopath Seeks Same, Lost Homicidal Maniac (Answers to "Shirley"), and Casket for Sale (Only Used Once). What I wanted to interview him about, though, was the novel Draculas, a collaboration with authors F. Paul Wilson (who I also interview in this series), Jack Kilborn (J. A. Konrath), and Blake Crouch. So, here's the first in the series. As always, I try to keep the podcasts short and sweet. Hope this brief introduction is enough to entice you to sample Jeff's works. Originally aired 8/2/12. Reposted for technical reasons.

In this episode I talk about a recent panel discussion at the West Boylston library and my upcoming trip to Boskone, a science fiction and fantasy convention held annually in Boston, MA. (Charlaine Harris is the guest of honor.)

News and announcements about vampires, witches, and geeky things. Recorded October 23, 2010. Links: http://www.bylightunseenmedia.com/ http://www.podiobooks.com/title/liliths-love http://www.albacon.org/ http://www.broaduniverse.org

News and announcements about vampires, witches, and geeks Recorded on May 10, 2010. Links: http://www.draculacon.com/   *** http://suburbanvampire.blogspot.com/ *** http://www.hbo.com/ *** http://www.bylightunseenmedia.com/ *** http://www.podiobooks.com/title/liliths-love

This episode is a continuation of an interview with Dorothy Morrison, author of over a dozen non-fiction books on paganism and witchcraft and a novel LUCINDA'S WEB. It was a lot of fun talking to her, as you probably noticed in the first half of the interview. Hope you enjoy this as much as I did.

Part 1 of a two-part interview with Dorothy Morrison, author of over a dozen non-fiction books on paganism and Wicca, and a novel, Lucinda's Web. Outspoken and fun, Dorothy Morrison is the author of over a dozen non-fiction books on paganism and Wicca including Everyday Magic, The Craft: A Witch's Book of Shadows, Magical Needlework, and Utterly Wicked. A native Texan, Dorothy lives in Virginia with her husband. This interview was recorded on August 23, 2009.

News and announcements about vampires, witches, and geeks. This episode we have: Dacre Stoker's book (www.audible.com) Vampire Anthology (www.Pretty-Scary.net) Twilight Reviews (www.cinemaknifefight.com - Click the link for November, Scroll down to the bottom to New Moon) Lilith's Love (www.outofthecoffin.com, www.Liliths-love.com) This episode's sponsor: www.flyingwitch.biz

In this companion episode to Episode 21, Lynda Hilburn reads from  Dark Harvest, the second book in her Kismet Knight, Vampire Psychologist series. This reading was recorded June 11, 2009. Lynda Hilburn's material is copyright Lynda Hilburn. Podcast copyright 2009 Morven Westfield, but licensed under a Creative Commons license. See sidebar for details.

Interview with Lynda Hilburn, author of the Kismet Knight, Vampire Psychologist series which includes The Vampire Shrink and Dark Harvest. In her other reality, she makes her living as a licensed psychotherapist, hypnotherapist, professional psychic/tarot reader, university instructor and workshop presenter. Her first novel, “The Vampire Shrink”  -- which introduced us to Denver Psychologist Kismet Knight and a hidden vampire underworld -- was released by Medallion Press, October, 2007. The second book in the series, “Dark Harvest,” was released October, 2008. Several more books are planned. Her short story, “Blood Song,” is part of the Mammoth Book of Paranormal Romance anthology, April, 2009. For more information on Lynda and her work, visit  www.lyndahilburnauthor.com

News and announcements about vampires, witches, and geeks. Web links for this episode: Smoke and Mirrors Magic Show - www.theatreofthenight.com ~~~ The Vampire Lestat Fan Club - www.vampirelestatfanclub.com ~~~ I Kissed a Vampire -- www.ikissedavampire.com ~~~ Out of the Coffin Podcast - www.outofthecoffin.com ~~~ The Witches' Almanac - www.thewitchesalmanac.com ~~~ WitchTalk - www.blogtalkradio.com/witchtalk ~~~ Wild Hunt - www.wildhunt.org/blog/2009/09/marion-weinstein-1939-2009.html ~~~ Lynda Hilburn - www.lyndahilburnauthor.com ~~~ Being Human - www.bbcamerica.com/content/369/being-human-about-the-show.jsp ~~~ Twilight Tee Shirts - www.vampfangs.com/Official-Stephenie-Meyer-Shirts-s/242.htm

This is a companion to Episode 19, where I interviewed longtime vampire author Margaret Carter. Here she reads from her vampire romance, EMBRACING DARKNESS, which was published in the Silhouette Intimate Moments line. This reading was recorded May 9, 2009.

This episode features an interview with Margaret Carter.  Margaret's first vampire book was published in 1970 and she's had a rich and prolific career since then, including both fiction and non-fiction. Her works span multiple formats; comprising short stories, novelettes, and novels. Her most-recent work is an erotic paranormal romance novelette, "Lion's Bower," published in May 2009 by Ellora's Cave. Show Notes: Recorded on April 23, 2009. "Lust, Love, and the Literary Vampire":  www.strangehorizons.com Her web site:  www.margaretlcarter.com Ellora's Cave:  www.ellorascave.com Hard Shell Word Factory:  www.hardshell.com Amber Quill Press:  www.amberquill.com

Gail Z. Martin is the author of The Summoner, The Blood King and Dark Haven in The Chronicles of The Necromancer series.  Book Four, Dark Lady’s Chosen, makes its international debut in early 2010. Gail discovered her passion for science fiction, fantasy and ghost stories in elementary school.  The first story she wrote—at age five—was about a vampire. Her favorite TV show as a preschooler was Dark Shadows. At age 14, she decided to become a writer.  She enjoys attending science fiction/fantasy conventions, Renaissance fairs and living history sites. For book updates, tour information and contact details, visit www.ChroniclesOfTheNecromancer.com.  Gail is also the host of the Ghost in the Machine Fantasy Podcast, and you can find her on MySpace, Facebook and Twitter.

In this episode, accomplished author and editor Catherine Lundoff, whose collection, Night's Kiss: Lesbian Erotica, has just been released by Lethe Press, talks with me about her vampire stories. Catherine's anthology, Haunted Hearths and Sapphic Shades: Lesbian Ghost Stories (also from Lethe Press, 2008) is a nominee in the Lambda Literary Award, Science Fiction/Fantasy/and Horror category. Visit Catherine's MySpace page at http://www.myspace.com/clundoff

Get to know author and spirit communicator Jimahl diFiosa in this short interview. Jimahl has an open, warm style and numerous anecdotes about communication with those beyond the grave. He's the author of two books A Voice in the Forest: Spirit Conversations with Alex Sanders and his latest, Talk to Me: When the Dead Speak to the Living. Show Notes: This episode was originally recorded on October 28, 2008. Jimahl's web site is at www.jimahldifiosa.com Jimahl will be rescheduling his snowed-out appearance at Bay State Paranormal Center in Taunton, Massachusetts. For updates, watch www.baystateparanormalcenter.com

Morven interviews Karagan, a delightful witch and podcaster who hosts the WitchCrafting PodCast. Karagan's interest in the occult started at a very early age. He began his journey into Witchcraft and Wicca 15 years ago in Portugal. He now lives in Salem, Massachusetts. This episode was recorded on September 18, 2008. Show Notes: Karagan's podcast is at http://witchpod.blogspot.com/ A sample chant from Karagan's CD will be posted on podcast.morvenwestfield.com.

Tonight we have a special treat for you: an interview with vampire writer, researcher, and publisher Inanna Arthen. Inanna began studying vampire literature and folklore in the 1960's, when she persuaded a reluctant librarian to allow her to borrow Montague Summers' The Vampire in Europe and an unabridged copy of Dracula from the adult stacks. In 1987, the editor of FireHeart magazine asked Inanna to write an article about her researches into vampires as an occult phenomenon. The article, "Real Vampires," was published in issue #2 of FireHeart, but found a global audience when it was first placed online in early 1997. Show Notes For more information on Inanna, her research, books (Mortal Touch, The Longer the Fall), or publishing company, see http://www.bylightunseenmedia.com.

Welcome to Vampires, Witches, and Geeks, a podcast by dark fantasy author Morven Westfield. In this introductory episode, I outline my plans for the podcast series. My Podcast Alley feed! {pca-f62bd4faa4c708fae6094e6df79e8c78}