Tell us a bit about yourself.
I’ve been writing supernatural and horror tales since the late 60s and early 70s. My first novel was a lesbian Vampire tale, SO DEAD MY LOVE. After going through several publishers, I finally my rights back and decided to put out the edition I originally wanted, on my own. Via my own imprint, Blanca Rosa Publishing, I published SO DEAD MY LOVE, Author’s Choice Edition. It’s available via Amazon as eBook and trade paperback. It encompasses some of the traditional vampire trappings, but brings in some new ideas. It’s the first book in a trilogy. The second book of the trilogy, THE BLOOD RUNS COLD, should be out sometime late 2016. I’ve also authored the Brenda Strange Paranormal Mystery Series as well as four Gothic Historical Romances. All my books are popular in the lesbian fiction niche, but I also market to the mainstream as well.
How long have you been a vampire fan?
I think I’ve loved vampires since seeing Bela Lugosi in “Dracula” and then reading Bram Stoker’s novel. But what really set to writing my own vampire trilogy was the film “The Hunger,” with Catherine Deneuve, David Bowie and Susan Sarandon. The scenes between Deneuve and Sarandon made me wonder why there were no lesbian vampire books.
What makes vampires compelling?
I think the allure of everlasting love and the repulsion of taking another living being’s blood for that everlasting love is a love/hate thing with vampires. And then cinema and recently, literature, has made the vampire charming, sexual and irresistible.
Do you prefer vampires as magical creatures or as a different species?
In my vampire series, they are both. They are from a different, alternate universe and they have jumped to our universe and have been here for centuries. So in a way, my vampires are a different species, but then again, they are not.
What is your favorite vampire book or short story?
I’m old school all the way. For me, there is no contest. Bram Stoker’s “Dracula” and Sheridan LeFanu’s novella, “Carmilla.”
Would you tell us about your latest vampire story?
Here is the summary from the blurb:
“Would you believe that in an arcane book of vampire lore, a savior among vampires was promised that would die, rise again and bring salvation to all the undead? In this First book of The Karnov Trilogy, you’re introduced to the Karnov Family, a powerful Clan of vampires still living on Earth, and to Samantha Barnes, an unhappy artist whose obsession with Lara Karnov brings the vampire back to life. Falling under the spell of the charismatic vampire, Samantha is thrust into a world of blood and murder. Unknown to Samantha, Lara Karnov is part of an ancient prophecy, feared and adored by the Karnov Clan. Samantha must confront her darkest fears and innermost desires as she races to save those she loves and tries to prevent the unleashing of the dark prophecy.”
I should also add that at its heart, the book is a romance. A very bittersweet vampire romance.
Why did you decide to write a vampire story (or series)?
I wanted to tell something different in vampire lore and I also wanted to write a lesbian vampire tale. There are so many male vampire books, Anne Rice being at the head of line, that it was a shame there was little to no representation of the female vampire who lusted and loved women.
Is your vampire a blood drinker or a psychic/energy absorbing vampire?
Blood drinker.
Does your character enjoy being a vampire?
Well, the vampire does, it is who she is, but her object of desire, not so much.
Is your vampire involved in a romance? If so, how does his/her lover feel about his/her vampirism?
My book, SO DEAD MY LOVE, Author’s Choice Edition, is a bit more complicated and would need a more complex response. The lover is a vampire, and the other must be initiated into the vampire world. What makes it unique is that my main protag is not the vampire character.
What’s the biggest problem faced by your vampire?
Coming to grips with accepting a life of vampirism or losing the vampire she loves.
What’s one trait of a traditional vampire that you wanted your character to have?
Blood for sustenance. Must have a need for blood to surivive.
What makes your vampire different than most traditional vampires?
My vampire, the Countess Lara Karnov, and her clan of vampires, are not from our dimension. They are from another alternate universe. And they have several unique differences which you can discover by reading my book, SO DEAD MY LOVE, Author’s Choice Edition.
What is your favorite vampire movie?
I have three: “Dracula,” with Bela Lugosi, “The Hunger,” and “The Vampire Loves,” with Ingrid Pitt.
Who is your favorite screen vampire?
Miriam Blaylock/Catherine Deneuve from “The Hunger.”
What was the first vampire movie you ever saw or the first vampire story you ever read?
The first vampire film I saw was Bela Lugosi’s “Dracula.” The first vampire book I read was Bram Stoker’s Dracula.
All my books are available on Amazon. Check out my Author Page here: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B001JP4LFK
Please find my author page here: www.pattyghenderson.com
You can also find me on Facebook here: