Why Vampires? It's Not What You Think

by Camela Thompson

I have been posting a lot about vampires, and I have to confess that I've hit critical mass. Vampire Fest 2014 seemed like a good idea at the time, but that's not all there is to my book or myself. Don't get me wrong. I have enjoyed blogging about the legends and even scribbling out a couple poorly drawn cartoons. I've covered some of the classics, many of my favorites, and a few of my pet peeves, but I've been ignoring several issues that I feel passionate about and are featured in my writing. 

All the Pretty Bones is about a woman who has been stalked for a decade before learning she has terminal cancer. Years of living a restricted life, hiding in secure buildings to avoid injury or worse, have taken their toll. The diagnosis is the last straw: she decides to kill her stalker. While she is preparing for a confrontation, women are being murdered and they all look strikingly like Olivia. The primary homicide detective on the case is also her ex, and finds himself struggling between being a good father and saving the woman who broke his heart.

A character study of Olivia Kardos from All the Pretty Bones

Where do the vampires come in? 

Writing is an interesting process. My original idea was nothing like the end result. This is scary to admit, but it's the truth. No matter how much I map things out, they can take a turn for the better and lead to revisions. Reading an article on a local news website got me thinking about my own experience with a stalker and I wondered what would push someone to make a really drastic decision. As I sat down and wrote, things changed. I love reading paranormal books, and that influence came out in my writing. Murders started taking on mysterious qualities and characters had inhuman traits. The incorporation of mythology into the story was an organic part of the process. But if I'm really honest, there was a big reason why I was excited about the incorporation of vampires. 

Vampires live forever, heal from most injuries, and are powerful. They also are immune to disease. No matter how sick or damaged, if there is a vampire in the picture, there is always a chance at healing. Sure, I'm ignoring all of the death and danger that comes with the monster, but the prospect of strength and health is seductive.

Why do I like vampires?

The reason why I like watching and reading about vampires is simple. I have systemic lupus. Without going into too many details, let's just say I was never picked first for team sports and I know my way around the doctor's office.
I'm not telling you this so you feel bad or to make things awkward. It was important for me to share why I needed my character to have a chance. I work really hard at eating right, exercising, and making lifestyle decisions that help me lead a pretty normal life. But. It would be nice for there to be a cure that simultaneously makes you stronger and faster. I'd give up sunlight for that, although I'm not sold on draining people.

Things are going to get real.

I've decided to open up more about the inspirations for the book and talk about topics central to the story. We're going to talk about stalkers, illness, vampires, and more. It will be tough, but it will be rewarding. Are you up for the tough topics?

Please feel free to leave your comments! I welcome any feedback.