Why Do Women Love Vampires?
The winner of the gift card is: Terra57! Congrats, Terra! Contact me with your snail mail info and your card preference (B&N or Borders) and I'll pop it into the mail. Thanks to everyone who participated.
OK. Antonio isn't in his "Interview with the Vampire" costume, but when I ran across this photo a few minutes ago, my immediate reaction was, "Wow, he could suck on my neck (or the location of his choice) anytime." So, I uploaded him. Yum.
*This is an article I wrote a few months back which was printed in several newspapers across the country.
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DENVER -- "He met my eyes with his penetrating gaze. Suddenly, it was hard to breathe. The temperature in the room spiked into the tropical range. My heart pounded in my chest like a ritual drum, and my knees threatened to buckle. I'd never seen such a gorgeous male. My logical mind engaged in a futile attempt to regain my attention -- to remind me that I'd just met this stranger and my behavior was unacceptable. Inappropriate. But something about him felt dark and dangerous. Desirable. I lifted my chin to give him better access to my neck. He smiled, showing a hint of fangs."
Vampires are all the rage these days.
Wait, vampires?
Festering, cadaverous, hygiene-challenged bloodsuckers who crawl out of graves to steal your children? Hideous, terrifying, long-fingered, dark visions from your worst nightmare? Walking corpses?
Not even close.
That was when men ruled the horror landscape. But no more. Now, women have taken over and a new genre of fiction -- featuring gorgeous, sensuous, sexual, romantic, bad boys of the night -- has emerged. What's the name of this enticing category? Vampire Romance.
Psychotherapist Lynda Hilburn, author of the new paranormal urban fantasy novels, "The Vampire Shrink," and "Dark Harvest," noticed a curious thing happening in her private psychotherapy practice. In their therapy sessions, women spontaneously began sharing dreams of dark, fanged strangers. They told tales of nocturnal journeys into forbidden worlds where they encountered -- and became intimate with -- alluring, mesmerizing vampires.
After listening to stories about alien abductions, satanic cults and entity possessions for years, Lynda was intrigued and fascinated by the vampire theme. So much, that she sat down and wrote the first of many vampire books, inspired by the dreams of her clients. When a woman called Lynda's voice mail and left a message asking for referrals in another city for her daughter, who'd decided to become a vampire, "The Vampire Shrink" was born.
"The Vampire Shrink," tells the tale of Denver Psychologist Kismet Knight. She just wants a little excitement in her life. A little publishing fame and fortune. She doesn't believe in the paranormal. Especially not comic book children of the night. But when a new client pulls Kismet into the vampire underworld, and introduces her to gorgeous Devereux -- who claims to be an 800-year-old vampire -- Kismet finds herself up to her neck in the undead. Not to mention all the other bizarre creatures crawling out of Denver's supernatural Pandora's Box. And if being attracted to a man who thinks he's an ancient bloodsucker isn't bad enough, someone -- or something -- is leaving a trail of blood-drained dead bodies. Enter handsome FBI profiler Alan Stevens, who warns her that vampires are very real and that one is a murderer. A murderer who is after her. In the midst of it all, Kismet realizes she has feelings for both the vampire and the profiler. But, though she cares for each of the men, the reality that vampires exist is enough of a challenge . . . for now.
What's all the fuss about vampires?
According to publishing sources, sales of paranormal romance in general, and vampire romance in particular, have broken records over the past twenty years. But the real rise in vampire popularity occurred after the terrible events of September 11, 2001.
"There are several theories about the increase in sales of vampire romance," Hilburn said. "A recent view is that women feel less safe and secure in the world, and the previous symbols of strong, semi-dangerous males -- our law enforcement and military warriors -- were replaced by supernatural beings. Indestructible supernatural beings. Unlike the undead, real flesh-and-blood men can be killed in war or through terrorist acts. Facing a frightening daily "reality" made escaping into magical worlds, filled with all-powerful, appealing immortals, a healthy coping mechanism."
But why do we love them?
Vampires are the quintessential bad boys of the preternatural universe. They don't follow any human rules or laws. Imagine James Dean with fangs. Or, Captain Jack Sparrow rising from his coffin. They're also examples of extraordinary men.
"Women in therapy often report disappointment with the 'human' males they're in relationship with," Hilburn said. "Would a handsome vampire sit in front of the television, scratching his stomach and drinking beer? Are women lusting after the undead Homer Simpson? Probably not. Imagining a heart-stoppingly-gorgeous man hovering outside your window is much more fun. Most of my clients would open the window."
"The Vampire Shrink" and “Dark Harvest” (the recently-released second book in the series) can be purchased at your favorite bookstore and online through Amazon.com
DENVER -- "He met my eyes with his penetrating gaze. Suddenly, it was hard to breathe. The temperature in the room spiked into the tropical range. My heart pounded in my chest like a ritual drum, and my knees threatened to buckle. I'd never seen such a gorgeous male. My logical mind engaged in a futile attempt to regain my attention -- to remind me that I'd just met this stranger and my behavior was unacceptable. Inappropriate. But something about him felt dark and dangerous. Desirable. I lifted my chin to give him better access to my neck. He smiled, showing a hint of fangs."
Vampires are all the rage these days.
Wait, vampires?
Festering, cadaverous, hygiene-challenged bloodsuckers who crawl out of graves to steal your children? Hideous, terrifying, long-fingered, dark visions from your worst nightmare? Walking corpses?
Not even close.
That was when men ruled the horror landscape. But no more. Now, women have taken over and a new genre of fiction -- featuring gorgeous, sensuous, sexual, romantic, bad boys of the night -- has emerged. What's the name of this enticing category? Vampire Romance.
Psychotherapist Lynda Hilburn, author of the new paranormal urban fantasy novels, "The Vampire Shrink," and "Dark Harvest," noticed a curious thing happening in her private psychotherapy practice. In their therapy sessions, women spontaneously began sharing dreams of dark, fanged strangers. They told tales of nocturnal journeys into forbidden worlds where they encountered -- and became intimate with -- alluring, mesmerizing vampires.
After listening to stories about alien abductions, satanic cults and entity possessions for years, Lynda was intrigued and fascinated by the vampire theme. So much, that she sat down and wrote the first of many vampire books, inspired by the dreams of her clients. When a woman called Lynda's voice mail and left a message asking for referrals in another city for her daughter, who'd decided to become a vampire, "The Vampire Shrink" was born.
"The Vampire Shrink," tells the tale of Denver Psychologist Kismet Knight. She just wants a little excitement in her life. A little publishing fame and fortune. She doesn't believe in the paranormal. Especially not comic book children of the night. But when a new client pulls Kismet into the vampire underworld, and introduces her to gorgeous Devereux -- who claims to be an 800-year-old vampire -- Kismet finds herself up to her neck in the undead. Not to mention all the other bizarre creatures crawling out of Denver's supernatural Pandora's Box. And if being attracted to a man who thinks he's an ancient bloodsucker isn't bad enough, someone -- or something -- is leaving a trail of blood-drained dead bodies. Enter handsome FBI profiler Alan Stevens, who warns her that vampires are very real and that one is a murderer. A murderer who is after her. In the midst of it all, Kismet realizes she has feelings for both the vampire and the profiler. But, though she cares for each of the men, the reality that vampires exist is enough of a challenge . . . for now.
What's all the fuss about vampires?
According to publishing sources, sales of paranormal romance in general, and vampire romance in particular, have broken records over the past twenty years. But the real rise in vampire popularity occurred after the terrible events of September 11, 2001.
"There are several theories about the increase in sales of vampire romance," Hilburn said. "A recent view is that women feel less safe and secure in the world, and the previous symbols of strong, semi-dangerous males -- our law enforcement and military warriors -- were replaced by supernatural beings. Indestructible supernatural beings. Unlike the undead, real flesh-and-blood men can be killed in war or through terrorist acts. Facing a frightening daily "reality" made escaping into magical worlds, filled with all-powerful, appealing immortals, a healthy coping mechanism."
But why do we love them?
Vampires are the quintessential bad boys of the preternatural universe. They don't follow any human rules or laws. Imagine James Dean with fangs. Or, Captain Jack Sparrow rising from his coffin. They're also examples of extraordinary men.
"Women in therapy often report disappointment with the 'human' males they're in relationship with," Hilburn said. "Would a handsome vampire sit in front of the television, scratching his stomach and drinking beer? Are women lusting after the undead Homer Simpson? Probably not. Imagining a heart-stoppingly-gorgeous man hovering outside your window is much more fun. Most of my clients would open the window."
"The Vampire Shrink" and “Dark Harvest” (the recently-released second book in the series) can be purchased at your favorite bookstore and online through Amazon.com
Author Bio:
Lynda Hilburn writes paranormal fiction. More specifically, she writes vampire books. After a childhood filled with invisible friends, sightings of dead relatives and a fascination with the occult, turning to the paranormal was a no-brainer. In her other reality, she makes her living as a psychotherapist, hypnotherapist, professional psychic/tarot reader, university instructor and workshop presenter. www.lyndahilburnauthor.com
Lynda Hilburn writes paranormal fiction. More specifically, she writes vampire books. After a childhood filled with invisible friends, sightings of dead relatives and a fascination with the occult, turning to the paranormal was a no-brainer. In her other reality, she makes her living as a psychotherapist, hypnotherapist, professional psychic/tarot reader, university instructor and workshop presenter. www.lyndahilburnauthor.com
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Answer the question, "Why do women love vampires?" as a comment here and enter the giveaway for a $25 gift card from Barnes & Noble or Borders (your choice). Winner will be posted Sunday night, Nov. 2.
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posted by Lynda Hilburn at 7:23 AM
37 Comments:
Okay, think about it: never going to die, panty-melting hot bodies, insanely beautiful faces, incredible sexual pull, sensual natures and men who have lived long enough to get over the thrill of farting games. What is not to love? Toss int he neck biting *shivers* and the slooooooooow lapping of skin afterward, uhm, yeah, Vampires.
Uhlike some wolfmen who have hair balls. :D
Vampires are sexy, mysterious, and tall, dark and handsome. At least that is how they are portrayed. They have seen things that most people haven't lived long enough to really talk about.
Could you imagine being alive for centuries and seeing history being made. I think that is my fascination with them. Well, besides getting bit! But that's a whole other thing!
Because they're smexy, lol. All that sexual attraction and whatnot - who could resist it? ;)
I also like when the vampires are men from another era, the sort of men who went to fancy balls and learned to carry a sword and play the piano. It's that level of cultural, sophisticated maturity wrapped up in the dark and dangerous.
K MCalear
In my opinion nothing is sexier than a guy who can pick you up and hold you so unlimited strength is a plus. Also they've had all those years to perfect their techniques... mmmm... And boy, should they know how to use their tongues. :)
My husband and I were discussing this topic just the other day...
One of the subtexts of vampire lore is sexuality - or more to the point, forbidden sexuality. All those things we've been told we shouldn't do, or shouldn't want to do, are represented by a pretty big taboo: willing surrender to an unknown individual.
Vampires take you over, bend you to their will and "feed" from you (vicariously, through the story, of course), and usually, in the end, you give in and often want more. It's almost too perfect, isn't it?
My husband suggested that Vampires represent the oral facets of lovemaking, which of course, for quite a long time has been one of those "Don't mention that!" topics in sexuality. While readers (and even writers) of many of these stories may not be so reserved in that aspect, it helps to recall that it wasn't so long ago that people were shocked if anyone brought up oral sex (and other "taboo" acts) in mixed company.
Ah, I've babbled on long enough. I just wanted to give you my two bits' worth, and instead I gave you a dollar and change.
Sorry!
Ciao!
Nowadays, that hardly seems the case, of course. But for many of us, it's still taboo, isn't it?
what's not to love danger, sexiness, and the possibility of long long life.
I think there are a few factors to consider here. One, vampires don't really consider the skinny model type women as their prime choice. Heck if they are going to be enjoying a hearty meal while have great sex what could be better than a plus size woman. So many more curves than the runway model and blood that hasn't been starved of nutrients has got to be a plus.
Another attraction I think we women have with the vampire is the fact that he's cheated death. I think we all have thought of death and if there is any possibility of something beyond what we know while alive. If there really were vampires and the thought of being able to extend your life for a much longer period of time wouldn't most of us want to take the chance.
Another attraction to the vampire I think is that we look to these creatures as something a human male cannot give us. How many men do you know of really know how to make love to a woman. Maybe our hope is to find more in the vampire than we can in our human mate. A devotion of love from the vampire that consumes you, sex that is more for the female partner than for his own selfish fulfillment and a tenderness that would melt your socks off.
This really does make vampires so much more appealing don't you think. Besides, what female wouldn't want to live her life out in a fairytale instead of reality.
Great topic Lynda and very thought provoking.
huggs,
Terra
I can't answer for anyone but myself, but what I love about vampires is that they are immortal. They must know so much about the past, and have witnessed all the events of many human lifetimes. That immortality also creates a lot of romantic tension, because depending on the mythology, the vampire and his/her human lover can't stay together unless the human becomes a vampire him/herself.
We can't help ourselves, what's not to love about it. Sexy, mysterious, ageless, hypnotizing....
Vampires are strong, sexy and powerful. They would make a woman feel safe and protected, but at the same time they are dangerous. Actors who play them are always hot and brooding. Angel and Spike? Oh yeah. Gerard Butler in Dracula 2000? So sexy!
I think it is quite a few reasons vampires are so loved by women. You never have to die, they are always so mysterious, beautiful, and have such raw sexuality.
Wow...let's see:
- Incredibly hot bodies (though perhaps a bit cool to the touch)
- Otherworldly strength
- So dangerous! Talk about the ultimate bad boy.
- The sex! Perhaps centuries of sexual experience; hell, it may take that long to figure out where the hot spots are and what to do with them. Forget G-spots, I know men who have no idea what to do with a clitoris.
Vampires are so mysterious. Women like that in a man, especially if he is strong, beautiful, always around, very sexy, and dresses smartly.
Why? Well because in most stories they are the sexiest of the sexy. They represent all that is a dark fantasy. They can pull you into their hold with just one look. What woman wouldn't want to be enamored by a Vampire? Their strength, sexiness, and paranormal type myths that they may or not have..ie..transforming into other animals, mist, flying..
That's just some of the reason..I think we could write entire books on the subjects.
Joss Whedon set the stage for me with his portrayal of a sexy vampire dedicated to saving humanity. Then add dark and handsome, and a sexual being that can fulfill your every desire, and I agree with Inez, what's not to love? lol
Well, I can speak for myself and say that I love vanpires because they are fantasy (I've never met one, lol). They can be very sexy and want you for you, lol. I got hooked on Buffy the Vampire Slayer and loved Angel and Spike. To be able to live as long as you want too and travle where ever, sounds like a nice life, um death. ;)
Why do women like vampires?
Well Vampires are mysterious, usually dark to medium skin tone, with dark hair, average to tall height, a well toned body, ageless yet always the right age, they do not hang around under foot in fact they are seldom around which heigthens the desire to see them. When they are seen it is usually in a dark location, hence the female's pulse is up already and the vamp/man is in the role of rescueing the dampsel in distress.
The groping at her neck is a sexual turn on and makes her totally defenseless!
Darby
darbyscloset at yahoo dot com
This fits perfectly with my post today about my dreams last night....lovely lovely Spike from Buffy the Vampire Slayer was the star. http://iyamvixenbooks.blogspot.com/2008/10/must-be-halloweendreaming-of-spike.html
And posted about today's post, too. I know one or two of my buds are vampire-holics.
I can admire from afar. Should I ever meet one...I'd be a babbling idiot, much like I am with anyone I crush on. It's my curse....
to have someone that loves you forevre and ever and never dies, and is very strong and alot of energy
Women love vampires because the idea of living forever is very appealing, especially knowing you would always be young, beautiful and without weakness or fear.
the mysterious man how has strength and stamina. Did I mention sensuous.
for the excitement, the anticipation, the 'not knowing' aspect of them. Who doesn't like a dark/handsome man who can thrill you with his tongue!!!
They're sexy, dangerous and mysterious, more so than a mere human, immortal with lots of powers and experience to know how to bite and pleasure.
Wow. So many awesome comments. Thanks for all the entries so far! And thanks for posting about my giveaway on your blogs, etc.! I love Halloween . . . (and vampires!)
Lynda
Vampires know how to love women with a passion that human men don't know how to express. They bond on an intimate level and can show us sexual satisfaction far better than any human could ever attempt. Just turn on True Blood and see how smitten Sookie is by Bill! There's just something special about vamps. :)
Vampires have always been a fascination for me even before paranormal romances become popular. I remember watching Interview with a Vampire in the 90's and being totally in love with the idea of marrying Brad Pitt and living forever with him! The fangs are sexy, the vamps are mesmerizing, and I just love them! Now that paranormals have hit big time, I get my fix all the time with bad ass vamps, good vamps, detective vamps, serial killer vamps, and just old fashioned vamps. However they write them, however they are, I love them all.
Hugssss
LindaH
With vampires you'd have no control. No control = no guilt!
Brcause they're brooding, sexy and dangerous. And there's the all of the penetration (it's fangs penetrating the neck, but still).
Women have always been attracted to the dark and dangerous types ... what's more dark and dangerous than a vampire? ;)
I think all the above comments have pretty much summed it up nicely for me. The dark, mysterious bad boy image has always been a draw for me. Toss in the immortal aspect and the extra strength and you've got extra appeal. I'm more fascinated with the older vampires - 100+ years. Just something about their historical and life experiences that is also alluring. (One of the reasons I always liked the Highlander tv series.)
I think is that they are mysterious, dangerous and have lots of sex appeal.
Vampires are the bad boys of the preternatural universe. They are gorgeous, sensuous, sexual, romantic, bad boys of the night and they don't follow any human rules or laws.
I think women love vampires because they are basically sex personified with that thrill of danger thrown in. Because vampires are portrayed as sensual creatures with a great body, carnal appitites, hypnotic lure, eternal beauty and supernatural powers. To be a lover of someone possessing all that, its like taming a tiger with a gentle touch. All that power untamed and raw at your fingertips which could be dangerous but instead becomes a thrilling attraction. And to know such a person holds only you in esteem, would protect you against all odds, would do anything to be with you...well its enough to make any woman over look the little things like allergies to sunlight, lack of a heart beat or the occasional need for you to donate some blood. At least in my opinion.
All I have to say is read the first post!!! LOL Inez said it all!!!
Culleen
Why do women love vampires? Welll all women love the engima, the mystery. Then there is the "bad boy" persona, women love the bad boys (well I'll label vamps as bad boys).
Raonaid (at) gmail.com
I think a lot of other commenters described the appeal well: vampires seem to be the embodiment of a lot of "bad boy" characteristics, and that combination of eternal life/power/dark, tortured hero appeals to many readers...
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