Monday, August 15, 2011

Vampire Mondays: Gerry Bartlett




Why Vampires Are (And Will Always Be) Popular

I never thought I’d write about vampires. Just didn’t like the idea of a deadly creature sucking down blood to survive. But then I took another look at a genre that keeps going strong despite naysayers’ predictions that it has run its course. First, there are many different takes on the vampire mythology. Authors create their own worlds and it’s foolish to stereotype either the characters or the books. One thing is certain. Vampires in literature are here to stay. What is it that captures readers’ imaginations? Why are we hooked? I know what works for me.

Let’s talk about the vampire male. Alpha, usually. Why? Well, these creatures of the night are in survival mode as soon as they get their fangs. Some of them are filled with angst at their fate and others revel in it. I tend to write books that take the lighter approach but those unhappy guys make great villains. Are all vampire males beautiful? It seems a common luck of the draw, maybe because not many sires want to turn an unappealing guy into a fledgling. So we like to read about these gorgeous, powerful men who seem to have a way with women. Part of their power is that they are sensual, in touch with the emotions of the women they meet, and able to control the situation.

Wait. Am I saying we all secretly want to be controlled? I hope not. But there is that universal fantasy of taming the tough guy. So if you can bring a strong vampire to his knees? Yes, that’s a story I want to read. And if the female is a powerful vampire? That’s another popular concept that draws in readers. Who wouldn’t want to be a woman who can have any man she wants? Plus she’s strong physically, sensual and mesmerizing. Count me in. My own female vampire has figure flaws yet still gets the men she wants. It’s a fantasy that readers enjoy playing along with.

Bloodlust and fangs aside, the vampire is a metaphor for every man and woman who dreams of taking control of his or her mundane life. Once turned, he or she could come back to take charge, get revenge, dazzle co-workers, you get the idea. It’s fantasy and that’s what readers have always enjoyed--escaping into a story, one that lets them imagine themselves in a perfect alternate universe. That’s just one reason readers will keep vampires popular. It doesn’t hurt that the vamps have a great time in the sack too.

Gerry Bartlett is the nationally bestselling author of the REAL VAMPIRES series about a vampire who was bloating the day she was turned in 1604 and who now runs a vintage clothing shop in Austin, Texas. Gerry has also been published in historical romance and contemporary romantic suspense. This former teacher lives south of Houston, not far from Galveston, Texas, where she has an antique business. You can check out Gerry’s website and blog at http://www.gerrybartlett.com/
, friend her on Facebook or follow her on twitter.

Gerry’s current release is her eleventh published novel, REAL VAMPIRES DON’T WEAR SIZE SIX, from Berkley Publishing. Book 8 in the series, REAL VAMPIRES HATE SKINNY JEANS, will be an April, 2012 release.



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Gerry will give away a copy of her book to one commenter. Check back to see who won.



16 Comments:

Blogger Paranormal and Romantic Suspense Reviews said...

Hi Gerry,

Great post and thanks for sharing!

I love your books and I have this one on my Wish List.

Thanks for a chance to win!

10:46 AM  
Blogger bluesweetee said...

i love this series! i love vampires being reading since i was 13 with good old christopher pike books! i love the realness of gerry's characters! team blade!

7:00 PM  
Blogger Ape said...

Hey Gerry, loved the post. I wish I could manage to keep up with a blog lol. These days I am so busy, and what with catching up on Glory's story and all ;)

7:03 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

I love vampire fiction. I really like varying themes of vampirism in fiction and how it doesnt always have to be about blood sucking. I really enjoy the Real Vamps series and Glorys struggle to maintain her independence amongst all of that testosterone. :)

7:05 PM  
Blogger Mel G said...

I'm a sucker for vampire books (pun fully intended), and it just doesn't get any better than Glory St. Clair.... oh, and Rafael... and Jerry... oh, and can't forget Ray *sigh*

7:41 PM  
Blogger Tluvsfrogs2 said...

I so can not wait till your next book!! I am trying to be very patient!!
Thank you Gerry! Keep up the good work!!

8:01 PM  
Blogger DebbieB said...

I so love this series. Glory and the gang, ESP Blade. Hope Glory gets herself together and commits to Blade! So ready for the next one.
Debbie Bussie

9:08 PM  
Blogger lilsnobelle said...

I am 35 and love vampires, and began this love affair with them when I was as young as 9 or 10 at the library. My mom would drop me off on Saturdays and go do whatever it was she was doing, and I would get lost in there for hours. I would gravitate to the mythical section, and always wound up checking out vampire books, and got wary looks from the librarians. I cannot get enough..
You have done a wonderful thing having her not a size zero, thank you, as a woman who does eat more than a salad a day, I appreciate that. Although I bet noone wants to read about a size 16 vampire! Oh well!!!! But thanks, it is refreshing! Loving your books! Keep them coming!

12:34 AM  
Blogger SilverWitch said...

Hey Gerry! I truely enjoy your books and have gotten alot of people to check your stories out and had them enjoy them too! Always waiting for your next book!!! I am serverly dyslexic but love the feel of a book in my hands. It takes me about a week to read your books what with all the running my mother to doc appts and such and trying to read the book, but I do get it done!!!

1:31 AM  
Anonymous Gerry Bartlett said...

Love these comments! I just blogged about picking up The Last Vampire by Christopher Pike when I was in England. What a great series! My review of his book is on a site called What Writers are Reading. Making my vampire a "normal" size has made her easy for me to write because I can put myself in her place and I so feel her pain that she can't have Cheetos or chocolate! I'd have to think long and hard to trade a good dinner for immortality. LOL.

9:14 AM  
Blogger Lynda Hilburn said...

Thank you so much for guest blogging, Gerry! I appreciate it. It's great to meet so many of your fans.
Best, Lynda

12:50 PM  
Blogger Lisa Richards/alterlisa said...

This is an awesome series. Can't wait to read the next one. Just added
REAL VAMPIRES HATE SKINNY JEANS to my wishlist.
I'm a follower on GFC-Lisa Richards


(\___/)
(='.'=)
(")_(")

alterlisa AT yahoo DOT com
http://lisaslovesbooksofcourse.blogspot.com/

10:44 PM  
Blogger Gerry said...

Congratulations to Debbie Bussie who wins the autographed copy of Real Vampires Don't Wear Size Six. Thanks to everyone who posted here!

9:05 AM  
Blogger Rhea said...

Gerry - a little late to the party, but I love the light vampire books. The mix of something dark with the light pulls me in every time!

9:48 AM  
Blogger Gerry said...

Debbie Bussie, if you're out there, please email me to claim your prize at gerrybartlett@verizon.net. Thanks to everyone who came to the party.

3:11 PM  
Blogger Lord Mark said...

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6:50 PM  

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