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.