Things I'd like to ask Bram Stoker: What was the true inspiration for Dracula? It's possibly the most common question writers are asked. Everyone wants to know where a writer gets their ideas, and the writer often struggles to come up with a satisfying answer. But the history surrounding Dracula's origins makes the question irresistible! So who was it inspiring such terror in Eastern Europe that could have sparked something in Stoker? Was it Vlad the Impaler? He's certainly a solid and popular possibility. But there's also Countess Elizabeth Báthory, who has a[...]
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Dracula
0 This story happens by lamplight, under a copse of trees and at the top of a steep hill, predictably under the cover of night when only the most nefarious deeds are done. It's October and the ground is frosted, but there are men at work with spades and shovels, digging into the soil with some ardour, awaiting that telltale sound of metal striking a coffin. If you've ever dug up a grave yourself, I'm certain you'd know it: the timber of the strike changes as the wood buckles, and then splinters. It's an extra bit of give beneath the tool -- the result of the grav[...]
In the summer of 1816, a group of artists, poets, and friends gathered together at the Villa Diodati on Lake Geneva in Swizerland. Sounds quaint enough. So here’s the dirt, and I’m paraphrasing liberally from a couple of different sources: Mary Shelly’s step-sister, Claire Clairmont, had the idea: she was hooking up with Lord Byron and even though he wasn’t really feeling it, she decided to “surprise” him in Swizerland though he never really invited her along for the trip. With her, Claire brought Mary and her main squeeze, Percy, along for kicks. Pe[...]
It's Gothic Horror month here at The Midnight Society. There have already been some fabulous posts like Both Things I Know About Gothic Horror I Learned from Jane Austen Who Learned from Ann Radcliffe from Erica Davis and My Favorite Gothics from Jenna Lehne. Today I wanted to talk about Gothic literature and tell you a little more about it. There's so much I could say about this subject, as it includes most of my favorite stories and authors, but for the sake of not rambling, I tried to keep my wits about me. But first, let me share my Gothic lit[...]
Well, it's another Tuesday and I'm thinking about my writing--what else is new, right?! The last two weeks, I posted about how writers get their ideas for horror stories. Sometimes we all have a great idea, but we aren't sure how to get from point A to point B. Lately I've been stuck in a rut with my ideas, so I've taken to watching a few good shows and movies to help me. More and more I watch with a critical eye, rather than just enjoy the film. I want to learn more about writing and what really makes a good story. Of course I lean toward horror, but I've also t[...]
As many of you know, I work part time at a brick and mortar book store. Being a bookseller, blogger, author, and social media surfer--I get a front seat to the current trends. Some I can see coming from a mile away, while others seeming come from out of nowhere. And guys, the horror genre is DEFINITELY on the rise! Once upon a time, comic books were collected by a distinct group of people. When I was a teenager, it wasn't cool to read comics. But now? It's waaaaaay cool to be spotted with a graphic novel in your bag. And let me tell you, with the rise in Marvel a[...]
For the past several years I've partaken in AudioFile's Sync summer program. What is it? AudioFile's Sync program basically connects you (the reader) with fantastic and free audiobooks over summer. Each week two ebooks are up on their site and you can download them for free. They always pair one YA novel with a classic novel. They do this to promote reading, literacy, and listening in young people across the nation. Straight from their website: SYNC gives away 2 FREE audiobook downloads every week each summer. In 2014, 26 titles were given away over 13 weeks. I[...]
I am sure that if you are following this blog, you are well versed in the story of Dracula. I mean, we all know who Bram Stoker was, right? Here's a test for you... How many Dracula movies have you seen? 1. NOSFERATU (1922)- F.W. Murnau 2. DRACULA (1931)- Tod Browning 3. DRACULA'S DAUGHTER (1936)- Lambert Hillyer 4. BLOOD OF DRACULA (1957)- Herbert L. Strock 5. HORROR OF DRACULA (1958)- Terence Fisher 6. THE BRIDES OF DRACULA (1960)- Terence Fisher 7. DRACULA PRINCE OF DARKNESS (1966)- Terence Fisher 8. TASTE THE BLOOD OF DRACULA (1970)- Hammer Film Prod[...]
