WHAT LURES US TO VAMPIRES
Bertena Varney
An Excerpt
Vampire, vampyre,
nosferatu, dhamphir, bloodsucker, romantic boyfriends, sexy bad monsters,
fallen angels, soulless demons - these have all been characters in vampires
stories throughout the centuries.
As time has gone by there
have been many debates as to whether each of the descriptions above are “true
vampires”. By looking at the vampire, one will see that it is a very
complicated creature and really can’t be labeled as one thing or another but as
a creature that is right for each reader, fan or vampire lover.
For example, some
vampires drink human blood while others drink the life force of their prey but
they are both vampires. Other vampires are described as hideous and monstrous
creatures that are very primal in nature. These vampires don’t apologize for
who they are nor do they try to be human other than survival when necessary.
But, the more popular
today seems to the sexy vampires that do not embrace their vampire side but
turns to what is left of their humanity. They brood about being a vampire, they
fight their true nature and they even go so far as to try and turn into a human
again.
But, either way there are
multitudes of vampires and vampire fans. But, the main questions aren’t what is
a vampire but why are we so attracted to the vampire?
The Lure of the Early Female Vampire
If we take a look back at
the first mention of vampires in mythology, one will notice that many were
female rather than males. Lilith was from the Hebrew Talmud and told the story
of the first wife of Adam who would not be submissive to men. Thus many readers
love stories that stem from her and the empowerment of women in society.
Lamia was Greek and the
secret lover of Zeus, who like many other of his lovers was found out by his
wife Hera. Out of vengeance, Hera killed all of Lamia’s babies and in turn,
Lamia attacked the children of the followers of Hera. Her stories were retold
to explain sudden infant death syndrome and many times she is used as mother
figure in stories.
In Malaysia, Pennangallan
or Penny as she is known by many is another female vampire that is attributed
to the death of children. Penny would detach her fanged body and would fly
around with her disemboweled body glistening in the moonlight. She would search
for pregnant women to drink from thus explaining miscarriages or still born
deaths. This is rumored to be where Stephanie Meyer got her idea of a sparking
vampire.
But, Female vampires were
to explain “female issues” that in many cultures were banished or not discussed
in the presence of men. There was also the lack of medical advances that would
explain the deaths of children and pregnant mothers. Thus the duality of the
good and bad impression of the roles of women in society is why some vampire
readers are lured to this type of vampire.
The Lure of the Revenant Vampire
As time when on the
vampire became a symbol of death, disease, and fear, the revenant vampire
became the most popular in mythological tales in small villages. These vampires
were more zombie like than any other. They could not speak, think or really do
anything but feed. These monsters were the ones that villagers would tell
stories of to explain unexplained death and the spread of disease. They would
open caskets and see that the person’s hair and nails have grown as well as the
blood and body fluids that had leaked from their bodies.
The lure of this vampire
to readers is the pure animalistic monster that represents our primal need of
feeding. There is no personality; there is no hatred; there is no emotion at
all. Those that like reading about these vampires are the same that lie zombie
movies. It’s the thrill of the killing of these monsters and being in survival
mode.
Vampires: Romance to Rippers an Anthology of Tasty Stories
Scarlette D’Noire, Karen Dales, Kurt Kamm, Bertena Varney,
Scarlette D’Noire, Karen Dales, Kurt Kamm, Bertena Varney,
Elita Daniels, Carole Gill, Audrey A’Cladh, BellaDonna Drakul, Sherri Jordan-Asble, Charles E. Butler, Carole Gill, Fiona Skye, Laura Enright, Janiera Eldridge, Cinsearae S, and Terri Reid
Genre: paranormal romance/horror
Publisher: Indie Publishing House
Date of Publication: Oct. 16th 2013
ISBN: 978-1-940871-00-4
Number of pages: 236
Word Count: 67,588
Cover Artist: Patti Roberts at Paradox
Book Description:
Vampires! Sixteen authors give you a glimpse into the dark worlds of lost love, murderous rage, and undeniable sex appeal where deadly quests and blood lust spanning centuries of time reign supreme. Explore some of the most unique vampires to exist on this side of the grave.
Essays, excerpts, and short stories from award winning authors Karen Dales, Kurt Kamm, Bertena Varney and more. They will entertain you, thrill you, and bewilder you as they reveal the dark secrets of the most beloved creatures of the night, including eleven times bestselling author Terri Reid, creator of the Mary O’Reilly Series.
So, which will it be: the romantic vampire, the revenant vampire, the elemental, the fanged vampire, or the mythological female vampire? Begin reading and find out!
About the Author:
Originally from Chicago Scarlette D’Noire is an American author currently residing in Florida with her husband and two furry children.
A lover of all things vampire, Scarlette has published two books, Vampires Romance to Rippers Series an Anthology of Tasty Stories, and Vampires Romance to Rippers Series an Anthology of Risqué Stories with several outstanding authors. She is currently writing two books in the Vampire Historia a Series of Revelations, collections: Nicolai's Fate and Delano’s Undoing. Scarlette D’Noire is a nom de plume used to protect the true identity of the author so she may bring Vampire Historia a Series of Revelations to light without consequences.
Visit Scarlette and the author contributing authors on the web:
About the Author:
Bertena
Varney is a college sociology professor whose love for the supernatural
overflows into both her professional and personal life. She is the author of
Lure of the Vampire: A Pop Culture Reference Book, Lure Revamped and co-creator
and collaborator for Vampire News: Tasty Bits You Can Sink your Fangs Into,
Vampire News: The Not So End Times Edition and Vampire News 2013- yet to be
titled.
She
holds Master’s Degrees in Sociology/Criminology and Social Science/Education
and is currently working on a Masters in Adult Education/ Community
College. She lives in KY loves to spend
her time travelling. More can be found at www.betena.com
Visit Bertena Varney and the author contributing
authors on the web:
Laura Enright Audrey A'Cladh
December 9 Spotlight
Booker Like a Hooker
December 10 Spotlight and review
Penny For Them...
December 11 Spotlight
Roxanne’s Realm
December 12 Spotlight (review)
Fang Freakin' Tastic Reviews
December 13 Spotlight
Fang-tastic Books
December 16 Spotlight
Books Direct
December 17 Spotlight
Shut Up & Read
December 18 review
Mythical Books
December 19 Spotlight
Lisa’s World of Books
December 20 Spotlight
Pembroke Sinclair.
December 20 review
Tanya's Book Nook
December 23 spotlight
Book Bliss
8 comments:
Hi everyone. How are you today? Anyone have any questions for me or the other authors?
Wow this is an awesome blog! As the creator of the anthology I will say Bertena was a true gem to work with. Her introduction in the book is priceless. I have never met anyone with more knowledge on the fanged ones.
Thank you so much for featuring the anthology. :)
Thank you Scarlette.. I had so much fun doing it and meeting other great authors!
Does anyone here have any questions for us?
It is great to be here and thank you for having us.
I know Bertena from my early days of self-publishing and have to say that she is a tireless promoter and her own blog tours are unsurpassed. I have enjoyed thoroughly every collaboration we have undertaken together and hope to do more! Thank you for including my short tale in Vampires; Romance to Rippers Scarlette. What is the next one??
Hi from me! So proud to have been included in this anthology.
Thank you for hosting us.
Thanks Charles.. I do kindda miss doing them.
I am looking forward to the next one too
I am thinking of a new anthology for the New Year. :) working with all of you has been awesome. Thank you!
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