• …
  • About
  • Vampire Month Alumni
  • World Book Night

Lurking Musings

~ Musings of a newly published writer

Lurking Musings

Tag Archives: Zoe Adams

[Vampire Month] Vampire Fiction in the 21st Century by Zoe Adams

27 Thursday Mar 2014

Posted by D.A Lascelles in Vampire Month

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

21st Century Vampires, Adult Vampires, Aiden, Black Dagger Brotherhood, books, guest blogging, JR Ward, Marilyn Manson, My Chemical Romance, Stephenie Meyer, Twilight, Vampire, Vampire Month, Vampires, Zoe Adams


Our last Vampire Month guest post for this year is from Zoe Adams. Here she talks about Vampires in the 21st Century.

I’ve read a few vampire books over the years. I essentially got hooked on them when I started secondary school, finding a group of friends who didn’t think I was weird because I read fantasy books. It was through these friends I found a love of rock music and found some lyrics Gothic, connecting to vampires – mainly during those teenage years it was Aiden, Marilyn Manson and My Chemical Romance.FacebookHomescreenImage

Listening to those bands now makes me want to write vampire fiction. Sadly, I’ve never got round to it, but it hasn’t stopped me dreaming or throwing imaginary barriers up against myself.

The main barrier in writing about vampires is the angle on which to approach them.

Young Adult vampire fiction very much follows a love triangle. Usually, the novel follows a female protagonist who meets a strange and alluring young man, who reveals that he is a vampire. Of course, this is forbidden love and we root for them to be together. Occasionally, a new breed of creature is thrown in, expanding the paranormal world entirely, and these type of books end up as a trilogy or a long lasting series.

Another take on it, is that our heroine, aware of the existing world of supernatural beings, falls in love with the vampire, and then has to choose between him and another supernatural, or the occasional human. Blood taking is usually involved and by the end of the series, love has won out. A cure has been found and they are happily human, or they are living together, forever youthful.

This is a common style of plot in the Young Adult paranormal fiction market, but it brings its problems with it. Mainly that these vampires are not real at all. The common debate is what self-respecting vampire would choose to spend time back at school, masquerading as a sulky teenage boy or girl? How does he or she manage the time at school – surely they must have to go into sunlight? What do they feed upon?

The Twilight Saga by Stephanie Meyer made young adult vampires her own, giving them sparkling skin in sunlight, and moving into a town that is nine times out of ten, gloomy, dull, dark and wet. This allows these shining beautiful creatures to walk in the daytime and interact with humans. The night still gives them the cover they need to chase animals, to drink their blood to sustain them.

Whether it’s my age, but I seem to be straying away from Young Adult vampires. I’m finding the plots predictable and the heroines dull and lifeless. The vampires aren’t even attractive to me anymore.

All these thoughts, opinions and impressions make me doubt my ability to write a new and stunning vampire novel, for young adults.

My other option would be to write an adult novel.

Whilst we have similar plot lines, the vampires are an entirely new breed. They are hunky, well built, dark, brooding creatures who have no qualms about drinking from a live human source. The vampires have been around for centuries and have learnt tricks of the trade – mainly that if they drink blood, they are able to flood it to a certain part of the body for pleasurable acts. More often than not, these carnal acts of love and lust are with humans, who find the act themselves sensual and a little bit scary.

jrw-cover-lav-big    J. R. Ward’s Black Dagger Brotherhood vampires are these kinds. They are a society, brothers in arms as they defend their race against soulless creatures which threaten their existence. They use weapons – swords, guns, anything they can lay their hands on. They drive fast cars with reckless abandon. You can see the human side of these vampires and at the same time appreciate that Ward keeps them on track. Whilst stories and characters overlap in the series’, these vampires hunt and live for the night. They are damaged by the sun’s light, forcing them to have tinted cars and metal blinds in their homes. They drink blood from humans when they need to and often the Brothers drink from the loves of their lives, who are not always human, not always vampire.

The vampires connect to basic human emotions – struggling with addiction, their own inner psychological issues and finding a true place in the world.

Either way we look at the argument, vampires are still heavily popular. Books like the Twilight series and the Black Dagger Brotherhood connect and bring readers together from all over the world, from all walks of life. Readers emphasise with characters, find their own desires and learn things about themselves that they have never learnt before. For example, in Anne Rice’s novel, Interview with the Vampire, readers see a side to bonds of friendship and love. It is often insinuated that the time that Louis and Lestat spent together, they became lovers. In further novels, Lestat is unabashed in this belief. The bond they shared went deeper than the connection of creator and subservient, and this represents the belief that homosexuality is not a curse.

Bloggers and reporters alike will argue about these books places in society, but what they have to remember is that vampire fiction has been around for years, and will continue to sell years later, as the young and old alike continue to read them.

Bestselling Author Zoe Adams
 
Crushing Hearts and Black Butterfly Publishing
Hot Ink Press
Vamptasy Publishing
 
Facebook     Twitter     Amazon

[Vampire Month] Zoe Adams interview

25 Tuesday Mar 2014

Posted by D.A Lascelles in Musings, Vampire Month

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Creative Writing courses, Demon, HIM, Kelley Armstrong, Vampire, Vampire Month, Vampires, Zoe Adams


Today we have an interview with our final Vampire month victim and it matches this year’s theme of looking into the past as we welcome back Zoe Adams. You may remember Zoe from last year… let us see how things have changed for her since then.

1) The last time we spoke you were just finishing a course in Creative Writing. How do you think that course has helped you?FacebookHomescreenImage

I collected my degree in October – it was a really exciting day! I really think the course has helped me in numerable ways. I’ve got a much more thorough grasp on the world of publishing, how planning really helps. I’ve got a much more level head on my shoulder, and my work ethic has completely changed around. – much more disciplined now!

 

2) You have had a year out in the big bad world of publishing, is it different to how you expected it to be?

It’s scary knowing I’ve been around a year with my publisher, it’s quite scary. It’s extremely different. I have an amazing publisher and it’s more like a family. Everyone is supportive of each other and I’ve had the chance to see how others work. Whilst I’m not making millions, I am stable. I feel incredibly lucky to be in this place.

 

this is what vampire romance heroes don't look like3) What advice would you give to anyone who wanted to start out as a writer now?

Read and write at all times. I think to be a better writer, you have to read broadly and as often as you can. Whether it’s a genre you like or one you haven’t really tried, you’ll find it helps. Crime novels, I’ve found, are great for looking into characters, their backgrounds and motivations.

4) It has been a whole year since we last interviewed you. What has changed for you in that time?

A lot of things have changed! I have a Ba (Hons), I have multiple eBooks out and I’ve been featured in several anthologies. I’m broadening my horizons in what I’m writing. I’m definitely not afraid of trying new things.

5) You have been published several times in the last year, what are your ambitions regarding writing now?

My ambitions are exactly the same as they were a year ago. To read more, write more and be published even more! I want to create new books and characters, find new worlds. I’m constantly learning more things about myself and gaining new experiences as a writer, and I cannot wait for more.

6) What are your opinions on the Vampire in fiction, do you think it is ever going to lose popularity?

I honestly don’t think vampires will ever lose their popularity. I’m still an advocate of the genre and will avidly read anything with vampires in it. People will always be attracted to them. They may wain in popularity once a genre pops up and has its time in the best sellers chart, but vampires will always sell. People still want to believe in them and their powers.

7) Which writer do you regard as your greatest influence?

I’ve been influenced by a wide array of authors but Kelley Armstrong has definitely touched a part of my soul. A contemporary author, Armstrong has headstrong female characters who are so very human. She has a way with not only adult fiction, but young adult as well. She has multiple series, and I feel she is a very talented woman. I’d love to meet her one day.

Oh, and she has a vampire called Zoe too!

8) Which writer do you feel you most resemble in the way you work?

Oh that’s a tough question! I have no idea who I’d resemble in my work ethic. At times I’m very strict with myself, but sometimes I’mten silver bullets very lax. Gosh, I really don’t know!

9) Where do you feel you get most of your inspiration from?

Inspiration comes from anywhere and everywhere for me. Song lyrics, video games, dreams, family and my own past.

A lot of my short stories are inspired by lyrics and titles. Examples being, I’m currently working on a fairy short, inspired by the Finnish band HIM, and their song, ‘Wings of a Butterfly’. An erotic piece is from the America rock band Falling in Reverse, and their song, ‘The Drug In Me Is You’. Things just click and poof – I write.

 

10) What are you working on at the moment?

I’m currently working on a Young Adult trilogy – the Twisted Series. They focus on a young girl who is connected to a demon. The first book, ‘Twisted Minds’ introduces our heroine, Talia, and her demon, Devlin. They are taken into a Care Home, where she learns she’s not so different to those around her. I’m really excited with how the book is progressing and what I plan to do with it. It’s a new change for me, working on YA fiction, but I’m really enjoying it, and I hope my readers will too!

Bestselling Author Zoe Adams
 
Crushing Hearts and Black Butterfly Publishing
Hot Ink Press
Vamptasy Publishing
 
Facebook     Twitter     Amazon

[Vampire Month] Third time’s a charm

01 Saturday Mar 2014

Posted by D.A Lascelles in Musings, Vampire Month

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

IIsabella Favilli, Jonathon Ferguson, Leeds Armouries, Megan Cashman, Vampire Killing Kits, Vampire Month, Vampires, Zoe Adams


So, here we are in the third year of Vampire month. It does not seem like three years since I first had an idea to bring together three authors who all had Vampires in common, ask them some questions and get them to write me a guest post. However, that is how long it has been.[Guest Post] What is Horror? by Rebeka Harrington

For those new to this, Vampire month is dedicated to all things vampire and takes place over the month of March. I could have been predictable and had October be Vampire month, and lost it among a plethora of ghouies, ghosties and long leggity beasties. I could also have thought slightly out of the coffin* and played on the angst ridden romance side of most Vampire stories and had February as Vampire month – tying it all to Valentine’s day. However, I looked at March, all alone and bereft after Valentine’s day, with only a single mentally challenged hare to keep it company while everyone wishes it would just hurry up and finish so they can concentrate on Easter properly, and thought: There’s a month that need some love. Some dark, angsty, abusive Vampire love.

Or maybe, you know, I actually had the idea too late to get everything ready in time for February and really could not wait til October to do it and dumped it all on the first available month I could find and now I am stuck with it.

Decide for yourself which of the above stories is true…

2013-10-30 20.17.06So, on with the month. This year I have what can only be described as an eclectic mix of contributors in that we only have two of them who are actually authors and one of them is being brave enough to submit herself to the process a second time. The other two slots are taken up with an artist and the very left field addition of a museum curator. I’m very excited by both these additions.

So, here is the lineup:

Artist and Digital Imager Isabella Favilli

Author Megan Cashman

Author (and returning alumni) Zoe Adams

Curator of Firearms (and expert on Vampire killing kits) Jonathon Ferguson

Look out for post from all of them as the month progresses.

*like thinking outside of the box but with an undead bias, obviously…

[Vampire Month] Writing with Music by Zoe Adams

20 Wednesday Mar 2013

Posted by D.A Lascelles in Vampire Month

≈ 6 Comments

Tags

Adele, Black Veil Brides, Charlie Parker, Dolly Parton, Electric Light Orchestra, Enid Blyton, Film Soundtracks, Genesis, Gladiator (2000), J.R.R Tolkien, Jeff Wayne, Mötley Crüe, Music and Writing, Noddy, Paloma Faith, Phil Collins, Pink, Repo! The Genetic Opera (2008), Terrance Zdunich, The Drifters, The Hobbit, The Hunger Games (2012), War of the Worlds, Zoe Adams


I have always been surrounded by books and music from an early age. The people I have to thank for these plentiful gifts are my parents, Denise and Ian.FacebookHomescreenImage

As a child, my parents would sit on the side of my bed and read bedtime stories, ranging from classics like Enid Blyton’s Noddy books (which had previously been my older sister’s) to J.R.R. Tolkien’s, The Hobbit (which is my mum’s favourite book).

Their music tastes differ greatly too. I grew up with the likes of Dolly Parton, The Drifters, Electric Light Orchestra, Genesis and Phil Collins… The list though, is quite frankly, endless.

I have been writing professionally since 2010, since I started my BA (Hons) Professional Writing Course, at The Grimsby Institute. During this time, I have written a multitude of assignments, ranging from academic essays, sequential art scripts, short film scripts, short stories.

I have written these in a variety of places, ranging from university to my home. The library and open access areas are quiet places with top of the range technology, and plenty of resourceful textbooks.

During an essay last semester, we were asked to write about our working practices. Whilst undertaking the essay, I have found that I work best in my kitchen, laptop on the table, surrounded my papers and books and pens. I find it is the most comforting place, and not just because it is easy access to the kettle for a cup of tea, or the biscuit barrel.

My mum believes it to be the heart of the home. A place of safety and comfort, where everyone can reconnect after work. It is the place to sit and gossip over a cup of tea.

You can sing along to the radio or a CD whilst cooking up something.

254In my house, Magic 1161 is the radio station of choice. There is no arguing with my parents, who prefer to listen to the oldies, rather than the new manufactured music that the media produces. I have grown to like the music that plays, even though the presenters are quite annoying at times. Particularly on a Sunday afternoon – I swear the man loves the sound of his own voice.

However, the CDs often change. In my kitchen at the minute, there are small piles of disc cases, each one as different from the last. There is: Adele (my dad’s choice), Black Veil Brides (my choice) and Paloma Faith (my mum’s choice).

When I’m writing, I don’t hear the words often. I hear the notes. When the radio plays or the CDs are on, its background noise. I think it is comfort.

A lot of the students in my class enjoy listening to music whilst they write, whether academically or creatively. One girl, majoring in film and television scriptwriting, likes to listen to soundtracks. Her favourites at the minute are Gladiator (2000) and The Hunger Games (2012).

Another girl, this time majoring in prose, likes to listen to music she hasn’t heard in a while. This can range from metal group Mötley Crüe to pop sensation P!nk.

I can listen to any type of music whilst I write. I am an avid musical fan, but I also love rock and heavy metal, and music that comes from Asia. When I’m writing, I prefer to listen to whole albums, instead of hitting the Shuffle button. It has happened before when the music changed drastically and I completely lost my train of thought.

Just a few weeks ago, my mother went into the hospital for surgery. To take my mind off this, I decided to edit the rest of the novel which I am writing for university. The novel is an adult fantasy romance about Greek mythological nymphs, and the re-emergence of their mystical powers.

The music of choice that day was Jeff Wayne’s The War of the Worlds (1978). I had fallen in love with the soundtrack after seeing it performed in December last year at Sheffield Arena with my mother.

I was so focused on writing that I was able to plough through the remaining ten chapters. I didn’t hear anything my brother said to me, grindhouseoccasionally breaking to make notes on my printed manuscript.

My dad, who was in the kitchen reading, remarked that with music on I was more driven and collected, even though my pen occasionally tapped in time to the song that had been playing.

Everyone is different with their reading choices, and what genre they prefer to write. I have found that when I’m writing fantasy and horror, that rock and metal work really well. Often these pieces have some allusions to lyrics or song track titles. I’ve realised this happens more often than not lately. Here is an example of how one band has encouraged my writing.

Metal band, Black Veil Brides, have encouraged three short stories:
– Fallen Angel (a short urban horror story, due to be featured in an anthology entitled Dark Light 3 by Crushing
Hearts and Black Butterfly Publishing).
– Heaven’s Calling (a short psychological horror story), and,
– Wretched and Divine (a piece of flash fiction entered for my university competition).

Charlie Parker, American jazz saxophonist and composer (1920-1955) said: “Music is your own experience, your own thoughts, your wisdom. If you don’t live it, it won’t come out of your horn. They teach you there’s a boundary line to music. But, man, there’s no boundary line to art.”

How true is that? He is right – there is no boundary line. Look at all the genres which cross into each, and not just in fiction. It will ever be present in films. An example of blending the genres is Repo! The Genetic Opera (2008). Writer Terrance Zdunich created a musical, comedy, horror, and it is one of the most influential and thought provoking films I have seen in a long while.

I pose a question for you now readers, writers, and various other creative types to think about. Perhaps you might want to answer it…

Does music help you in your daily life? Does it inspire new, innovative pieces? Are you perhaps a musician that wants to relay a message to those around you?

Bio

Born and bred in Cleethorpes, I’m a full-time university student at The Grimsby Institute. I’m studying a BA (Hons) in Professional Writing, and I’m majoring in Prose for my final year.

I love reading and writing, and have done since I was a child. I grew up with books that stirred my sense and made me want to try it for myself.

Since 2010, I have been writing professionally for a factual reference website (The Fact Site), and freelancing for an online magazine, specialising in women’s sex, relationships, health and wellbeing (Rude Magazine).

I generally write fantasy and horror, but I have no aversion to romance, crime and history.

[Vampire Month] Zoe Adams Interview

18 Monday Mar 2013

Posted by D.A Lascelles in Vampire Month

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

Anime, Anita Blake, Ann Rice, Arthur Golden, Avenged Sevenfold, Bleach, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Cleethorpes, Dracula, James Marsters, Laurell K. Hamilton, Lestat, Memoirs of a Geisha, Shinigami, Spike, Vampire, Vampires, Zoe Adams


Today’s Vampire Month Victim is Zoe Adams. Born and still living in Cleethorpes in the UK, Zoe is currently finishing her BA (hons) in Professional Writing and already has a host of publications out there including a number of short story credits including Pawprints on the Heart and Darkest Dreams. You may also find her name appear on articles on The Fact Site and Rude Magazine (where she talks about Womens’ sex, relationship and health issues).FacebookHomescreenImage

What is the earliest memory you have of writing? What did you write about?
The earliest memory I have of writing is at primary school, and being asked to write a short scene, paying particular attention to description, encompassing the traditional: Who? What? Where? Why? When?

I wrote about a superhero rabbit who lived in an old abandoned ruined plane. His best friend was a talking potato.

When did you decide to become a professional writer? Why did you take this step?
I decided to become a professional writer when I started a relationship, with my partner of five years (this year). We watched a lot of anime, namely Bleach, which focused on shinigami’s (Death God’s in Japan). I started thinking about the non-canon characters and putting them into ridiculous situations and having love affairs.

He spurred my desire to write – to give them as gifts to him.

His passion and drive, along with mine led me to apply for a BA (Hons) Degree in Professional Writing, where I learnt how to harness my own imagination. Since then, I have had success, and my partner has continued to hold onto me and keep me upright throughout.

What would you consider to be your greatest strength as a writer? What about your greatest weakness? How do you overcome this weakness?

My greatest strength I would say is my imagination. My writer’s journals are creaking open with ideas which have never been used, or expanded upon, and it is my aim to continue to write more, and perhaps encompass several into one.

My greatest weakness I would say is my hatred of redrafting. I hate the idea of ripping my delicate piece apart, and I am loathe to start on it with my red pen.

I have overcome this slightly with my university lectures. It has led me to be able to see my own flaws such as repetition and actions which are impossible to perform.

Tell us about the place where you live. Have you ever derived any inspiration from your home or from anywhere you have visited?

I live in Cleethorpes, which is a seaside town in North East Lincolnshire, in the United Kingdom. It can be incredibly busy, and quiet all at the same time. There isn’t much here, but I suppose that opinion differs on your opinion and age.
Inspiration has come from my hometown, as I take its various features and meld them into a new place, all of my own.
I often take inspiration from other locations, such as when I visited Kos, in Greece, for a holiday, and decided to write about Greek nymphs. This is my Final Major Project at university.

Which book, if any, would you consider to be your greatest influence and inspiration?
A great question, but an equally hard one. I have been influenced by many great authors and their novels.
Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden was such a beautiful novel, so rich in detail, whilst still retaining a wonderful story. It really changed my opinion on historical novels.

ten silver bulletsWhat drove you to write about Vampires?

I’m not sure what it was that drove me to write about Vampires. The truth be told, I was terrified of them as a child, but I remember my brother watching Buffy the Vampire Slayer and being immediately fond of Spike (James Marsters). I don’t know whether it was his cruel sadistic Vampire nature, or his dazzling good looks, but whatever it was, it got to me.

One of the first Vampire books I ever read was the third Anita Blake: Vampire Hunter book, Circus of the Damned by Laurell K. Hamilton. I was hooked on this badass female protagonist, who hunted vampires and raised zombies. I admit, it was sexy, especially this sort of forbidden romance with werewolves and vampires.

 

What do you think is the attraction for Vampire fiction? Why is it such a popular topic?

Vampires, to me, are sexy, powerful, masterful. They are everything we want to be deep down, and especially if we are too scared or ashamed to actually do something about it. They can fight for anything and take what they want without giving a damn.
I think it’s a popular genre, as we can broadcast our own views and thoughts into these creatures of horror. We can be terrifying, sexy, alluring – everything we aren’t able to be in reality.

In a fight between all the greatest Vampires of fiction, who do you think would come out on top?
Tough question! Again! I suppose it depends if you look at novels or television. And if you’re quite biased.
Dracula is a powerful creature – the one everyone fears, but at the same time so is Anne Rice’s Lestat. Cunning, deceptive…
Can you come back to me on that?!
What about in some other contest such as sexiness or dress sense? Who would win that one?

Why do you do this to me?! Erm, I REALLY like Spike from Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and Jean-Claude from the Anita Blake: Vampire Hunter books. Spike can win sexiness, and Jean-Claude (yes, he’s French) can be incredibly stylish.

How well do you think one of your characters would fare against the winner(s) of the above?grindhouse
I have to say I think my vampire characters (Christoph, Matthew and Brian) would be crushed! They’re not tough enough – they got their butt’s handed to them by a female werewolf and her partner. What chance do they have against Dracula or Lestat?
I think Matthew might stand a chance in sexiness against Spike. Matthew was based upon the lead singer of metal band, Avenged Sevenfold, M. Shadows.

Style wise, Jean-Claude wins hands down!

Tell us the basic premise behind your latest novel.

My latest novel is an adult’s book. It has just been accepted by Crushing Hearts and Black Butterfly Press, and we’re aiming for a late spring/early summer release. It’s the first in a trilogy, and is entitled, ‘Best Served Chilled’.
It follows Tokyo born, Hiraku Michiyo, and a deadly Japanese alcohol demon. Will she survive her ordeal? You’ll have to read it to find out!

Twitter Updates

  • Just entered the Behind the scenes competition on @PurplePort #photo #competition #PurplePort purpleport.com/competition/vi… 1 week ago
  • Just entered the From the future competition on @PurplePort #photo #competition #PurplePort purpleport.com/competition/vi… 2 weeks ago
  • @CBRedWriter Its well deserved. 2 months ago
  • @faithdlee Yes, amazing disco. Much 80s. 2 months ago
  • Just entered the Resistance competition on @PurplePort #photo #competition #PurplePort purpleport.com/competition/vi… 3 months ago
Follow @areteus

Like me on Facebook

Like me on Facebook

Enter your email address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Join the Lurkers

Enter your email address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Join 2,006 other followers

Recent Posts

  • Eastercon Artshow
  • Interview: Gillian Polack
  • Blending the Con
  • The Elementals: Russell A Smith interview.
  • New Year Dog

Create a free website or blog at WordPress.com.

  • Follow Following
    • Lurking Musings
    • Join 2,006 other followers
    • Already have a WordPress.com account? Log in now.
    • Lurking Musings
    • Customize
    • Follow Following
    • Sign up
    • Log in
    • Report this content
    • View site in Reader
    • Manage subscriptions
    • Collapse this bar
 

Loading Comments...