Happy Anniversary, Bram Stoker

By Lucy Felthouse 

Tomorrow is the 100th anniversary of Bram Stoker's death, so I thought I'd write this month's Para Posse post on the great man and the legacy he's left behind.

Naturally, the main thing he left behind was the fabulous novel, Dracula. He had a series of other novels and short stories too, but it was Dracula that seemed to catch the imagination of the world and has spawned a multitude of other vampire-related books, TV shows and movies (not to mention all the merchandise that goes with them!). As a fan of this particular genre, I couldn't be happier. There is an endless supply of vamp-tastic stuff to keep me occupied forever and a day.

So thank you, Mr Stoker, for Dracula, which I've read many times (which certainly made my school, college and University courses much easier!), but really must re-read at some point soon. And thank you for helping to pave the way for some of my favourite things (in no particular order):

• Anne Rice's The Vampire Chronicles (I met Anne Rice last year at a signing, but got her to sign her Beauty trilogy instead, as I was only allowed to have three books signed)
• Richelle Mead's Vampire Academy novels
• Charlaine Harris' The Southern Vampire Mysteries (and the show based on them, True Blood)
• Rachel Caine's The Morganville Vampires series (I'm going to a signing of hers next month, woohoo!)
• L. J. Smith's The Vampire Diaries (though it has to be said, the TV show is vastly more entertaining)

That's just a tiny selection of vamp stuff I love. There are films and books galore that I could mention, but I'll be going on forever, and I'll still end up missing some out! Though, since she's a fellow Para Posse member and a good friend, I'll give a shout out to JoAnne Kenrick's Dracula's Kiss, which I heartily enjoyed.

And yes, my love of all things vamp made its way into my writing. It was inevitable! I've penned vampires or mentioned vampires in the following of my books:

• Punish Me Good (featuring a vamp that looks suspiciously like Eric Northman)
• Weekend at Wilderhope Manor (the main characters dress as the Brides of Dracula)
• Bite with Height (features two of my favourite things, vampires and Paris)
• Fang Bangers (my story features a girl who takes her life in her hands to seduce a vampire)

And I've no doubt there will be more! Despite what the press say about the vampire thing being 'over,' I don't think it is. I still enjoy reading, watching and writing the stuff, and I'm sure many others do, too. So thank you again, Mr Stoker. You've provided us with many, many happy hours of entertainment. RIP.