queen of the damned

Amaretto, Insomnia, and the Red Shoe Diaries

Writing / By

The last time I was on a writing deadline like this, a routine evolved — drink a glass of Amaretto, listen to Amy Winehouse, type until your fingers hurt, and wake up after a few hours of sleep to creep around the house, scribbling lines and plot points on note pads.

This time, Amy Winehouse has been replaced by older CDs — the Essential Nina Simone and movie soundtracks (Queen of the Damned, Bram Stoker’s Dracula, and the Red Shoe Diaries).

Whatever works works, right?
What works for you?

Vampires for Mother’s Day

Writing / By

I love good vampire stories and movies. This Mother’s Day, I decided to kickoff a spring watching some old favorite movies. And since I have a vampire novella coming out soon, why not get a glass of red wine and celebrate. Nothing like escaping to a world of immortality after a long day at work.

I started with Queen of the Damned. What a great soundtrack.

When I saw Blade 2 while flipping through the channels, I added that to the list. Blade 1 and 2 are awesome. Then I added Interview with the Vampire, a book I’ve read many times and movie I’ve seen even more so. I’m going to watch Bram Stoker’s Dracula tonight, which I haven’t seen in 10-15 years. The soundtracks to Interview and Dracula are great as well and have been using them as background music as I write my new novella this week. It does get you into a weird state of mind after a few hours, I must say. Haha!

Maybe add the old Fright Night movie and Lost Boys as well.

All this is helping me cope with my True Blood withdrawal. It’s the one show that I’m addicted to. I’m reading Charlaine Harris’s Sookie Stackhouse books, but trying not to get too far ahead of the show. My sister recommended the UK version of Being Human. If you’ve watched it, what do you think?

What other vampire movies do you recommend? What stories?

Hopefully no werewolves or zombies. Not a fan at all!