What would you do if the one you loved was turned into a monster?
Melrose Durante brings order. As founder of the Houses of the Dead, he tirelessly opposes the vampires, and provides refuge for the Blood Kind, those like himself who fight against the blood curse that leads to vampirism. His medical breakthroughs have brought many back from the vampire path. After thousands of years, the Blood Kind finally has the upper hand.
Until a vampire attacks Melrose’s family, then begs for asylum. To his friends she’s Lucy, a disturbed young woman prone to incoherent rants, warning of an imminent attack by vampire leader, Conan. But to Melrose she’s something more.
His lost wife, Jane.
One thing is clear – time is running out. In five days Conan will attack Quebec City, killing or enslaving all in his way. If Melrose cannot unlock his wife’s tormented mind, even his immortal wisdom may not be enough to save Quebec City, the Blood Kind, and the Houses of the Dead.
We were blessed (or cursed maybe?) today to be able to interview both the author and illustrator of the up and coming novel Blood Mercy: Thicker Than Water.
Welcome to our blog, Janeen Ippolito and Julia Busko! We are so incredibly pumped to have you on our blog today.
Commencing interview now.
What is your favorite vampire folklore and/or legend?
JB: I’d have to say the true story of America’s first vampire, Mercy Brown. Although she died of tuberculosis, the community feared that one of the deceased Browns was a vampire. After checking the graves of her (sufficiently decomposed) family members, they checked Mercy’s grave. Because of how well preserved she was (she wasn’t dead nearly as long as her family members), they exhumed her completely, destroyed her body, burned her, and fed her remains to her living brother in the form of a tonic. You know, clearly the sane thing to do.
JI: For me, it isn’t so much the major folklore as the interesting little details. One of my favorites is the idea that to stop a vampire, you should pour rice on the ground because they will be compelled to count all the grains. I find the image of a big, scary vampire on their hands and knees counting rice to be both hilarious and really sad. This concept actually inspired some of the issues characters in the book suffer from.
Did you watch vampire movies or read vampire books to get in the mood to write this story?
JB: To be honest, horror movies are my favorite, so I didn’t really have to change anything about my entertainment habits. But if you’re interested, there are some great movies out there, from the more romantic Anne Rice adaptation Interview with the Vampire to the more fun and comedic Buffy. But to be honest, The Little Vampire has a very special place in my heart.
JI: I’m with Julia. I was into vampires before I started writing this. Our mutual interest in vampire lore (among other mythologies, histories, and folklore) was part of what drew us together as friends. I tend to go more bookish, so I’m a fan of Bram Stoker’s Dracula, Debbie Viguie’s Kiss trilogy, Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter, etc. And yes, I’ve read all the Twilight books (on a dare). I’ve also watched a lot more vampire TV shows and movies since my reading time has shrunk. Some favorites are Moonlight and Underworld.
JB: If you want an amazingly fun and trippy movie, Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter is a must-watch! I love that movie!
JI: But the book was better. ;-)
JB: Yeah, but then you have to read.
JI: Says the illustrator.
JB: Hahaha, I like pictures, what can I say?
Do you listen to music while you write? If so, what kind of vampire-y music did you listen to?
We each actually have a playlist! Janeen’s is a very feels-based mix. She’d listen to certain songs on endless repeat while writing certain scenes. Julia’s is more for general inspiration of emotions as she illustrated.
Is your book considered horror? If not, what genre would you categorize it in?
JI: I’d put it in the category of supernatural suspense, as would our early test readers. It explores some horrific ideas through the lens of vampirism and illness, and it will keep you turning pages, but it doesn’t hit all the grotesque horror buttons. There’s also humor, a hint of romance between married couples, and onion rings. Because I like food, and I tend to mention it in anything I write.
JB: I’d also shy away from putting it in the horror category. There are some horror tropes we play with, but they’re not the main focus.
Is it going to be too scary for those of us who scare easily?
JB: I don’t think so? There are some surprising turns in the book, but they’re balanced by some funny scenes.
JI: Agreed, although it really depends on what scares you personally. Because this is a tightly-written novella, things are intense, but they don’t linger on in agonizing detail. I’ve had vampire fans enjoy these books, and I’ve also had people enjoy them who said they would never touch a vampire book.
What is your favorite aspect about this story?
JB: Goodness, this is hard to answer! Hmmm… I’d have to say it’s that the antagonists aren’t scary-looking, cape-wearing, cliche-wielding vampires. I find them much scarier, because they could easily be you or me: regular people who possess sinful hearts. And it’s illustrated. I like pictures.
JI: Although we need to stick some poser in a future book who wears a cape.
JB: Yes! Who’s all, “Rah rah! I’m gonna become a vampire!” I can already see the annoyance on Melrose’s face.
JI: Annoying Melrose is the best.
When you sleep at night, are you ever concerned about vampire attacks?
JB: Not really. There’s an ongoing joke that I’m buddies with the Grim Reaper, so my guess is if vampires come to attack, he’d give them a lecture about being nice to his friends. Or I’d be saved by a unicorn. One or the other. Maybe both. Both would be fun. Ooohh, the Grim Reaper riding a unicorn…
JI: Nah. Although I have woken up my husband to make sure he wasn’t a zombie. After that, he decided I needed to watch fewer zombie shows with him. Spoilsport. Speaking of which, we like zombies too.
JB: Keep an eye on where we end up. W’re all over the place with cool monsters!
JI: And we love spinoffs.
Awesome interview gals! We appreciate being a part of your blog tour. I think we started out strong with this highly amusing interview. :)
Please follow the rest of the blog tour to come. The schedule is below:
Monday, October 17th - Deanna Fugett - Interview on Quills and Inkblotts
Tuesday, October 18th - Blood Mercy: Thicker Than Water on The Write Stuff with Parker J. Cole
Saturday, October 29th - Launch Party on Facebook! 8 pm-10pm (EST)
ALSO, don't miss out of the awesome FACEBOOK LAUNCH PARTY coming up here soon!
Janeen Ippolito
Author Bio: Janeen Ippolito is an idea-charged teacher, reader, writer, book reviewer, and the Fearless Leader of Uncommon Universes Press. She writes nonfiction writing help and speculative fiction laced with horror, humor, and cultural tension. Her co-written illustrated novella, Blood Mercy: Thicker Than Water, releases on October 29th. In her nonexistent spare time she reads, cooks, and sword-fights. Two of her dreams are to eat a fried tarantula and to travel to Antarctica. Go to janeenippolito.com for world-building resources and off-the-wall insights from this sleep-deprived author.
Social Media Links
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/janeenippolitowriter/
Twitter: @TheQuietPen
Website: http://www.janeenippolito.com
Instagam: janeen_ippolito
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14112384.Janeen_Ippolito
Pinterest: Janeen Ippolito
Julia Busko
Author Bio: Julia Busko (like “bus” and “co.”) is an illustrator, designer, writer, and the Elusive Unicorn (art director) of Uncommon Universes Press. In addition to co-writing with Janeen Ippolito, Julia has created book covers, made logos and t-shirt designs, and is planning a series of steampunk fairy tale picture books. In her spare time she dances with a local company and watches documentaries and horror movies. She strives for art filled with creative wonder and the beauty inherent in tragedy. Go to juliabusko.com to dive into a world of remarkable visions and artistic musings.
Social Media Links
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JuliabuskoIllustrator/
Website: http://www.juliabusko.com
Instagram: juliabuskoillustration
Pinterest: Julia Busko
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Publisher: Uncommon Universes Press
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/uncommonuniverses
Twitter: @uncommonunivers
Instagram: uncommonuniversespress
Pinterest: Uncommon Universes Press
Website: http://www.uncommonuniverses.com
Check it out folks. I already read the first chapter and it's amazing!!! Don't miss out on this book, get your copy now!
If you're as excited as me to dive into this book, don't forget to leave a comment in the comment section below!
