Halloween is so soon. And what would my 13 days of Halloween blogbuffy nd ella.jpg be without at least one ode to undead bloodsuckers? From literature to TV to film, the popularity of these pervasive mythical monsters is unstoppable. I am not only a vampire fangirl. I also do my part to continue this cultural fondness for the fang. I’ve even sired a new vampire story fan—my 11-year-old daughter, who recently sank her teeth into ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’ reruns. (While she thinks Buffy kicks butt she also keeps asking my why that Angel guy never wears his shirt.)

Where did my fang-tastic obsession begin?

edward-herrmannI can trace the origins of my vampire obsession back to none other than Mr. Stephen King. The vampire bug bit me at the tender age of 10 when I read the terrifying Salem’s Lot. (In retrospect, probably not the most appropriate book for that age. But, you know, times were different back then, right?)

My obsession reached maturity with the movie ‘The Lost Boys,’ which I’ve probably seen over 100 times. It’s possible I could still recite every line from the opening scene where they are driving down the highway singing “Groovin’ on a Sunday afternoon.” (Don’t judge.) I also can’t watch anything with Edward Herrmann in it, including Gilmore Girls, without saying – “He’s the head vampire!”

“Great! The Bloodsucking Brady Bunch!” –Edgar Frog

What are the origins of the vampire?

vampyre.jpgMost of us believe it all started with Bram Stoker’s Dracula, based on stories of Vlad the Impaler. However, “The Vampyre,” a short  book written in 1819 by John William Polidori, pre-dated the famous novel by almost 80 years. That said Stoker’s novel is credited with providing the basis for the vampire lore we all know and love today. Thanks Bram! We owe you.

What are some of my other favorite vampy books, movies and shows?

This list could go on for a while. I’ll stop there. Would love to hear some of yours in the comments section!

 

Where can you feed your vampire obsession?

Now, if you want to have some fun with vampires this Halloween – here are some suggestions (other than dress up as one for Halloween.)

vampurr
Because it’s also national cat day…

Create your own vampire name: http://vampire.namegeneratorfun.com/

Read about the history of vampires: http://www.livescience.com/24374-vampires-real-history.html

Read about the psychology behind our vampire obsession: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/belisa-vranich/why-we-love-vampires-the_b_655674.html

Click here for some vampire humor: http://www.trueghosttales.com/jokes/vampire-jokes.php

Head to New Orleans for the Endless Night Vampire Ball: http://www.endlessnightvampireball.com/