The main problem with not reading Vampire stories is that it cuts the number of available stories to read on StoryWrite by half. But that still leaves me more wonderful stories than I can read in a lifetime. I absolutely love suspense, and I'm old school enough to believe to have suspense, or even horror stories, you don't need blood and gore. What your mind shows you if the scene is set up right is much more terrifying than anything you could put on paper. Just show me any Vampire story without blood and I'll show you a story that just doesn't work. You just can't do Vampires without blood anymore than you can write them without erotic romance, and the two just don't fit together in my mind.1
After having read the original Dracula and being terrified of the entire idea of Vampires through my entire childhood, then having a morbid fascination with them all through my teens and twenties, and thirties, I have seen enough Vampire flicks to show them in every possible form and aspect. And, after reading all of Ann Rices' Vampire Novels, there is not a Vampire story written today that still holds any terror value for me. She used it all up!2
To get back to the suspense factor, read Edgar Allen Poe. Are his tales frightening? Yes. Are they filled with Blood and Gore? No, but the suspense is always there. How many of you remember Hitchcock's films? He was the true master of suspense and you never had to even witness a murder in most of them, and rarely much blood. He didn't need it to frighten his audience. Remember the music in Psycho? I bet you still get a weird feeling everytime you hear it. That's what made the shower scene so frightening. I want to share a quote by Alfred Hitchcock: "There is no terror in the bang, only in the anticipation of it."3
The anticipation is always more terrifying that a bloody description of the scene itself, if the scene is set up correctly. No matter what you do with a Vampire story, you end up with the same result. The Vampire drains the beautiful young woman's blood and she either dies or joins him in his world of the undead. Some are more gory than others, some more erotic than others, but as soon as I see the word Vampire, I have read all the story I want to read. They have one way of killing and that pretty well rules out the suspense. I know some of the modern day Vampires are able to tear your head off or rip out your heart, but is that truly a Vampire's act? No, they drink blood. They change into bats. They shy away from Holy Water and Crosses and don't like garlic. Some of them can even withstand daylight now, but that has been the major change in a century of Vampires.4
I know nothing about Twilight, because I don't care to learn anything about Twilight. I'm not putting any of you down for writing about what you enjoy, and if Vampires turn you on, then enjoy. With all the available good stories and novels available to read, I really don't care to spend a minute of it reading something I don't enjoy. I also don't enjoy Science Fiction. I find so many of them so detailed and bogged down with technical stuff that's it's like reading a science book for fun. I still enjoy learning, but when I read, it's for enjoyment and I apologize to all those on my reading lists when I pass up your Vampire stories or your Science Fiction to read something that I really find entertaining...and there is so much of it available here.5
I truly enjoy terror and suspense. I keep thinking I'm going to write something really horrifying and try to add all the blood and gore most people seem to expect. I try, but they just don't ever come out that way. Even my novel about a sadistic serial killer, I have a hard time describing the actual murder. That just takes away from the suspense for me. I would rather try to build up the suspense and let you imagine it your own way. The same goes for the foul language. I know people expect it, but it just doesn't add anything for me. I read it, because it is usually in the kind of books I enjoy reading, but it's entirely unnecessary to enhance the the story.6
The only part I ever really enjoyed about Vampire stories was the suspense leading up to the killing. That can be truly terrifying, but no matter how many different ways you describe drinking of the blood, the suspense part is over when the fangs sink in. 7
I don't care how good a friend you are, please don't ever expect me to read an entire Vampire novel. I occasionally struggle through a short story and am surprised by some of the imagination used by the writers on this site, but in the end, they're pretty much all alike. Give me a good mystery anytime, a ghost story, serial killer, unknown monster, even a well written werewolf story and I can expect some surprises and some intrigue. 8
I do hope I haven't cost myself too many friends on this site. I fully believe in freedom of speech and your right to write about any subject you select. I also believe in my right to use my time to read what I truly enjoy reading. All I have to see is the word Twilight in a contest or Vampire in a profile, and I choose carefully what I want to read, and I do read their stories that don't involve Vampires. The unknown will always be much more terrifying that the Vampire who has been told in so many different ways, but when you get right down to it, they are all alike. They drink blood.9
And that, folks is why I just won't do two shows a day! Oops, that was Betelgeuse. What I meant to say is that is why I just don't do Vampires.
Author notes
Please don't hate me. I do read some of your stories.
A contest entry
- Why I don't read...... by daftweejimmy.
1750 points, ended June 18, 4 entries
Gold trophy winner
• next story in this contest, remove from contest
Comments
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I do see where you are coming from. The vampire stories like that have been done numerous times again and again. It is tiresome and is really the same story told with new characters and settings. The ones that are heavy on cliches and stereotypes are the worst haha.
I too am not a fan of Twilight. I don't believe in "sparkly vampires" What is that all about? What happened to Nosferatu?
Some things shed new light on the subject though, like Castlevania (which I love) and Blade. Some other cultures' take on vampires are interesting too, like Rakshasas from India. Sadly, ones like that are never used.
And I do see what you mean with suspense. I miss it in books, but more so in film. Nowadays, it is more about how much fake blood you spill rather than how many hairs you can make stand on end. I do like the gore, do not get me wrong, but I miss the classic thrillers like Suspiria and The Night of the Hunter. Even Jaws, for the first half of the film, was insanely frightening before you even knew what the shark looked like.
But thanks for sharing your personal views
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Excellently said, Tricia. I completely agree with you on this. And Edgar Allen Poe is one of my favorite authors.
A very good rant. Thank you for sharing this with us. -
Very well reasoned. I agree that Vampire stories are quite often over done (though I haven't entirely given up on them) and rarely original. You did worm your way into my heart with the Hitchcock references. I once wrote a 2000 word essay on how Hitchcock created suspence in his films. He also said that he liked to show the audience what would happen before the characters knew (he phrased it as "when a bomb goes off, it's suprise. When two people are talking and the audience can see the bomb ticking away under the table, about to blow in thirty seconds, it's suspence") I use that reasoning when I describe murders or murder scenes. The question for me is less what a killer will do and more who he's going to do it to and whether he'll even get to. I don't know, I'm rambling. Anyway, I enjoyed the essay and the points you made, though I disagree with a few, they were well phrase. Congradulations on winning the contest.
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Could not have said it better.
No fan of BGG, vampires, werewolfs, etc. myself. Love the Hitchcock quote. -
Hi Tricia!!! I really like your writting style, and I Like your stories too... and this one is no exception. I may not agree 100 percent with it, but that's not the point, the point is that you are a great author, and you are able to write about anything... keep up the good work!
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I truly agree with you and this topic. Horror books are mostly of sex and gore. For me the true horror isn't someone's head getting cut off but the suspense building up to that point. I remembered watching Vacancy with my mother. That movie was awesome because of the thrill and the suspense was so great I wanted to scream at the tv. Which I remember doing. Lol
Now that you mentioned it, your right. Most of Poe's stories weren't gore but the suspense of it made it truly horrific and terrific. People should stick to those even though it's nice to watch a Saw movie once in a while for the gore factor. -
Great, but It'd not what i'm asking for in this contest.
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Tricia3 I like your writing!
You have the knack of a Hitchcock story complete with the O'Henry twist at the end. I love the twist at the end.
Most people think that Vald the Impaler was the first to drink blood, but actually it goes back further than that. The history channel traced it back to a northern indian tribe that drank the blood of their enemies in the belief that a it increased the fighting abilities of the drinker. Some tribes sodomized the vanquished in the same belief Keep Writing Tricia3. You're good!
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I think I know who....
....it's the Edgar Allan Poe that gives it away. But the other giveaway is the implicit truth about nonsensical monsters, and how the imagination does a more terrifying job than most writers can with cold descriptive words on paper.
I can't say I'm a fan of EAP, nor am I much of a fan of suspense, since very few do it convincingly. I do agree that there are so many good stories around that to waste time reading things that don't entertain or instruct is a waste.
Altogether, a very sound argument in favour of reading what pleases you most. -
I was never fond of vampires and I'm still not. I also dislike the cheesy romance novels and mythical/fantasy/anime books as well. They have never interested me in any way shape or form.
I do agree with you on the suspense and anticipation though. I like to feel my heart racing and anticipating what's going to happen either on the next page, next chapter, even the end of the book. That always makes the best novel.
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cool but i do have something to say, not all of them drink blood. i also have a question, If someone were to write a stroy that had werewolfs and ninjas but also had vampires in it would you read it? or not even give it a chance due to the fact that there are vampires in it?
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Thanks
I just don't knowingly start on a story that is about vampires, that doesn't mean I won't read them. I do occasionally and any story that interests me from the start, I will finish.
Thanks for reading.
Trish
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Morning Trish, good luck in the contest
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You certainly convinced me with that rant
I will not ask you to read about the Vampires 
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Of course since I don't write about them--that's easy
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But now, 'gore and guts' hmmm...
she want's 'Meself, to quit writing 
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Geri
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I kind of agree with that. I went to a bookstore the other day and it was like Vampires everywhere you look. It took me an hour to find something without it that I liked. I do enjoy vampire stories but there are just way to many out there. Though I do love the "vampire academy" series. Its nothing like Twilight. haha great opinion paper. It was wonderful to read and I agreed with most of it. So awesome job.
beginning: 5, language: 5, plot: 5, ending: 5, dialog: 5, characters: 5.
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I tend to agree
The deluge of Vampire genre stuff on SW is because of Twilight and the age of the (mostly girls) here. I believe the genre helps them to explore their lives from a safe distance, so it does have some worth.
Of course, it all gets a bit repetitive after a while. But at least it's good writing practice for the youngsters here.
My favourite Vampire novel is Carmilla by Sheridan Le Fanu. This story has almost no gore whatsoever.
For a really good contemporary effort I would go for The Vampyre by Tom Holland. This book takes the Byron myth and concocts a very believable fantasy.
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I agree completely. The market is saturated with Vampire novels. Don't get me wrong, I loved Bram Stoker's Dracula, and I thought Anne Rice did a great job with her vampire chronicles.
But, it's time to give the genre a rest for a while.
Well written!
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Well put Tricia.
I'm pretty much over the whole vampire scene myself. I did read one here that was a humorous slant on the idea that was rather amusing. As you said, I've been reading them all my life and seen all the variations.
I also agree with suspense being more effective than loads of blood and gore. I'd much rather be given the suggestion of what is happening and let my imagination fill in the details.
Hitchcock was definitely a master of the form. Indeed, most of my favorite authors give vivid details of the events happening, yet seldom ever mention the blood itself. They don't need to. Their build up and our own anticipation and imagination are much more compelling than having it thrown in our face.
That, to me, is the sign of a gifted writer. The ability to put thoughts in your head and let you fill in the blanks on your own.
That's why fantasy and mystery are my favorite genres.
Though you were talking mostly about vampire stories, the idea applies to other themes as well.
Thanks for giving people something to think about. *nods*
Greg
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That title looks familar.
Very much like a title I have. xD
Anyway, well said. Though I haven't read Dracula, not that I don't want to - I just never got around to it. One day. The only fairly new book featuring vampires as a large roll that I've really enjoyed was by Terry Pratchett. And it was a parody of vampires, so rather funny take on it, and not ending the same as every other vampire novel.
*Ponders* I do wonder if you'd like any of my "sci-fi" short stories - being that they're not really science fiction, they're just comedy set in space.
*gives you some clappies*
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Sorry about that. I just don't know all the stories on here.
I'll have to look it up and read it. I like some SciFi. But some of it I find just too drawn out and boring to be entertaining. Some of it can be very interesting. If I read the first page or two and feel like I'm trying to learn a manuel, I stop.
I'm always ready for humor,and I will check out some of your stories.
Dracula is one of the most frightening books I ever read, but I was a kid then. I don't know that I would find it frightening now, but if you haven't read it, it's well worth the read.
Trish -
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Haha, that's 'K. It's not exactly the same. I just did a story called Why I Don't Write Romance - so similar theme as this. I think you may have read it in the past at some stage - most people have. xD
Yeah. A lot of older sci-fi is very heavy on the science part. But then, I guess that was what it was supposed to be. I prefer the more 'space opera' style, which is more about the people and story than the technology, per see.
As soon as we get the actual book, I shall read it. I've always wanted to.
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Hey Trish,
I have a friend who's been working on a vampire novel for several years. I've tried to tell her that it's been done to death and her time would be better spent on something else, but she remains adamant. Anyway this was very well written and your point of view stated clearly stated. I'm still your friend.
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Well put!
I believe entirely and completely that one of the best parts of reading a book is imagining it YOUR way. This is one of the main things I dislike about a movie made from a book that I've read and enjoyed.
It also goes for the murder and gore. I have a terribly overactive imagination, and there's nothing scarier out there than I can create in my own head with the right written prompts. The shadow on the wall is more terrifying than the actual arm with the raised blade, if you get me.
Like, on the movie Serenity, when the scientist girl falls out of the scene, screaming bloody murder? We never get to see what the Reavers do to her. But, I literally pulled my feet up off the floor.
I also agree that the vampire/werewolf sub-sub-genre has basically descended into mass clonage of itself. It's so popular that everything's similar at this point. Between a lack of originality and the necessary bloodletting (or lack of it, replaced with making out), it's just not my style to read, either.
What I like best, though, about your write is that you don't bash the writers. That's always nice to see. Everyone writes what they like best, and it's never fun to have your favorite genre eaten alive--or drained of its blood, as it were--before your very eyes. So good job on keeping it centered on your feelings, not the writers' actions.
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Great job Tricia. While I was reading the first part of your 'story', I kep thinking about Hitchhock and 'The Birds'. My mom recently had my brother (31) sit down and watch it. He said it was the most frightening things he's ever watched. Interesting that something old can out do the movies and such of today.
I loved 'The Birds' and 'The Twilight Zone' and wish that todays movies could be like that.
Great job and good luck in the contes.
Brooke
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Here! Here!
Well said Trish
I couldn't agree more with what you say. Vampires have been over-played in recent years but no doubt some other genre will take over eventually and then that will be done to death also.
The trouble is, every time something is 'successful', there will always be a bandwagon following to bask in the reflected glory (or should that be - gory!)
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Well,Trish you certainly hit the nail on the head with this one. I agree with you. Everyone wants to be a werewolfe and/or a vampire. Vampwolf? Wolfire? Haven't seen that one yet,seems that you can either be a wolf-lycon or vampire-vampire. I don't expect anyone to read my vampire story The Night Child and when people do they sometimes,don't even remmber the vampire character because he is so subtley described as one that if you read it too fast you'll mis it.
Alfred Hithcock was the man! I remember seeing all his movies and liked Dial M for Murder and Topaz,and The Birds and Psycho--A boy's best friend is his mother--best. Edgar Allen Poe was a Master of suspense,his: The Pit and The Pendulum,The Black Cat and The Fall Of The House Of Usher and The Mask Of Red death. Those are classics.
We won't hate you for not wanting to read what doesn't interest you--I've never been into blood and gore and vampire and werewolf stories only interest me if they aren't rehashed and I do read the first paragraph and if the interest isn't there it just isn't. Seems that everyone thses days wants to be a werewolf or a vampire. Doesn't anyone write about Aliens anymore? I guess,I am going to have to be the one to do so.
Good writing and I give you five applause and if I have enough points you will see three of them here.
beginning: 5, language: 5, plot: 5, ending: 5, dialog: 5, characters: 5.
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Well done...
This is a well-reasoned and competent piece of work,and you have chimed with my views precisely; we don't need silly monsters when humans are so endlessly fascinating and inventive in their ability to do and think imaginatively and produce acts of mind-numbing terror. As you say, if it's set up properly, a scene of terror doesn't need gore or guts, and it certainly doesn't need hackneyed stereotypes.
I have no idea at the moment whose this is, but if this is your usual standard, I must read more of your output.
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