America's First Vampire - WAS BLACK
As it is Black History Month, and the PR month for Death Warmed Over, I’ve been poking around the internets, like you do, and found something pretty cool.
Not only was the first American vampire Black, he was tied to the narratives of interracial marriage, mixed race children, and emancipation.
If you’re a lover of vampire lore and didn’t know about this, don’t worry, I didn’t either. It was my curiosity about what other bits of history BIPOC folks have invented, participated, or created after attending a wonderful Black Culture dinner last night learning about contributions by African Americans and Black people. History is full of amazing stories.
So, like any curious individual, also looking for a topic to write up in my newsletter, I googled “Black History and vampires” and learned that The Black Vampyre; Legend of St. Domingo is credited with the following:
The first Black vampire story.
The first comedic vampire story.
The first vampire story to include a mixed race vampire.
The first vampire story by an American author.
And perhaps the first anti-slavery story.
The Conversation has an even better write up on the short story. So if you’re looking for some authentic American vampire roots, this short story should definitely be on your list.
How about some modern day Black authors writing about vampires? The Fledgling by Octavia E. Butler comes to mind immediately. I’ve always been a fan of Octavia Butler, and knowing there is a chance this will be adapted for TV is pretty cool.
Another author, and dear friend you should check out is Kharma Kelley. They write some really awesome, spicy urban fantasy with sexy vampires, fae, and other creatures that go bump in the night.
And if you’d like a list, you can check this one out from Goodreads.
Art & News
Oh? Did I forget to mention that I had arts? I shared the sketch last time, and this time you get to see the finished work. This piece is by Mara Val. You can find all their links here. She did some amazing work for Prince’s Tide, which I’ll share again later when we get closer to the book launch. This month, she did a wonderfully saucy piece for Death Warmed Over.
I love everything about this piece! I already have plans to have it printed up so I can hang it on my wall. This is my main trio from Death Warmed Over. It’s a polyamory book, so there are other folks featured throughout it from Mason’s POV, but these three are the main throuple.
Things I love specifically about this piece: Jason’s hair! It’s spot on and I love that for him. Mason’s belly! She’s not a small woman, and Mara nailed that from the beginning and she even has side pooches! I love Mason’s face too, and the tiny bit of fang. All attitude and confidence from her. And Ian’s facial hair is just, perfect. (When Mason first meets Ian, he has a shaved face, and when she meets him later, beard. Totally Jason’s influence there btw, and Mason does not mind at all.) Also, also, my favorite little bit. Each one has a bite mark. Sharing is caring, at least for them.
Next book in the series, currently called Tulips & Fangs, will hopefully be ready for your reading pleasure this fall. I have more writing to do to get it into shape, but it’s coming along. It features more relationship development between Jason and Mason. A new character who the trio falls for. A sentient vine (Less Little Shop of Horrors and more The Abyss but with plants instead of water). A character looking for revenge and maybe redemption. A reconnection — several in fact. It’s great and as soon as I have the blurb, I’ll share. But for now, enjoy the art!
If you haven’t picked up a copy of Death Warmed Over, well your in luck! It’s on sale right now for 99 cents! You can find the blurb, links, and content warnings on my website.
More to Read
Looking for more Monster Romance to fill your eReader? I’ve got that for you too.
