[Taker 02] • Drayton · Evolution of a Vampire

Drayton once believed he was a vampire. He doesnt know what he is. Or why he has lived for thousands of years. He takes not his victims blood but the silky essence of their soul during their last breath. Often mistaken for the Angel of Death, his victims sometimes ask for forgiveness. Sometimes he delivers. After all, he is not without sin.Drayton finds Andrew Drummond dying on the roadside. He absorbs the last of his life, but not before Andrew demands vengeance. In those last moments, Drayton understands what Andrew desires. He sees all of his hardships, the crosses he has been forced bear. Drayton will find the source of his suffering. He will show his transgressor Andrew's pain. He will show him the depth and taste of true suffering.

INTERVIEW WITH THE AUTHOR

Did you ever think youd write about vampires?Nope. Drayton came out of nowhere when I was at a community theatre production of Dracula. I figured that an immortal vampire would more likely become compassionate and wise as he grew older. Twilight put a different spin on the vampire genre, much different than Nosferatu. Draytons nothing like Twilight. Or Nosferatu.

What's a downside to writing a character similar that's similar to you?Predictable. Boring. If every book I write is similar, it ceases to surprise the reader. Thats what I loved about Drayton, he was just the opposite of me. This paranormal being was fearless not out of bravado but the wisdom brought about by countless years of immortality. I called him a vampire because it was the word that fit him the best in his early years, but he became something much for that. Whatever a vampire becomes after the gore and bloodsucking, sort of like the caterpillar and butterfly.

Do your characters ever resemble you in your beliefs?Some do. But there are others that are just fun to go the other way, especially antagonists. I do find it interesting, even courageous, when authors can write very demented, sick and twisted antagonists. Its very revealing to show the world whats bouncing around in your head.

What do you think is the most important aspect of writing a character?Letting him or her grow in my head. Its when Im driving to work, taking a shower, or lying in bed that they come to life. Its also one of the most gratifying elements of writing. Ive enjoyed letting this vampire walk through my mind, leaving his short stories behind.