#vampire advice

[plushvampie]

~Vampire 101~

Be flowy!

When you go out at night, at least one of the garments you choose to wear must have a certain wave, so that when you are stalking your prey you can *woosh* ominously as you turn a corner. Every movement must be accented by at least a small flutter. Big sleeves, long skirts, capes, trenchcoats, nightgowns and veils are but some of the myriad of options that lie at your fingertips.

Hair is also a good option to add flowiness to an outfit. Long and short hairstyles are both acceptable choices. Wether it be wild curls, flowing tresses or just a simple curtain bang.

If however you are one of those slicked back, leather or latex, skintight, sunglasses wearing types, FEAR NOT! You can still have adequate flow about you through movement. Using your fingers as though they were snakes, flicking your wrists or conjuring fog around your feet and floating everywhere you go (the fog is just for effect, so no worries if you havent mastered that skill yet) can all help to achieve the desired goal.

Hope this helps, my dear vamplings

[plushvampie]

Blood is stored in the booty. Real vampires eat ass

✞ 666 ✞

[thatsbelievable]

[electricboogaloosstuff]

LOUIS taught me to ignore the red flags

LESTAT taught me to be unemployed

CLAUDIA taught me to never forgive, never forget

DANIEL taught me to start shit with people more powerful than me

ARMAND taught me that lying is fine and fun

MADELEINE taught me to be rude at customers

Those are REAL life lessons that we should ALL FOLLOW.

[isaiahpadams]

[plushvampie]

Biting into the trapezius, rookie mistake. The hand placement looks good though, so i have high hopes for him.

I personally think that it’s best for beginners to start with a small pinprick or cut and drink from that. Easier to aim and can keep you from making a huge mess (trust me, been there).

[divorceblogger]

his portrait on the walls of the theatre and the members’ worship of him as a founding father… his introduction of the nightly human sacrifices… the establishment of the theatre des vampires with armand makes lestat the progenitor of the very framework of violence that kills his daughter centuries down the line.

[wormchamp72]

sneak iron supplements in ur mom’s food so she doesn’t have to seek it from other sources

She is stronger than I thought...I snuck iron supplements and copious amounts of garlic in2 the dinner I made for my parents 2night, and nothing happened. Well, nothing bad, that is. My mother complimented my cooking (she said she was glad I was trying new things and that it was very grown up of me 2 take charge and cook a meal, and also that it was a very good meal)...I can't say I didn't expect that, given I am a talented cook...but it was terrifying nonetheless.

My mother even got seconds of the garlic bread and told me she was "eating for two" with a wink (obviously referring 2 the vampiric disease that has gotten ahold of her). She knows I know...is she toying with me? Playing with her food? I nearly shuddered in fear...

[wormchamp72]

Thank you. Due 2 multiple pieces of advice I have received from vampire experts, I will be going with the "garlic method"...mother has never expressed a distaste for garlic, so this will be the ultimate test...

My mother has not shown weakness 2 the sun, so perhaps that effect of the vampire sickness has not kicked in yet...I may also have 2 resort 2 pretending 2 convert 2 Christianity.

How do I free my morhger from thsi cage of vampirism PLSEASE I am desperate i do not want2 be eaten help hlep help whatif we have BLOOD PUDDING for dinner>????? i fear it is too late. We had BEEF WELLINGTON 2nigth lots of beef = LOTS OF MEAT do you not see the pattereen???????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? I am going insane locked in my room I told my mother and father i would not be coming down until i knew for sure i was not in danger and they called me FOOLISH....father will be first....help how...how...they come ever closer as I write this they are KNOCKING KNOCKKING

I see your situation seems very dire and I hope I am not responding too late. But, I can assure you, I am definitely the right person to be asking. You see my mother is a former goth who was obsessed with vampires and vampirism back in the 90s, and she has passed her knowledge down onto me, her currently goth son.

My solutions depends on how drastic of measures you’d like to take, I’d recommend starting with the lowest levels and gradually making your way up to higher levels of drasticity if the lower-level solutions do not work, but you must give them time to work before increasing.

1. You could try expressing interest in converting to Christianity and adorning real silver cross pendants and maybe even get your hands on some holy water or a bible, and maybe even attend church every so often, whether or not you believe in God, this is solely to ward off the vampire from harming you.

2. You could start eating more foods that contain garlic, garlic has a powerful odour and will linger, especially to the sensitive nose of a vampire, leading them to avoid areas and people that reek of it. You should try eating garlicky foods in areas you want to remain safe, like your room.

3. Try going out in the sun more as the vampire cannot chase you into the sunlight, and try letting more sun into your room as well. This method should be paired with another as it leaves you vulnerable during the night.

4. Try microdosing your mother with garlic, the flavour and scent of garlic, while powerful can be masked with even more powerful tastes and scents to a vampire, like fresh blood (which you can buy from local butchers) and other meat products. Garlic is a powerful natural antibiotic, which is why it hurts vampires (vampirism is caused by infected blood, the antibiotic nature of garlic attacks the disease), so microdosing your mother with garlic and gradually increasing the dosage can help to fight the infection without causing overly-horrible side effects. If you are unable to access fresh blood and meat to mask the taste and smell, or she catches onto this, you can try using antibiotics of a decent (but not overly powerful) strength and hiding those in her food, though they will be harder to access than garlic.

5. The classic wooden stake to the heart (this will kill the vampire)

6. If the wooden stake does not work, it means the vampire has grown too powerful. You can weaken their power by exposing them to UV radiation, but be careful because UV radiation causes cancer in humans, the vampire will also resent you and hunt you with extreme prejudice due to the previous attempt on its life, so you also need to be careful of that.

*Note, the mirror method no longer works, it only used to work in the olden times due to the fact that mirrors used to be lined with silver, which is no longer common practice.

[gothiccharmschool]

No advice from your Goth Auntie today, because the work event is happening. I’m ready to find my project managers.

[anarchysin]

things to do to feel more like a vampire:

•drink red drinks

•wear fangs

•wear all black

•stay out of the sun as much as you can, wear sunglasses all the time

•sleep during the day, be awake during the night, or stay up late (if you can)

•collect vampire related things (personally i collect bat items)

•watch vampire movies

[tulinokkaelain]

VamPride - Day 2: Beach

You've heard of vampire baseball, now get ready for vampire beach volleyball. Special match on Night Island, one time only. Who will win??? Jesse & Gabrielle or Armand & Daniel?? Place your bets!

@valenfangs

[wormchamp72]

Thank you. This is invaluable information. I will do my research...

Hello. I am in dire need of assistance, and I fear you may be one of the only ones I can trust 2 provide me with the help I need. As you are a member of the Wormchat, my trust in you is naturally quite high.

You state that you are the number one vampire enthusiast, so I feel it is natural 2 assume that you would know how 2 turn a vampire back in2 a human. Your username claims that "vampires will never hurt you," and though I find that hard 2 believe, I would like it 2 be true. If I am able 2 rid the vampire essence from my mother without harming her, please do let me know.

TL;DR: How do I deal with my mother being turned in2 a vampire and potentially going on a bloodthirsty killing frenzy?

With everlasting gratitude,

Wormchamp72

hello, I regret to inform you that the “vampires will never hurt you” in my username is in reference to a song, and that there have been no proof that vampires are in fact, fully non-mythical in the medical world, not to mention the obvious deficiency in knowledge about them that follows this disbelief of their existence.

However, even in the fictional world, vampires are apparently unable to be turned back into a human by most sources. Instead, I have a more logical interpretation of your situation, if your mother is acting like a vampire in terms of an intolerance to sunlight or severe blood issues, I would consider porphyria, known as “the vampire disease”. However, in regards to your mention of her being “bloodthirsty”, she could have possibly developed Renfeild’s syndrome if it’s evident she craves blood to a concerning extent.

I lend you my apologies if this wasn’t the answer you were looking for. Warm regards,

Zayn.

[thatsbelievable]

[hayatheauthor]

How To Write Vampires With An Original Twist 

Mythical creatures are an essential part of the fictional scene, but the same creatures have been used so many times that these creatures now often seem redundant and boring in fiction. This is why I've started a new blog series: How To Create Original Mythical Creatures. I'm kicking off this series with vampires!

Join me as we dive into the world of vampires, from their mythical beginnings to their modern-day interpretations, and learn how to write them effectively in your own narratives.

Origins of Vampires

Vampires have a rich and diverse history rooted in ancient folklore and legends. Across various cultures and civilizations, tales of bloodsucking creatures have emerged, each with unique characteristics and behaviors.

One of the earliest known vampire myths comes from ancient Mesopotamia, where stories of blood-drinking demons known as Lilitu or Lamashtu date back to around 3000 BCE. These entities were believed to prey on humans, particularly targeting children and pregnant women.

In ancient Greece, the Lamia was a mythical creature often depicted as a female vampire who lured and devoured children. Similarly, in Roman mythology, the Strix or Strigoi were vampiric entities that fed on blood and flesh.

Moving forward in history, Slavic folklore introduced the concept of the Upyr, a vampire-like creature that rose from the dead to feed on the living. These early depictions of vampires often portrayed them as revenants or undead beings with a thirst for human blood.

Modern-Day Vampires: Where Were They Originated? 

The modern concept of vampires, as we commonly know them today, took shape during the European Middle Ages and the Renaissance. Legends of vampires emerged in Eastern Europe, with notable figures like Vlad the Impaler contributing to the folklore. Vlad's reputation for cruelty and his association with impaling enemies on stakes led to the creation of the vampire archetype, inspiring Bram Stoker's iconic character, Count Dracula.

From ancient Mesopotamia to medieval Europe, vampire lore has evolved and adapted, weaving its way into popular culture and literature. Understanding the origins of vampires provides writers with a rich tapestry of mythology to draw upon when crafting their own bloodsucking creatures.

I wanted to go into more detail regarding the Lamashtu and Lamia since they’re not as well known as their Slavic and European counterparts, but unfortunately, that would deviate from the purpose of this blog. 

The Evolution Of Vampiric Appearances 

Before we proceed with this section, it's crucial to clarify that the mythical creatures and beings discussed in this blog are not direct representations of ancient vampires. Instead, they serve as inspirations for the concept of vampires and share certain attributes with our modern-day depictions, including blood-feeding, pale skin, human-like appearance with some animalistic features, and so on.

Vampiric Creatures In Mythology

In ancient mythology, vampiric entities were not always depicted as the suave, charming figures we see in modern vampire tales. Instead, they often embodied primal fears and monstrous traits.

Lamia: In Greek mythology, Lamia was a terrifying creature depicted as a woman with a serpentine lower body. She was known for her insatiable hunger for children, often depicted as a child-eating monster. Lamia's appearance combined elements of human and serpent, emphasizing her monstrous nature and predatory instincts.

Lamashtu: In Mesopotamian mythology, Lamashtu was a malevolent demon who preyed on pregnant women and newborns. She was depicted with a fearsome appearance, often described as having the head of a lion, the body of a donkey, and bird-like talons. Lamashtu's grotesque features and destructive tendencies reflected ancient beliefs about the dangers of childbirth and infancy.

Lilitu: In Mesopotamian and Jewish folklore, Lilitu or Lilith was often associated with nocturnal demons or spirits. She was depicted as a seductive, winged demoness who preyed on men and newborns. Lilitu's appearance varied across different myths but often included features like wings, long hair, and sometimes talons, emphasizing her otherworldly and dangerous nature.

Strix: In Roman and Greek mythology, the Strix was a bird-like creature or vampiric owl associated with dark omens and death. It was believed to be a shape-shifting creature that could transform into a woman or an owl. The Strix's appearance combined avian and human features, instilling fear and dread in those who encountered it.

Strigoi and Upyr: In Eastern European folklore, Strigoi and Upyr were blood-sucking undead creatures similar to modern-day vampires. Strigoi were believed to be restless spirits or revenants that returned from the dead to torment the living. Upyr, on the other hand, were vampire-like beings with sharp fangs and a penchant for drinking blood. Both creatures were depicted as pale, gaunt, and often with elongated canines, reflecting their predatory and undead nature.

Medieval Depictions: Shift in Appearance

During medieval times, the depiction of blood-sucking mythological creatures underwent a transformation, shifting from monstrous and terrifying to more humanoid and relatable appearances. This change in portrayal can be seen in various aspects of their physical features:

Teeth: Originally depicted with long, sharp fangs or talons for blood-drinking, medieval depictions often featured more subtle fang-like teeth or no visible teeth at all, aligning with the concept of vampires being able to blend in with humans.

Skin: While ancient vampires were often described as monstrous and otherworldly, medieval vampires were portrayed with paler skin to signify their undead nature but without extreme deformities or monstrous features.

Appearance: Medieval vampires were often depicted as more human-like in appearance, with regular clothing and a less monstrous demeanour. This shift allowed for more nuanced storytelling and exploration of themes like temptation, desire, and the struggle between humanity and monstrosity. This is also what birthed the romanticization of vampires. 

Mythological Vampire vs Modern-Day Vampire

Mythological vampires, rooted in ancient folklore and mythology, were often depicted as malevolent spirits or creatures with supernatural powers. These creatures varied widely across different cultures, from the Lamia and Lilitu in Mesopotamian mythology to the Strix in Roman and Greek folklore, and the Upyr in Slavic tales.

These ancient vampires were not always the suave, charismatic beings we see in modern media. Instead, they were often portrayed as terrifying and monstrous, with features that reflected their otherworldly nature. For example, the Lamia was described as a demonic woman with the ability to transform into a serpent, while the Lilitu were associated with storm demons and fertility spirits.

In contrast, modern-day vampires, especially those popularized in literature and film, have undergone significant transformation. They are often depicted as sophisticated and alluring, with a penchant for romance and drama. Authors and filmmakers have humanized vampires, giving them complex personalities, tragic backstories, and even moral dilemmas.

While modern vampires still retain some traditional attributes such as a need for blood and sensitivity to sunlight, their portrayal has evolved to include a wide range of characteristics and abilities. This shift has allowed for more diverse and nuanced storytelling, exploring themes of immortality, love, redemption, and the eternal struggle between good and evil.

Which Option Is Better For Your Novel? 

When deciding which type of vampire to incorporate into your story, consider the tone and themes you wish to explore. Mythological vampires offer a darker and more primal essence, rooted in ancient fears and superstitions. On the other hand, modern-day vampires provide a canvas for exploring human emotions, relationships, and societal issues through a supernatural lens.

Ultimately, the choice between mythological and modern vampires depends on the narrative direction and atmosphere you want to create. Both types offer unique storytelling opportunities, allowing you to craft captivating tales of mystery, romance, horror, or even philosophical introspection.

Research and Resources

Writing about mythical creatures like vampires requires a solid understanding of folklore, mythology, and literary traditions. Here are some resources and research methods to help you delve into the world of vampires and other mythical beings:

Books and Literature

Start by exploring classic works of literature that feature vampires, such as Bram Stoker's "Dracula," Anne Rice's "The Vampire Chronicles," and Stephenie Meyer's "Twilight" series. These novels not only showcase different interpretations of vampires but also delve into the cultural and historical contexts surrounding these creatures.

Mythology and Folklore

Dive into ancient myths and folklore from various cultures to uncover the origins of vampire legends. Look into Mesopotamian, Greek, Roman, Slavic, and other mythologies to discover different vampire-like entities and their characteristics.

Research Journals and Articles

Academic journals and articles can provide valuable insights into the evolution of vampire folklore, the psychological aspects of vampirism, and the cultural impact of vampire mythology. Explore journals in folklore studies, literary analysis, and cultural anthropology for in-depth information.

Online Resources

Utilize online platforms such as mythology databases, folklore websites, and literary forums to gather information and engage in discussions about vampires. Websites like The Vampire Library, Vampire Empire, and Vampire Rave offer a wealth of resources for vampire enthusiasts and writers.

Historical Research

Delve into historical records, archival documents, and historical accounts related to vampire hysteria, vampire burials, and vampire folklore in different regions. Understanding the historical context can add authenticity to your portrayal of vampires.

Interviews and Expert Opinions

Consider reaching out to folklore experts, historians, and scholars specializing in vampire mythology for interviews or consultations. Their insights and expertise can provide valuable perspectives on vampire lore and storytelling.

Creative Exploration

Don't hesitate to let your imagination roam while exploring vampire mythology. Experiment with creating your own vampire mythology, incorporating unique traits, powers, and origin stories for your vampires.

By combining thorough research with creative exploration, you can develop rich and compelling portrayals of vampires in your writing. Remember to stay open to diverse interpretations and adaptations of vampire folklore, allowing room for innovation and originality in your storytelling.

I hope this blog on How To Write Vampires With An Original Twist will help you in your writing journey. Be sure to comment any tips of your own to help your fellow authors prosper, and follow my blog for new blog updates every Monday and Thursday.  

Looking For More Writing Tips And Tricks? 

Are you an author looking for writing tips and tricks to better your manuscript? Or do you want to learn about how to get a literary agent, get published and properly market your book? Consider checking out the rest of Haya’s book blog where I post writing and publishing tips for authors every Monday and Thursday! And don’t forget to head over to my TikTok and Instagram profiles @hayatheauthor to learn more about my WIP and writing journey! 

[physalian]

On Writing Immortals

Some thoughts and suggestions

—

First of all, there’s a ton of variety, and so many different means of obtaining immortality, that any “this is how immortals should be written” advice is narrow-minded.

However, it is worth considering where that advice stems from, and that’s how an immortal behaves relative to the mortals around them. As in, if your thousand year immortal is virtually indistinguishable from their 17 year old love interest in behavior and maturity, then immortality is just window dressing on a very under-explored area of this character.

So here’s some broad strokes of different tropes

1. New immortals

These are usually mutants who just unlocked their mutations, superheroes who just got their powers, fantasy characters who just got cursed (or blessed), or mortals who have just ascended to godhood.

In this, “immortal” concerns their physicality, not so much their worldly perspective, as they were previously joe shmoe just like everybody else.

But. Because they’re fresh immortals, that sudden othering should still be a respectable part of their character. How do they come to terms with understanding that they will outlive everyone they know and love? How recklessly (or carefully) do they now act knowing that they’ll survive whatever happens to them?

Are they happy to be immortal, devastated, terrified, confused?

2. Ascended immortals who’ve been around the block

These are usually where you’ll find vampires or any character who’s tragic backstory is gaining immortality 100 years ago. They used to be just like you and me, but a century or two being stagnant while the rest of the world carries on does shit to you.

Are they jaded or embracing all the eras they get to see? Are they detached from people or have they had an endless parade of fleeing lovers? Are they a mess who can’t be alone with their own thoughts, or wizened up despite their youthful features?

3. Young immortals who were always this way

Here you’ll find young deities, popular in anime and manga who have always either been some supernatural creature, lost their memories of when they were alive and have virtually started over in this new skin, minor gods, elves, fae or whatever other fantasy race you’ve come up with.

Are they arrogant about their place on the social totem pole? Overconfident in their own abilities? What do they think of fragile mortals? Do they treat them with love or disdain?

4. Old immortals who were always this way

Gods, primordials, giants, or any of those in category for who have been around for a few millennia.

This is where “they don’t act like an immortal should” criticism often comes in. Someone who has been around this long and has never experienced the creep of time or been threatened by a ticking clock might have some detachment and ambivalence toward the fleeting whims and worries of mortals. It’s either that they’re too jaded to care, have forgotten how to care, or have never had a need to care.

Or, they care a whole heck of a lot and have been fighting this fight as long as they’ve existed.

—

I would like to also mention how their degree of separation from mortals greatly skews all of the above categories, using my own immortals as an example.

I write about vampires. Unlike a lot of vampire media, this is a vampire-dominant society. Meaning that the main characters (except the hero) are all immortal, the conflicts are all between immortals, and so are most of the romances.

The emphasis in this story is not on “how do I get this supernatural being to pass like a human and do human things to woo the very young naïve mortal hero” it’s “how do I get this idiot mortal hero to gain some perspective and respect for his elders”.

Though these vampires live among mortals, the mortals live on a vampire schedule under a vampire hierarchy. So there is no “vampire living through the rapidly changing human history of 1890-2000” (which I do love, it’s just not this story) it’s humans with immortal, unchanging vampire guardians.

This is also fantasy devoid of earth politics and history, and change happens very slowly before any big wave of industry. It’s like having an 800 year old vampire who lived from 2000BC to 1200BC vs 1190AD to 1990AD. Same amount of time, but drastically different evolution of their world within that time.

All this to say… they don’t “act” like immortals. They’re just people, on a very, very slow clock relative to only really themselves. They absolutely have their “ugh mortals are stupid and ignorant” arrogance, but they don’t have “because look what they did in the world wars” as a reason. And as far as their people go, the ones they live with, “pets” sounds insulting but it is more like a human and their pet whom they love and will inevitably, greatly outlive, and likely have multiple pets over the course of their lifetime.

So any immortal that you could write, if they’re not living on a human timeline, can, believably, still act very human, because they have no relative sense of the passage of time, no visible benchmarks they should be meeting, and likely few examples of what a “mature” version of themselves, an elder, should behave like.

—

Something I do wish was explored more, and I intend to do so myself is the concept of immortality unraveling.

They are cursed with immortality and have lived through so much and contain so many memories that they’ve basically got Alzheimer’s, and yet cannot die. Like that one sailor in Davy Jones’s crew who is literally growing into the ship. He’s a ghost, but effectively immortal in the lore.

Vampire Diaries definitely didn’t do their history homework (still mad about Vikings in Virginia and horses in America 1,000 years ago because no) or take themselves very seriously, but their infamous villainous family of thousand-year-old vampires rarely act their age.

Which in some ways I do appreciate, an implication in vampire media being that you are not just physically frozen, but mentally frozen, unable to mature, forever as impulsive and reckless as you were when you died and unable to mellow out.

But on the other hand, I would have loved to see some actual consequences on these characters’ psyches from the toll a thousand years of memories must have on a human mind. For any kind of supernatural creature.