Long before Stephanie Meyer introduced us to Camp Edward and Camp Jacob, there was Barnabas and Quentin Collins, resident vampire and werewolf of the gothic serial Dark Shadows. I was too young to wrap my head around a day time soap opera (I still can’t do it) but the paranormal elements kept me mesmerized. I remember rushing home from grade school to catch the latest episode, enraptured by the vampires, werewolves, ghosts and witches that ran rampant at Collinwood Manor. Jonathan Frid portrayed brooding vampire Barnabas with David Selby in the role of smoldering werewolf, Quentin. From the moment I spied Quentin, I knew I was slated for the Wolf Camp. Don’t get me wrong—vampires are sexy and hot but, as a writer of paranormal romance, I’m drawn to the conflict of change that overtakes a werewolf every full moon. Throw in the enchantment of silver and you can practically feel the ghost-whispers creeping up your spine.
Not to diss the vamps—I’ve done my share of swooning over the fanged set—but when it comes to choosing sides, you’ll find me roaming the night-blackened hillsides and joining in the chorus of howls. That’s why I cursed the hero of my current novel-in-progress (Caleb DeCardian of Weathering Rock) with lycanthropy.
Conflict. Turmoil. Angst.
As every good writer knows, there’s nothing like a flawed character to create an emotional bond. So, whether you’re Camp Edward/Barnabas or Camp Jacob/Quentin, the result is the same now as it was decades ago–tortured heroes are hot!
If you had to choose, which would it be—Vampires or Werewolves?
Yep you did it! Love your site, Mae! Your post and bio read like you’re already a pro, my friend. While I never had a hankering for either a vampire or a wolfman, I do have one for your dear Caleb. And I’m sure when your current novel gets published, so will the rest of the world. This has been a long time in the making and I can’t wait till folks get to see how talented you are!
❤ Trish
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Aww, thanks, Trish. And I’m kind of partial to Caleb myself 😉
Mae
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I think I’ve always leaned toward the werewolf side of things, although have been a vampire (or two) I’ve admired over the years — Children of the Night, Shut up!! And I will always have a leickos orchard handy for Mr. Tabori. Happy Hunting, Mae!
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There have been a few vampires that have turned my head too.
Mae
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Okay, you’ve got my interest and I want to read more! I was never one to follow the whole vampire and werewolf thing, however I believe I’m going to be a Quentin fan. Can’t wait for the novel to come out…you’ve got me on the edge of my seat now!
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Thanks, Marie. I think you’ll find a lot more about Caleb to recommend him too other than just the werewolf thing, LOL.
Mae
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I’m with your, team Werewolf all the way, but nothing against the Vampires of the world. I’m thrilled to learn of your new course and look forward to your publications. I’ve never thought of lycanthropy as a curse but a wonderful gift, a chance to really repress the inner self….. Many wishes for great success.
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Thanks so much, Linda! Life is good in the werewolf camp 🙂
Mae
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I am so proud of you Mae Clair. I can’t wait to read Weathering Rock when it comes out. I was a fan of Dark Shadows growing up and there’s nothing like the dark side of a good spooker!!
I wish you all the success that one person could possibly have in the new chapter of your life.
Love ya!!
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You are such a great cheerleader for me, Donna.
Love ya,
Mae
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I, too, followed Quentin Collins, and looked forward to arriving home from school to see what evil he had perpetuated from the past. As the conflicted good guy/bad guy, Barnabas was also an interesting character. Whether the concentration is on wolves or vampires, the character must be compelling, on their own, with a little spark of good showing through. I look forward to seeing what you do with Caleb.
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Thanks, Patty. I think you’ll find Caleb compelling and complex. I’ve created a lot of characters through the years, but he really stands out for me.
Mae
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Hey Mae Clair!
Congratulations on making it to the big leagues!!! I remember Dark Shadows when I was a kid. My brother was a big fan and has the whole television series on tape. Although I’m not as nocturnal as he was, and did not follow it as much as he did, I would read it! No one writes better than you!
Hey, My middle name is Claire, I was named after my grandfather too!
I want an autograph copy!
lesclaire5@yahoo.com
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Hey, Leslie! Thanks for dropping by. You have always been such a great encouragement to me. So glad to see you here on my blog.
Mae
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What a wonderful new world you’ve fashioned for yourself and for us! I always knew your talent would lead you in this direction, and I’m ecstatic that others will finally be able to appreciate the special characters and complex plotlines you create so well! Congratulations, my friend! I await Weathering Rock and the handsome, debonair Wyn.
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Hey, Pard! You’ve been such a great beta reader and fantastic friend all these many, many years. Thanks for taking the journey with me. You and Trish have the inside track on Wyn. If all goes well, he’ll get his own book with the next novel.
Mae
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Thrilled for you and the big step into Real Fiction in to your first publication. May you have many more. I will look forward to reading your new book.
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Thank you so much, Peggy. I’m exicted and will keep the blog active with news (and, hopefully, other entertaining, helpful and informative and tidbits) as things progress toward publication.
Mae
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Hey Mae! I’ve gone back to the beginning of your blog to catch up on all the yummy goodness I’ve been missing. 🙂 Oddly I have no preference between the two factions here. I love both my wolves & my vamps… If you’ve ever read the Immortals After Dark series by Kresley Cole…well, then you probably get my soft spot for demons…YUM!
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LOL! Hi, Kitt. I’m glad I could offer some distraction and you have a chance to see my first posts. I like my vamps too but the wolfie group steals my heart every time. Not shifters, but TRUE werewolves. Those are the ones that hold magic for me.
I’ll have to look up Kresley Cole. Happy New Year!
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Same to you, Mae!
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