Writing About Vampires: An LDS Author’s Perspective
Fantasy has always been my favorite genre to read. I think the obsession began in elementary school with Jeremy Thatcher, Dragon Hatcher by Bruce Coville, and I’ve never been quite the same since. When I was about fifteen I fell in love with paranormal fantasy books because of authors like Amelia Atwater-Rhodes.
Being an LDS author definitely shapes my writing because it is an essential part of who I am as a person. One thing I’m passionate about is writing clean stories that anyone can enjoy. One adult reader told me that she enjoyed Blood And Guitars immensely, and that she couldn’t wait to get a copy for her thirteen-year-old niece to read, as well. Even though the majority of my readers are between the ages of 18-40, this is one of the best compliments a reader could pay me. I walked around with a perma-grin on my face for the rest of the day.
Being an LDS author in the paranormal genre does not come without its struggles. For some reason I can’t logically explain, I’m madly in love with all things vampire. I often wonder how my mother explains what type of books I write when people ask her. Oh, how I wish I could be a fly on the wall to witness those conversations. Vampires, in general, are inherently appealing and seductive in today’s view. They are no longer limited to the savage, life-stealing creatures they were known as in the past. The trick is writing a story that will satisfy the readers (regardless of religion), while staying true to my own personal beliefs.
My latest series, Blood And Guitars, is a vampire series that is sometimes classified as a paranormal romance. The characters are in their early twenties, which some would say puts this book in the New Adult category. Despite these things, Blood And Guitars is a clean series I am proud to share with even the tweens in my life. I work closely with the young women in my church, some of whom are my best cheerleaders. I’m proud to write paranormal fantasy stories that they can enjoy without compromising their values.
What type of stories do you look for in your favorite genre? Do you feel there is enough variety? I’d love to read your comments!
Blood and Guitars by Heather Jensen
When Aurora meets Trey, a famous singer and musician, she’s only hoping to get her fill of human blood for the week. The last thing Aurora expects is for Trey to make her feel alive for the first time since she was, well, alive. It begins with a casual painting lesson at her art studio, The Waking Moon, and quickly turns into a forbidden romance. Aurora is forced to hide her true identity from Trey, while keeping her relationship with the human a secret from other vampires in her Brood. Trey’s band is recording a new album and with Aurora as his muse, Trey is writing songs like never before. After being hired by their record label to paint the cover of the new album, Aurora has a legitimate reason for spending so much time with Trey and his band mates. Aurora can’t deny the unexpected connection she has with Trey, which is fueled by glimpses into his emotions every time they share a kiss. Caught between two worlds, Aurora must attend celebrity award shows and vampire rituals, find time to feed, and protect Trey from the dangers of the night, all while preserving her secrets.
About the author:
Heather Jensen writes fantasy for teens and adults. She is an avid reader and enjoy authors such as Amelia Atwater-Rhodes, PC & Kristin Cast, Richelle Mead, LJ Smith, Suzanne Collins, Derek Landy, Obert Skye, and Brandon Mull to name a few. She absolutely love vampires but enjoys fantasy of all kinds.
Heather is addicted to Oreos and White Knight drinks from Perks. When she’s not writing, she enjoys traveling, playing board and card games, killing zombies on the Xbox 360 with her hubby, listening to music, playing guitar, going to concerts, and spending time with friends and family. Her favorite color is green and the uglier the shade, the better. She lives in Southern Utah with her husband and son. She is currently preparing to release the next installment in the Blood And Guitar series, Immortals And Melodies, which will be available for Kindle on May 28, 2012.
You can find out more about Heather Jensen and how to connect with her on her website.
This books sounds great!! I, too, am in love with vampires, but it's really hard to find books about them that are clean! I love reading books that I can share with my 13 year old daughter who has gotten her love of books from her mom. :o)
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