How to write a vampire book.

The Dracula Tape, by Fred Saberhagen

Not into vampires, and didn’t think I’d like this, so I put it aside for a few years. I’ve read the real Dracula,  Bram Stoker Dracula twice, starting in high school, and loved it, so not much compares to the original. But the other week, when I needed a paperback, I just grabbed it.

How to write a vampire book: copy Bram Stoker’s Dracula word for word!

I guess this author agrees with me about the value of the original Dracula, because at least half of the book is copying the original Dracula, in all major plot points, and sometimes word for word! (The original Dracula is now in the public domain, of course.) So that’s how to write a vampire book, or any Victorian gothic:: just find a book in the public domain — heck, Dracula is worth another shot, isn’t it? — and just add some scenes and updates!

Now, the book is not worthless, and I read the whole thing, except for the last 15 pages or so, which dragged. He has some new twists – did they know anything about blood transfusions back then, and is that why people died, from the incompetent doctors? — and I laughed a couple of times. I didn’t really like his interpretation of Dracula in the physical details, what he drank, etc – but examining death and life is always interesting, if you are a curious person.

I read the Amazon reviews just now, and am astounded at how much they like this book! They sound like vampire fanboys, if you know what I mean.