My first professional writing job was to adapt the novel Dracula into a stage production for a theatre festival. I spent weeks delving into the lore of the vampire, reading and re-reading the novel and doing my best to dig the latent Victorian sexuality from between the lines. By the time the play was up and running, I’d pretty much had it with bloodsuckers.
So… Fast forward. I’ve got this silly idea for a character…a vampire with insomnia. Like I said, it seemed pretty silly. I shelved the character idea until last spring when a call came from Loose Id. They wanted stories to celebrate Coming Out Day in October. I really didn’t think about writing anything for it until a certain someone encouraged me to submit a proposal…three days before the call closed. (Thanks Treva!) That’s when I remembered my poor insomniac vampire and the silly idea suddenly became rather poignant. That’s when Oliver Bleu was born…selfish, romantic and doomed by his inability to slip into the oblivion of the undead.
Sleep is such an elemental, basic survival need. We need those hours of dream state, not only for our sanity, but simply to stay alive. Before his tragic death, actor Heath Ledger complained of insomnia. I’ve suffered with it for years, almost every summer. I’ve used sleep medications, self-hypnosis, and behavior modification. I’ve also self medicated with drugs and alcohol. Finally, I reached a crossroads. I decided to submit to the demon and see where it took me.
Yes, I still suffer insomnia, but no longer feel like its killing me. If I can’t sleep, I get up and continue on with my day. I sleep when my brain and body are both ready for it. If I go to sleep at midnight and wake at three in the morning, I get up and work. As it generally doesn’t continue more than a month or two, I can manage with frequent naps and deep relaxation. I am very fortunate, because I remember the feelings of despair that came from watching the clock.
Now imagine a vampire, locked into his sleeping place during the hours of daylight. He’s unable to sleep, unable to move or speak or even take a breath. It would be a living hell. Every sunset Oliver Bleu rises weaker than he was when he lay down for the day. He’s fading slowly. His light is dying.
And then he meets his salvation…
Blacque/Bleu is available at Loose Id, LLC
10 comments:
Sounds very interesting, Belinda. I'm lucky in that head meets pillow, instantly out!! And I DO know I'm lucky.
Barbara, my poor brain just never shuts down! Even when I sleep, I sometimes have really busy, exhausting dreams. I'm jealous of people who sleep easily, but a lot of it is self-training.
Belinda: great story idea and I have been "chompin at the bit" waitin for this book to come out and now here it is...YAY!!!
I have been a chronic insomniac for the last 12+ years...and like you I did all the things that docs recommended and friends suggested until I finally gave in and said to myself just go with the flow...*grin* So, if I sleep for 1/2 hour then am wide awake I get up and do paperwork or read. I go to bed same time everynight and if I cant sleep I dont struggle against it I relax and read...the doctors all say it is important that even though the brain doesnt shut-off that the body relaxes...so I have learned to live with it...*grin*
Now, I am off to read Blacque/Bleu...cannot wait to get into this one....oh! will it be available in print? I think I am gonna hafta have this one in print....*grin*
Your fan,
jo
Aw...thanks Jo! I don't know about print yet, the higher ups make that decision.
Isn't it amazing how just giving in to your body changes things? I used to lay in bed and want to cry. Now I'll go outside and look at the stars or play with my puppy. I'll write...whatever. Its much more peaceful now. :)
Hope you enjoy the book!
Add in being a night owl to periods of insomnia and you have me. Problem is I had kids. Can't let the sleep or lack there of dictate life with little ones in the house. Now I have mom living here. God, morning people are the pits sometimes.
Can't wait to read the book.
Forgot to say, Belinda - awesome cover!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Mine from LI have been fantastic too.
Barbara, LI always does such awesome covers! I love it too...
Beth, its funny, my mother used to be a morning person (she lives with me too) and now she stays up all night and sleeps late.
I'm a night owl too, but my dogs get me up early these days. Now that Wyatt is here (8 weeks old) he wants his potty walk and breakfast at 5:30am. What's up with that???
I can't wait for this. It's a fantastic twist on the vampire story, and leave it to you to come up with it.
Can't wait to read it.
I finished this book this morning, and I LOVED LOVED LOVED IT!!! It tackles insomnia (a chronic problem with me), fekkin' hot shifters and hot vampires, and how being true to yourself truly IS what one should do :) Now, if I could just fine a hot shifter like Blacque, maybe I'll have less trouble at night ;)
TAme
Thanks Lynn! Yeah, I tend to approach some of these things sideways...LOL!
Tame, I'm so glad you enjoyed it!
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