Here’s a little geography question for you smart people out there.  (I cheated and looked this up, so I’m not including myself in that group.)

When the novel Dracula was written, Transylvania was part of what country?


Answer in the comment section.

Admittedly, I never watched the series back in the late 80's.  I know...  shameful...  So, I obviously won't be making any comparisons, but nonetheless, as far as movies go, I enjoyed this one.
 
I expected a stupid, slapstick, cheesy movie that would bore me.  Instead, I laughed.  A lot.  It was funny.  Granted some of the humor was a little more than juvenile, but it was really hilarious.  I don't usually go for these types of movies, but this one was well worth the two hours.
 
Lots of cameo appearances, I won't give any spoilers, but there were quite a few stars in this one.  Very cute movie.  I highly recommend.

What was the first book you remember reading?
The first book I remember reading was a children’s book called The Adventures of Noddy and Big Ears. My mother used to buy me a book from the series every week when she went shopping. I can’t quite remember when I moved on to darker fare, but I know I was fairly young.

You had a large role in a horror film called, Slime City Massacre. Do you plan on doing more acting?
If the role was interesting enough—say, something in the psychological horror realm—I might, but I’m really not an actor in any professional sense. I did Slime City Massacre purely because I was asked, I liked the people involved, the role was insane, and it sounded like way too much fun to pass up. And it was.

You are originally from Dungarvan, Ireland. You live in the states currently, and you have traveled quite a bit. Where are your favorite places to visit?
When I lived in Ireland, I never went anywhere, despite it being a gateway to Europe and this is something I regret to this day. So when I got to the states, I made sure I saw as much of it as possible. I love the arid areas out west (Arizona, Nevada, etc.) The road trip I took on Route 66 was a dream come true and I would do it again in a heartbeat. Wyoming is a gorgeous part of the country.

How did you get started as a writer? Is that something you always wanted to do?
It was. I’ve been writing since I was eight. I come from a culture that’s big on storytelling, so I think it was natural for me to gravitate to writing. I was submitting stories to Irish publishing houses by the time I was fourteen (not realizing that they specialized in novels) and was lucky to receive some overwhelmingly detailed and helpful advice from the editors. In high school, my English teacher was a huge supporter of my writing. He encouraged me to pursue it as a career and even had me read my horror stories aloud to the class and then answers questions on how I did it! On my eighteenth birthday I “sold” (quoted because they never paid me) a story to an Irish fiction magazine, but I didn’t start writing professionally until I arrived in the states and found myself with two years to “make it or break it.” Thankfully, it worked out. If it hadn’t, I’d probably have gone insane.

Your character Timmy Quinn can see ghosts? Do you believe in the paranormal?
I believe ghosts are a product of our own subconscious, that if conditions are right, our brains act as projectors. I also believe that emotions can leave behind a residue in places. Immense grief or sorrow might leave a trace of itself behind that can be felt in a room, for example. I’ve walked into houses in the past and immediately been struck with a sense of foreboding or sadness or anger and have quickly removed myself from it. So I guess while I don’t believe in ghosts in the traditional sense, I do believe death can leave a metaphysical imprint, and that we are more inclined to haunt ourselves.

All of that being said, I did have one experience—with a portrait that was hidden behind the glass in an old mirror—that still baffles me to this day.

Did you watch scary movies growing up? If so, what was your favorite?
My mother was a huge horror fan and would wake me late at night if something particularly scary came on the TV. I loved FRIGHT NIGHT and SALEM’S LOT. The latter showed over two nights (Friday and Saturday), so it was a major event for us. I have very fond memories of watching that.

What are you currently working on?
I’m currently working on a few stories I owe to editors, and outlining a sequel to a popular work of mine that I can’t yet discuss.

Do you prefer writing novellas or full-length novels?
I don’t have a preference. If a story is good, be it short or long, there’s an equal sense of accomplishment.

What are you currently reading?
I’m reading Richard Laymon’s NIGHT SHOW because I’ve been hired to design the cover for it. Before that I read Ken Bruen’s latest, and after this, I’ll be rereading Robert R. McCammon’s BOY’S LIFE.

Do any of your books reflect any of your own personal fears? What scares you?
All of them do in one way or another. The best of my stories are explorations of my own fears and insecurities. I suppose what scares me are the same things that scare everybody else: death, loss of sanity, loss of identity, losing the things you love. I’m also terrified of heights and confined spaces, so I suspect those fears will make an appearance in future works.

What can your readers expect in the future?
The last book in the Timmy Quinn series, NEMESIS, will be released by the end of the summer. In addition, a particularly grim novella, JACK & JILL is also imminent.

This is the Banana's Foster recipe from Brennan's Restaurant in New Orleans.  I can't say enough about this particular restaurant, the staff and the atmosphere... especially their gorgeous courtyard.  It is classic and a must-stop on any tour of some of the finest New Orleans cuisine.

Excuse the horrible pictures...  If you notice the photo to the left, I forgot to take a picture until I had already eaten half of it!  Alfredo, our server, was kind enough to make a copy of this recipe for me.

4 Servings
1/4 cup butter
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 cup banana liqueur
4 bananas, cut in half lengthwise, then halved
1/4 cup white rum
4 scoops vanilla ice cream

I suppose we could just call this "Interview with the Vampire" Week.  Or not.  I'm still on my New Orleans kick, so sue me.

Today's trivia question is a little tougher than normal... Are you ready?

Before Tom Cruise was cast as the vampire Lestat, the role of Lestat de Lioncourt (full name, which would also have been a good trivia question!) was offered to another A-lister.  Anne Rice had a completely different actor in mind when she originally wrote the novel and sold the rights in the 70's, and the studio had earmarked yet ANOTHER actor before the film was delayed for many years.  Name all three of the possible Lestats, the one Anne Rice had in mind for the part, the studio's choice and the one who turned down the role and this week you'll win more than my eternal adoration, I'll send you a postcard and signed bookmark.

Answer in the comment section below.

After visiting New Orleans and walking through the Garden District, strolling through Lafayette Cemetery and staring on dumbfounded at Anne Rice's old house, it seems the only option for my Monday Morning Review is to go with "Interview with the Vampire."

I remember the first time I watched this movie, I honestly didn't expect it to be done so well.  Sure, there was a ridiculously famous cast, but I thought if anything that would hurt the movie.

Fortunately, I couldn't have been more wrong.  Brad Pitt was great as Louis, Christian Slater... well, was Christian Slater and I will adamently argue without a doubt that this movie was the best movie Kirsten Dunst has ever done.  But most of all, I was surprised by Tom Cruise's performance.  I wanted to be sick when I thought of him as Lestat, but not only did he pull it off, he was quite exceptional.  I still don't really envision him as Lestat, but I can't deny he did a wonderful job.

If you haven't seen this movie, (and surprisingly, I know a few people who haven't) you must.  Go rent it.  Now. 

(To the right is the house Anne Rice lived in from 1989-2004 located at 1239 First Street)

I made it back from vacation alive, boys and girls.  Barely though, I'm surprised my stomach didn't rupture from the incredible food.  New Orleans was amazing, as usual.  Eventually I do hope to call it home... but until then, it's back to the grind and the treadmill.  Surprisingly after all the bananas foster and beignets I only gained four pounds.

This upcoming week, I will have tons of great blog posts, a special Wine and Dine Wednesday with a recipe straight from Nawlins, and Fiction Friday will feature the incredibly talented Kealan Patrick Burke.  Don't forget to pop on over and check it out!

Things that Inspire…

Debbie Peterson

Myths and legends intrigue me. They always have. So do the mysteries to which no one has an irrefutable answer. The thing is—the imagination can take you so many places as it forms its own possibilities, its own answers to the world’s legends and mysteries. And in this wondrous place, my novels are born.

In one such novel, “Shadow of the Witte Wieven,” I took on the mysteries of the Bermuda Triangle. Over the years, I have watched many documentaries concerning this oceanic area between Florida, Puerto Rico, and Bermuda (although the area varies by author). I have read books and several recorded testimonies. Many of those accounts share common events: A sudden unusual storm; bizarre cloud formations; flashes of light; loss of visible horizon, and malfunction of navigational equipment to name a few.

And I wanted to know. What happened to all the ships and planes that disappeared without a trace? Why didn’t anyone ever find a piece of wreckage? And what about that abandoned schooner the Ellen Austin encountered in 1881. The captain ordered a skeleton crew to man the deserted ship. And though they sailed alongside each other, a sudden but brief storm separated them. No one ever saw the schooner or her crew again. Where could they have gone in such a short amount of time?

In the year 1632, Wolfaert Dircksen Van Ness, Captain of the Witte Wieven encountered such a tempest while sailing in the heart of the Bermuda Triangle. He knows what happens when one encounters the sudden, mysterious storm that defies all logic. Yes, the handsome captain is still with us.

So, I invite you to pull up a chair and sail along with Wolf and his crew as they embark on their newest adventure to assist the gorgeous DEA agent they encounter in the middle of a raging storm and with whom he falls deeply in love…

About the Author:

Debbie Peterson is the author of “Shadow of the Witte Wieven,” “Spirit of the Rebellion,” and the soon to be released, “Spirit of the Revolution.” She has always had a soft spot for fairy tales, the joy of falling in love, and happily ever after endings. She incorporates these aspects into all of the paranormal stories she writes. When she is not busy conjuring her latest novel, she spends time with the beloved members of her very large family. She also pursues her interests in family history and all things ancient and historic.

Take a minute, stop by, and say hello. She’s always happy to meet new friends.

Website: http://dk-peterson.com/

Blog: http://debbie-peterson.blogspot.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/DebbiePeterson1

This was my Mother's Day breakfast in bed made by my incredibly talented son.

Normally, eggs benedict has some sort of meat on it. I substitute a tomato.  This particular one is layered from top to bottom:

English Muffin
Spinach
Tomato
Over Easy Egg
Hollandaise Sauce


If you cut back on the butter in the hollandaise and watch what english muffin you buy, this particular little treat is only 5 weight watcher points.  Healthy and tasty!

Today’s trivia question is from one of my favorite vampire movies. Listed below is a quote.  Tell me who said it (character’s name and/or actor’s name, and what movie it is from.)  Last week the winner Rachel won my undying admiration.  This week you will win a metaphorical pat on the back.  Post your answer as a comment.

“She is a willing recruit, a breathless follower, a wanton follower. I dare say, a devoted disciple. She is the Devil's concubine! “

Good luck!