Why are vampire stories so popular?

Question

I'm a romance writer and I've noticed (with some dismay) that vampire/paranormal romances have increased in popularity in recent years.

Any theories as to why?
And what's your preference, do you enjoy them? Or not? Why?

Answer 1

Hello, I am a romance fan at heart but I do love a romantic vampire tale as well. I think the reason why people are so fascinated with Vampires and their stories is because they live forever. How romantic to find your greatest love and know that the two of you could live on together forever in love. The whole idea of vampires is a little sexy when you think about it. When they become a vampire their are improved to their highest potential, they have a secrecy about them and an aura that draws you in, people in stories are never scared when with a vampire even though they usually don't survive the night. Or for the lucky one, they get to live on, never age, be beautiful forever and see the world change in so many ways. With everything going on in the world it is nice to have a little fantasy although a little morbid. One of my favorites is The Vampire Cronicles. Vampires are not frightening. I think many people, if faced with the choice, would choose to become one of them. I hope this helps.

Answer 2

I love the paranormal romance genre, particularly the vampire ones. I prefer the absolute fantasy as opposed to contemporary because when I read, the further I can get away from reality the better. I also think with fantasy characters it's a lot easier to accept overbearing, potentially dangerous men as a romantic figures, which a lot of women like, than if they were in a real world setting. It's the total escapism that attracts me.

Answer 3

And I'm a fantasy writer/reader whose noted this trend also. I'm not particularly fond of romance, and so I'm not crazy about this latest cross-over. I think part of the reason, though, stems from the innate sensuality associated with the vampire myth. Bram Stoker's Dracula, perhaps the foundation for the vampire lit genre, can be viewed as mythical embodiment of STDs. He seduces women, the penetration is intimate, and there's an exchange of fluids.

I think another reason might be that women subconsciously want a man who's powerful but also sensitive, intimate at the same time strong. If you spend enough time in the dating pool, you start realizing that no mortal man will ever measure up to those standards, but by putting those characteristics into a being that is by definition not based in reality, it becomes possible to meet our expectations again.

Answer 4

I think it is that old femme fatale thing. There is something romantic and dangerous about vampires. The helpless female and the handsome but scary vampire. Try looking at vampire romances from a new and different angle. Read Christopher Moore's You Suck. It is hilarious. I thoroughly enjoyed it. I have exchanged letters with Mr. Moore and he is as wacky as his books too. Also try Angela Carter's Lady in the House of Love and read the female vampire's story. A wonderful story from a book called The Bloody Tower. C. PS - I've written some very successful vampire tales myself, so I guess Im guilty as charged.

Answer 5

The theme of eternal life can go in many directions. when iti s romantically inclined it usually is viewed as tragic. Many good authors have put different spins on this. So even now the Vampire idea can come off as original. Read , The Secret Life Of Laszlo, Count Dracula. In this one there is no actual Vampire It is interesting

Answer 6

I think vampire stories are so popular because each generation creates a vampire to represent societal fears and hidden desires. For example, Dracula represented Victorian fears that included men losing control and being penetrated rather than the women. Also, I think that vampires are probably the new "bad boys" that women are attracted to because they are sexual and dangerous. Personally, I enjoy reading vampire stories with very little romance, so I think you should stick to writing about humans.

Answer 7

Some Theories That i have Involve Two Diffrient Names Those Are Anne Rice And Lura K. Hamaliton these two have made the vampire genre imencley Popular. With anne rice's vampire chronicles and lura k. hamalitons well whatever those are called have probley inspired many other vampires writers of corse with the help well with the help of bram strokers famous novel dracula has helped them alot although those novels are not really alike but how could you write such a great story like that

I have not read any vampire novels expet Of corse Dracula and salems lot wich i found very good probley in my top ten stephen king novels anyway ive been meaning to read interview with the vampire by anne rice because ive herd it was good but i liked salems lot alot like i said eariler although i don't think that those are alike and yeah like you said those Vampire/paranomal romances are very much increaceing wich dose give me dismay as a fellow writer not a romance writer though i mostley stick to horror and fantasy well i hope i could percent some good theroys to your questions

Answer 8

Actually, I think it's because, we don't really now if vampires are real, or they are just a fantasy creature. so, since we are uncertain about this fact, we can jus imagine them, the way we want to. Take 'Dracula' for an example. He represents the first thing that comes to your mind when someone taalks about vampires. White skin, black hair, black eyes, long teeth. Now, take 'Twilight'. Edward (the vapire) is a super-hand-some guy: tall, pale, shiny brown hair. In other words: supernatural. So, after all, many people like to think of their so-supposed-to-be soul-mates, in that way. Beautiful.

And I guess, that being this creature, unknown, imagination is our first resource, and we can create it the way we want. Gorgeous, Ugly, Mean, Sweet, gentle, rude. You name it.

So, that's why I guess the vampire books are increasing. They attract, because of their differente ideas to an argument we ignore.

Answer 9

People like sex and sex related material. If something evil gives them pleasure without their permission, then they can enjoy it without guilt. People also like stories about control. They like having it and also losing it. Some of it goes back to responsibility.

Answer 10

What recent vampire romances are you referring to? I haven't read one since Anne Rice's stuff a long time ago.