Can you introduce yourself to my readers a little?
Hi, I’m Gerry Bartlett, author of the Real Vampires series for Berkley Publishing. Book 9 in the series just came out this March—Real Vampires Know Hips Happen.
I can be found at my website. I’m on Facebook, twitter and Goodreads and hope to see you there. I have a cool fansite and there’s even a Facebook page called the Real Vampires Fan Group that a fan started where we talk about the series and pick out stars for our fantasy film. Don’t I wish!
Can you introduce us to the world that you have created?
Gloriana St. Clair, my heroine in all my Real Vampires books, was bloating when she was turned in 1604. Now this independent woman is living in Austin, Texas and runs her own vintage clothing shop. She has a steady boyfriend, a Scottish Highlander, and two other guys in her life when their relationship gets rocky. I have a lot of fun thinking up adventures for my girl with figure issues. Taking her through nine books, you can imagine that she’s dealt with many different paranormal entities, from Sirens to shapeshifters.
Will this be your first RT or are you a veteran? Any advice for those who are going for the first time?
This will be my fourth RT. There is nothing like these conferences. You meet so many of the authors whose books you’ve read and loved. I admit I’ve gone fangirl on some. Anne Rice was there last year, I even rode in the elevator with her. I used to be addicted to her vampire novels! I would tell first timers to get out and attend as many panels and workshops as they can. Mix and mingle. It’s great to meet the authors but you can make friends there too. The parties are fun, but I learned a lot too at the workshops. It’s perfect for aspiring writers.
Are you speaking on any panels during RT? Are there any you are looking forward to?
I’m working with a group of vampire authors to put on a meet and greet for fans. We’ll be serving Bloody Marys(with and without alcohol) and Godiva chocolates and giving away books and chances to win some super prizes. I hope we get to meet lots of fans and introduce people who haven’t read us before to our books. That’s why I go to RT now, to widen my audience. I will be going to panels where authors of the Young Adult genre are speaking. I’ve been reading many of those books lately and love them. Not sure I’m ready to write one but have been thinking about it.
If someone were wanting to meet up with you at RT, who should they look for?
I’m the short blond who has figure issues just like my heroine, Glory St. Clair. No fangs, of course. I’m not young, I’m actually a retired school teacher. And isn’t writing vampire books a great way to spend my time now! I hope readers will come up and introduce themselves.
