Vampire Bites: A Taste of the Drake Chronicles by Alyxandra Harvey
Who or what was your biggest influence in deciding to become a writer?
I don’t remember ever not wanting to be a writer. I’ve been influenced by Jane Austen, the Bronte Sisters, the Romantic Poets, the Pre-Raphaelites, mythology and ancient history.
What inspired you to write the Drake Chronicles?
The story popped into my head as I was thinking of a way to retell the Snow White fairy tale. I wanted it to be fun and slightly snarky, not to take itself too seriously, but to have layers to the story at the same time. And I like playing with vampires. I can indulge in a little historical fiction, some corsets, some magic and some girls who can kick serious butt.
Solange, Lucy, Isabeau and the other girls in your books are totally kick-butt characters. Are you?
Oooh good question! I’m not a violent person and though I do like to play with swords, I’d be more likely to stab myself in the foot. But when I draw a line, I’m pretty fierce. (cue ominous music)
If you could live in any time period, what would it be and why?
I would especially like to visit Regency England, circa 1815. I’d like to run around in a pelisse and flirt with handsome men wearing cravats. Don’t worry, my husband is perfectly aware of this rather odd quirk in my character. :) I’d also like to drop in to Iron Age Celtic Britain, England late 1100’s, Ancient Egypt, Victorian London (and Yorkshire to meet the Brontes), Quebec around 1630 (to see my ancestors!). . . I’d also kind of like to kick Henry VIII in the shins and then vanish back home safely before he could cut off my head. Is that so wrong?
If someone wanted to be a writer what would be your number one tip for them?
Read, read, read. Write, write, write. Carry a notebook. Don’t give up! That last one. Don’t give up! Two years after my first novel was published, I received a delayed rejection for it from a different publisher.
Is there any particular routine involved in your writing process (favorite pen, lucky charm, special outfit)?
I try and write every day, even if it’s just one page. It’s easier to keep the flow going than to pick it up again after a week off. I tend to read over what I’ve written during the day that night and then think about the next scene as I fall asleep. If I’m stuck I’ll take a nap—or at least lie down. This either indicates that my muses like dark and quiet or that I’m naturally lazy. Sometimes atmosphere is required: candles, incense, music (often Baroque. Lyrics are too distracting). Mostly I try not to get too precious about it. I love little rituals and amulets but I’d hate to think I’d be lost if I accidentally set my favorite pen on fire.
Do you want to know more? Then catch up with Alyx on her blog at www.alyxandraharvey.com
Read the Drake Chronicles
from the beginning …
Ruling Passion—includes Hearts at Stake,
Blood Feud, and Out for Blood
Find out more about the Drakes at
www.thedrakechronicles.com
www.bloomsbury.com
www.facebook.com/BloomsburyTeens
Love the Drakes?
Prepare to have your heart stolen, as Alyxandra Harvey’s enchanting new novel transports you to Faery, where nothing is as it seems …
www.bloomsbury.com
Don’t miss
Alyxandra Harvey’s darkly romantic,
spine-chilling ghost story
www.bloomsbury.com
Copyright © 2013 by Alexandra Harvey
All rights reserved. You may not copy, distribute, transmit, reproduce, or otherwise make available this publication (or any part of it) in any form, or by any means (including without limitation electronic, digital, optical, mechanical, photocopying, printing, recording, or otherwise), without the prior written permission of the publisher. Any person who does any unauthorized act in relation to this publication may be liable to criminal prosecution and civil claims for damages.
First published in the United States of America in February 2013
by Walker Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Bloomsbury Publishing, Inc.
www.bloomsbury.com
For information about permission to reproduce selections from this book, write to
Permissions, Walker BFYR, 175 Fifth Avenue, New York, New York 10010
ISBN 978-0-8027-3620-8 (e-book)
Alyxandra Harvey, Vampire Bites: A Taste of the Drake Chronicles