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MJ![]()
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Matt R. Jones
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When I first started writing, I caught flack from potential agents and publishers because my stories didn't shamelessly copy Anne Rice -- the hip thing to do in the late 90's and early 2000's -- an...view moreWhen I first started writing, I caught flack from potential agents and publishers because my stories didn't shamelessly copy Anne Rice -- the hip thing to do in the late 90's and early 2000's -- and nowadays, I'm told to hang it up because I don't write like Stephanie Meyer.
The vampire stories I write -- while taking regular forays into dark, bloody territory -- often have more in common with over-the-top action movies like Desperado, or profanely hilarious comedies like Clerks.
My characters aren't cardboard cut-outs, either -- they're PEOPLE who happen to be vampires, and as such, they'll act like you or I would in a given situation... and they don't always make the right choices. Nor are they all-knowing, all-powerful... because they're human.
I don't grudge any of the other vampire authors out there, either. I love vampire fiction, and Nancy Collins is my personal favorite vampire author! But to tell you the truth...
I can't write brooding, gothic prose to save my butt, and angsty teen drama makes me giggle. If I tried to fake it, it would totally suck, so instead I write action-packed vampire yarns full of swearing, tomfoolery, and my own observations about life. I want to make your heart pound with excitement, and I want you to laugh so hard you have to put the book down...
Which usually happens when you read "The Thing In Stacey's Garage," found in Sex, Blood, & Rock 'n Roll. I've had people from New Zealand to South Africa to Canada tell me that ridiculous, profanity-laden story brought them to tears of laughter, and it makes my day every time.
And really -- how often do you come across vampire fiction that makes you laugh yourself stupid?!
So even though the "suits" tell me I'm not good enough, it's YOU that keeps me inspired and keeps me working at this -- I'm not here to make them happy... I want to make YOU happy.
So I do it all myself -- screw those guys.
Writing the Hollywood Vampires stories -- and a few other projects -- is something I do out of love, not because I'm gonna get rich. I work a full-time "day-job" as a marketing consultant / copywriter, so that's what pays my bills. Now mind you, I'd LOVE to get rich doing writing vampire fiction -- but that's not my primary motivation...
I do this stuff because we both love it. Period.
Every e-mail, kind word, piece of fan art, or encouragement you send me is worth every hour of work I put into the Hollywood Vampires universe, and I'm hooked.view less