Listen to our DRACULA (Chris Lee) Discussion! (SPOILERS)

Our new CASTLE DRACULA PODCAST episode is up! This week: DRACULA starring Christopher Lee, AKA Horror of Dracula!

You can also listen right here:


Description: We talk DRACULA AKA HORROR OF DRACULA, the Hammer vampire film starring Christopher Lee and Peter Cushing. Hosted by the creators of the Alex Van Helsing book series (Jason Henderson), indy comic Halloween Man (Drew Edwards), and manga Psy-comm (Tony Salvaggio), and attorney Julia Guzman. 

Next Podcast: DRACULA starring Christopher Lee!

Don't miss our CASTLE DRACULA PODCAST discussion Tuesday Night at 10:30ET/9:30CT of DRACULA AKA HORROR OF DRACULA, starring Christopher Lee.

Read Jason's review of HORROR OF DRACULA.

Listen to the Fright Night 2011 Discussion (SPOILERS!)

The FRIGHT NIGHT 2011 episode of the Castle Dracula Podcast is up-- you can listen here or right here:



This week we discuss the 2011 "Fright Night" starring Colin Farrell and David Tennant with an amazing Buffy-like script from Marti Noxon. Plus, endorsements, and embarrassing convention-related revelations from Julia.

Also, check out our new Castle Dracula Podcast Blog!

Goodbye, Mr. Sangster

Jimmy Sangster, screenwriter of HORROR OF DRACULA (as it was known in the US) and CURSE OF FRANKENSTEIN-- not to mention all the other films he was involved in-- has passed away.

Peter Cushing as Van Helsing in Horror of Dracula,
written by Jimmy Sangster

The world of cinematic horror fiction lost a true great yesterday: the wonderfully prolific Jimmy Sangster passed away at the age of 83. The man's name might not ring any immediate bells, but any true horror fan (especially a British one) could tell you he was the go-to screenwriter for a large portion of the very best Hammer Films. (Hammer Films being a production company that churned out lots of horror films in the 1950s and '60s.) When Hammer opted to resurrect old Universal favorites like Dracula and Frankenstein, Mr. Sangster was the man behind the typewriter. His 1958 double feature of Horror of Dracula and The Revenge of Frankenstein would be the envy of any horror screenwriter, but Jimmy Sangster just kept on banging 'em out.

Goodbye and thank you, Mr. Sangster.

Girls in the Stacks: Voice of the Undead

Another neat review, this one from Girls in the Stacks reviewer Nancy Tuuling!

my take: Alex Van Helsing returns with a book full of action, villianous vampires, and budding teen romance! We enjoyed the first book in this series (see Vampire Rising review here) and I enjoyed this second book even more.

Nancy even keys in on my New Wave obsession, which creeps into the book:

I have to mention one of my favorite lines – when Alex asks “Who is Ultravox?”, Sangster said, “Well, for one thing it’s the name of a New Wave band.” “What’s New Wave?” Ahhh, Sangster – your young padawan needs some musical instruction. That, or vampires need to find names that don’t make the adults reading hum “Vienna” in their heads. Oh, wait, isn’t that the girl’s name with the green scarf? Hmmmm… Oh, Jason, you punny man.

Yes. Yes it is, Nancy... and here's my favorite Ultravox song (but not the only one that influenced Voice of the Undead) "Vienna."

Associated Press/ABC News on Alex Van Helsing: "Tapping Into the Market of Books for YA Boys"

A great notice on Alex Van Helsing: Voice of the Undead turned up from the Associated Press on ABC's website:

In "Voice of the Undead," Alex attends school during the day and spends his nights searching Lake Geneva for the magic-protected Scholomance, an ancient vampire school. During one of these missions, he burns down Glenarvon Academy, which is forced to relocate to an all-girls academy down the road.

Summer Moore, AP

Meanwhile, the Polidorium want Alex to track down a vampire named Ultravox.


The Alex Van Helsing series is tapping into the market of books for young adult boys, and does so successfully. The novels are engaging and suspenseful, without relying on a central love story.

Check out the rest! And thank you so much AP writer Summer Moore!

Listen to the Dracula's Daughter Podcast!

The new episode of the Castle Dracula Podcast is up. This time our topic is DRACULA'S DAUGHTER, the 1936 vampire thriller starring Gloria Holden. Listen here and join us each week!

And don't forget to Friend the show and leave us notes and questions on Facebook!

Check out a trailer for DRACULA'S DAUGHTER:

@Bibliojunkies: 4.5 Stars to Voice of the Undead

Awesome Bibliojunkies review of Alex Van Helsing: Voice of the Undead from blogger Shel:

My love of the Alex Van Helsing books is pretty well documented and that love continues. This book is fast-paced and fun. I enjoy the way the author illustrates Alex’s thought process when facing stressful situations. I also enjoy that while Alex is extraordinary in many ways, we also see how in many ways, Alex is a typical 14 year old. It was reminiscent of reading The Hardy Boys, except with vampires and cooler gadgets! All in all, I say 4.5 stars and I cannot wait for Alex No. 3! I also cannot wait until my 4 year old nephew is old enough to read Alex. Please tell me it is coming soon!

Read the rest!

Thanks Shel! First off, Alex Van Helsing: The Triumph of Death is coming next Summer. I've even got a draft finished already.

But thank you for kindly comparing Alex Van Helsing to the Hardy Boys-- that's absolutely my goal, to create a new boys' adventure series that can last a long time and mean something important to new readers. Thanks for making my day!

Ms. Yingling loves Voice of the Undead:"textbook example of how to write for the Adrenaline rush"

The fantastic Ms. Yingling blog weighs in on Voice of the Undead:

I liked Vampire Rising so much that I nominated it for the Cybils Awards.The second book is a textbook example of how to write for the Adrenaline rush: Alex is chased by two cars, has blood sucking leeches thrown at him by Elle, is attacked by the leeches again in his dorm room, and then the dorm catches on fire. That's just the first two chapters! The boys from Glenarvon have to move in with the girls at LaLaurie school until repairs are made.

Check out the rest-- but warning: SPOILERS!

Thanks Ms. Yingling!

Castle Dracula Podcast on THE LOST BOYS-- Listen here.

Our Lost Boys Episode is up-- listen in here!


This is our fifth episode of the podcast and I'm really enjoying it. I think the guys are beginning to get a good rhythm going, and we're actually having people show up in the chat room to throw questions at us.

Meanwhile, Alex Van Helsing: Voice of the Undead came out last week and we continue to get good reviews. I'll post some more soon!

Join us to talk LOST BOYS on the Castle Dracula Podcast

Tonight, 10:30ET/9:30CT. Go hear to listen in live, join the chat and ask questions!

Episode Notes: CRY LITTLE SISTER! A look at one of the most important vampire movies of the last forty years, THE LOST BOYS, starring Kiefer Sutherland and Jason Patric. Hosted by the creators of the Alex Van Helsing book series (Jason Henderson), indy comic Halloween Man (Drew Edwards), and manga Psy-comm (Tony Salvaggio), and attorney Julia Guzman. We'll cap it off with a look at vampires and pop culture, and of course Q&A from the audience!

I freaking love this movie so I can't wait to get into it. To get you in the mood, here's an original trailer and a cool video:

SciFiChick review: Alex Van Helsing series "completely engaging, exceptional"

SciFiChick turns in a new review of Alex Van Helsing: Voice of the Undead and loves it!

As the complex story unfolds, the intensity increases. Fast-paced and action-packed, this sequel is completely engaging. There are plenty of surprises and twists leading to a climactic and dramatic ending. A few mysteries still linger that will leave readers wanting more. Full of mystery, adventure, and teenage angst, this fantasy series for young adults is exceptional.

Thank you, SciFiChick!

Castle Dracula Podcast on Interview with the Vampire!

Check out our latest podcast episode: INTERVIEW WITH THE VAMPIRE!

A look at INTERVIEW WITH THE VAMPIRE, starring Brad Pitt and Tom Cruise. Hosted by the creators of the Alex Van Helsing book series (Jason Henderson) with panelists Julia Guzman, travel writer and attorney, Barb Lien-Cooper, creator of the online comic GUN STREET GIRL and adapter of many manga and manhwa titles published by Tokyopop and Viz Media, and Dr. Park Cooper, co-creator of the graphic novel HALF DEAD and editor-in-chief of comic-book publisher Septagon Studios. We'll cap it off with endorsements and of course Q&A from the audience!

Don't forget to check out the podcast at iTunes and subscribe!

Meanwhile, tune in next Tuesday for the next episode...

MTV Geek on Alex Van Helsing (with Excerpt!)

MTV Geek, MTV's website on books, comics, movies and the like, has a post up with an exclusive preview of Alex Van Helsing: Voice of the Undead.
Go check it out!

Release day for Alex Van Helsing: Voice of the Undead (and some new reviews)

Some new reviews for Alex Van Helsing: Voice of the Undead this morning, on the very day that the book is available everywhere. 

Mundie Moms turned in a review of Vampire Rising, which comes out in paperback today:

I really enjoyed this book. It was an engaging, fun, quick read. There's humor, classical references, down to earth and enjoyable characters and of course some great vampire hunting, butt kicking scenes. Now I can see why Alex Van Helsing made the Texas Lone Star List. I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series, Voice of the Undead. This is a clean cut book I'd recommend to older middle grade and YA readers.

Collected Miscellany has a review of Voice of the Undead:

Ultravox was a nice villain and the concept added a thread that could pull both the action of the school(s) and the larger vampire versus human battle.  The continuing battle with Elle and the development of the Merrill brothers added a nice touch as well – some tension and an extra burst of action.
Looks like this is turning into a nice series for those looking for action adventure with a vampire twist.

The Brain Lair says:

Voice of the Undead is a fast-paced, action-packed caper.  Alex is in and out of trouble faster than you can say Vampire Rising.  ... Alex is too busy surviving to reflect on anything, but the mishaps keep the story moving forward. 

Finally! The book is here! I want to hear what you think.

Shock Value (Voice of the Undead Countdown Minus 1)

With Alex Van Helsing: Voice of the Undead coming out on July 26, I'm counting down 60 cool (often vampire) things. Today:
SHOCK VALUE by Jason Zinoman

Shock Value is a deeply researched and thoughtfully told analysis of New Horror, the modern-set, often more unsettling horror movies that came around in the 70s and continue more or less to today.
I had some real doubts about reading this outstanding book from Penguin Press. I'm a fan of horror of the gothic era-- Peter Cushing and Vincent Price, Hammer and Corman. For me the end of the Gothics signaled by the thunderclap of The Exorcist is a sort of sad time, although I appreciate the modern scares of the New Horror era. I mean, The Exorcist is a masterpiece, and I'm a huge fan of a few modern horrors such as The Changeling.

I'd read a series of essays by Jason Zinoman in Slate where he staked out several positions I loved (such as "the less explained about horror, the better") and at least one position I wasn't on board with, that horror has a purpose, and the purpose is to unsettle the audience. That means constantly upping the stakes, because the audience can't remain unsettled long-- so that whereas audiences in the 70s were disturbed by Regan spitting up pea soup, by the 2000s we really need to see someone's eye gouged out with a blowtorch. I'm not really there because I kind of think there's room for both the unsettling and the curiously settling kinds of horror. I'm not convinced that one is superior to the other.

The book makes no such claim-- Zinoman painstakingly traces the rebellious roots of Wes Craven, Dan O'Bannon, William Friedkin, Peter Blatty, and more as they launch modern classics like Last House on the Left, Alien, and The Exorcist. And it all begins with a look at Vincent Price, hamming it up on the Mike Douglas show, musing about what is horror.

Great stuff. I really admire this book and recommend it.

Listen now to the Kung Fu & Vampires Episode! (Voice of the Undead Countdown Minus 5)

With Alex Van Helsing: Voice of the Undead coming out on July 26, I'm counting down 60 cool (often vampire) things. Today:
Kung Fu and Vampires: The Caste Dracula Podcast brought to you by alexvanhelsing.com

The podcast team recorded our new episode last night and had a great time. You can listen now to our discussion of kung-fu, vampires, and the movie that brought them together.

Description: A look at the one the most awesome and awesomely off vampire movies ever, the kung-fu vampire extravaganza LEGEND OF THE SEVEN GOLDEN VAMPIRES starring Peter Cushing. Hosted by the creators of the Alex Van Helsing book series (Jason Henderson), indy comic Halloween Man (Drew Edwards), and manga Psy-comm (Tony Salvaggio), and token female attorney Julia Guzman. We'll cap it off with a look at kung fu, vampires, and of course Q&A from the audience!

Here you go:



Or you can find the Castle Dracula Podcast at Talkshoe.
Or on iTunes.

Meanwhile, here's a trailer for Legend of the Seven Golden Vampires.

SIX DAYS! Pre-Order! (And tune in tonight!) (Voice of the Undead Countdown Minus 6)

With Alex Van Helsing: Voice of the Undead coming out on July 26, I'm counting down 60 cool (often vampire) things. Today:

Tune in tonight to the Castle Dracula Podcast! And by "Tune In," of course I mean click that link and you can either dial in or listen on computer. Tonight the topic is kung-fu vampires.

Description: A look at the one the most awesome and awesomely off vampire movies ever, the kung-fu vampire extravaganza LEGEND OF THE SEVEN GOLDEN VAMPIRES starring Peter Cushing. Hosted by the creators of the Alex Van Helsing book series (Jason Henderson), indy comic Halloween Man (Drew Edwards), and manga Psy-comm (Tony Salvaggio), and token female attorney Julia Guzman. We'll cap it off with a look at kung fu, vampires, and of course Q&A from the audience!

Meanwhile: holy mackerel. Alex Van Helsing: Voice of the Undead comes out in SIX DAYS! It's been a long road since the first book came out last year-- I've talked to literally thousands of readers and even got to be the only Texan on the Texas Lone Star List. Now, book two is finally coming out. I want to do more of these-- and I want this book to blow the first one out of the water. 

So: MY REQUEST FOR YOU.

1. If you like Alex Van Helsing, pre-order. Pre-orders are everything. If you haven't, pre-order the book by clicking the Amazon link to the left.
2. Want more to do? Read a Preview of Alex Van Helsing: Voice of the Undead at HarperTeen!
3. While you're there, put the Read Inside widget you see below on your site by going to the preview page and clicking "Put this book on your site" in the upper right to grab the code for the widget. Then you can just paste it into your blog.
4. Finally, thank you to all the readers who have written in! I've had a blast hearing from all of you.

So! Go read, and then pre-order. Voice of the Undead comes out on July 26 and I for one can't stand the suspense.

Ebook Pricing Has Nothing to Do with Physical Book Pricing

I was on twitter and someone brought up a logical question that people have asked often:
How can it be that a book has a cheaper physical price at a store than when I buy it on Kindle?
A few supporting points I hear:
Paper costs more than air, so the paper price should be higher.
Restated as a cry from the heart: On general principle there should never be a book that costs more on paper.

Unfortunately, sometimes the things we think are just common sense in fact aren't true. The prices of ebooks and paper books have nothing to do with one another.

Let's completely set aside, by the way, the cost of network bandwidth and content management. We'll pretend a world where ebook and paper book costs of delivery are equal.

The price of ebooks depends on a lot of things, such as the price suggested by the retailer, the actual price paid by the retailer to the publisher, and any standard price the retailer pays. There are lots and lots of details in here, but basically the thing to know is that ebooks are a product like downloadable games that have a price. The price could vary widely from day to day and hour to hour, though as a matter of policy these prices generally are stable.
The price of paper books depends on a lot of things, such as such as the price suggested by the retailer, the actual price paid by the retailer to the publisher, and any standard price the retailer pays. There are lots and lots of details in here, but basically the thing to know is that paper books are a product like slacks that have a price. The price could vary widely from day to day and hour to hour, though as a matter of policy these prices generally are stable.

You know what these two don't have anything to do with? One another. Sams sells paper books. On Tuesday they might decide, "It's back to school time! Today, paper books will be the thing that brings people in the door. Let's make all paper books half off. We'll lose money on the paper books, but we'll make money on pencils and pens." And Voila, a $15 book is $7. The Ebook on Amazon is still $9.99. Let the cry of the heart begin. They don't have anything to do with one another. They are products, with prices. They have no more relation to one another than their relation to the price of a soft drink featuring a character from a movie based on the book.

But you know, they could have something to do with one another by choice. In theory a retailer could set up a spider that says, if there's a cheaper price in hardback out there, we will undercut it on the ebook version. But that would still be a marketing choice by the retailer. And anyway, why? They are different products. Tomorrow Sams' sale will end; the paper book will go back up.

I might be in an airport and can't find SOLOMON KANE, but can buy it for $9.99 on my Kindle. My price choices here are $0 for zero books or $9.99 for one ebook. The fact that Solomon Kane is $5 at a store down the street from the airport is completely meaningless in this instance.

I might be in the airport and find Under The Dome marked down to $8 on paper, while the ebook remains $11.77. But the paper book weighs approximately 900 pounds while the ebook weighs nothing. At this point, the ebook is worth the extra money, if we're comparing. I'm paying for a value.

Ebook prices and paper book prices: They don't have anything to do with one another.

Read the First Chapters of Alex Van Helsing: Voice of the Undead Online! (Countdown Minus 11)

With Alex Van Helsing: Voice of the Undead coming out on July 26, I'm counting down 60 cool (often vampire) things. Today:
Read a Preview of Alex Van Helsing: Voice of the Undead at HarperTeen!
It all starts with a motorcycle chase that leads to an all-boys' school having to merge with an all-girls' school.




I usually write books in isolation a good year and a half before they come out. Between that and the street date, I might edit some here and there at the editor's behest, but there comes a point still many, many months from the book's release when it is done, completely done and locked, and all I can do is wait. Because I want people to read! I have students who write me and say, hey! Finished book 1-- where's book 2! And it's not out there.

Today, finally, you can go to HarperTeen and read the first bunch of chapters of Alex Van Helsing: Voice of the Undead. It takes you through a LOT, including the catastrophe that causes Alex's boys' school to have to merge with the all-girl school across the lake.

So! Go read, and then pre-order. Voice of the Undead comes out on July 26 and I for one can't stand the suspense.