By Alan Kelly
'Being compared to someone is not the same as saying I am duplicating someone else's style' says Eternal Vigilance author Gabrielle Faust when I remark that her work runs a similar vein to other writers in the field of vampirism, although she does modestly admit that she is'extremely comfortable with this comparison. I have extremely varied influences from William Gibson to Anne Rice' ...Eternal Vigilance is an interesting take on the subgenre of vamp with elements of lush romanticism coupled with cyberpunkishness thrown into the mixer. So I guess it is really a rather obvious allusion to make when broaching the subject of comparison. 'It was my goal to create a blending of the sci fi and romantic vampire worlds with ETERNAL VIGILANCE, breathing a fresh take on the genre through my own unique voice...'
Gabrielle has mentioned on her website that one day she'd love to see EV adapted for the screen but doesn't see herself in the director's chair 'I don't see myself directing the film adaptation. However, I would insist on being an active advisor to keep the film from becoming warped or watered down from the original vision. Honestly, I would love for the indie filmmaker Anthony Brownrigg to take on the project!'
At the moment Gabrielle has several projects outside of the ETERNAL VIGILANCE series that are in the works. The first is the design and illustration of the cover art and several interior illustrations for Michael Marano's upcoming collection of short stories entitled STORIES FROM THE PLAGUE YEARS, 'which is due out in early 2009 via Cemetery Dance. Another project I am finishing up is my new collection of poetry entitled CROSSROADS, which is also due out in early 2009, via Seraphemera Books.'
Another project (does this girl ever sleep?) which 'I am extremely excited about, is the development of a serialized comic book based on the EV series illustrated by the artist Sanya Anwar.' Right now they are developing an initial promotional poster and the initial character designs, but 'we hope to have the first comic book available in early 2009!'
For Moi, I had started to think of the vamp genre as little more than a festering corpse but having read EV I genuinely have to confess that my mind has changed. So does Gabrielle see herself tackling other paranormal creatures 'Thank you so much for the compliment!' don't mention it honey! 'I'm not sure what other paranormal species I could see myself tackling. The EV series is going to keep me busy for at least the next five years so who knows what I'll be leaning towards at that time.' Although she does tell me about a little crush shes developed 'Lately I have been becoming more and more fascinated with the zombie genre so that could be an option. I will cross that bridge when I come to it though.' Well a little Dahmeresque curiosity never hurt anyone.
Gabrielle's mentor is the superb fantasy writer and head honcho of the imprint Immanion Press Storm Constantine (Thin Air is one of my all time favorite fantasy novellas) so what's Gabby's thoughts on the lady with the metaphysical edge 'Storm is one of the most talented and generous people I have ever had the pleasure to work with. She is not only an amazing mentor to me, but has also become a friend over the past few years I have worked with her. I am very blessed to have such an amazing publisher!'
Ms Faust worked in advertising and publicity and found it a thankless, soul-sucking experience which was detrimental to her creativity 'I found myself slaving away on ideas for companies I didn't really believe in only to go without a simple 'thank you' 99% of the time. I still love creating marketing campaigns and advertising, but now it is for my own clients and for projects I can really get behind and support'
So what advice would the darling Ms Faust give to budding writers like MOI? 'If you have a passion for writing and it is a true dream of yours to become published, you cannot give up at the first sign of critique or criticism. Take the advice, no matter how harsh it may sound to your ears, and try to learn from it.' Such a lovely young woman. 'It will make you and your work stronger if you can stick with it. Also, when you do become published, listen to your editors. Yes, they will drive you to tears sometimes, but they are there as an expert outside view point to guide your work in the direction of becoming good solid writing.' Cheers Gabby.
Some of Gabrielle's favorite vamp movies are Nosferatu (the original from 1922), Interview with the Vampire, Near Dark, Perfect Creature, Let the Right One In, Lair of the White Worm, 30 Days of Night, Lost Boys, The Hunger, Bram Stoker's Dracula and Dracula: The Dark Prince (The True Story of Dracula)...'these are a few of my faves.' J
Gabrielle also edits The Bloodied Quill w/ Michele Lee, which is a horror newsletter; will she be expanding that in the future? 'As of right now there are no plans on expanding The Bloodied Quill, but things may change in 2009. The organization is growing exponentially so anything is possible. I would love to be able to establish an International Order of Horror Professionals blog that I can update daily with member news.' Gabrielle certainly has a lot going on with the second novel in the EV series due for publication early next year. Lets hope she doesn't burn out anytime soon. Can't wait to see what happens next…..
Keep up with Gabrielle at www.gabriellefaust.com/
