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The Alternative Library

The Thomas J. Misuraca Interview

Author of "Friends of Dracula"

Time allowing and authors willing, JJ and I will continue to publish a new author interview in each issue of the Midnight Times.

For the Summer 2005 interview we met online with Tom Misuraca, author of "Friends of Dracula". Tom provided a great deal of insight into "Friends of Dracula," which is actually a chapter from the novel Lifesytles of the Damned but reads quite well as a stand alone, quasi short story. Look for Tom's novel to be published soon, and be sure to click through to his web site--the link is near the end of the interview. Enjoy! -- Jay Manning, MT Editor

THE INTERVIEW

Jay Manning: Good morning, Tom.

Thomas J. Misuraca: Good morning, Jay. I see JJ has poked you with a hot stick.

JJ Collins: LOL

Jay: Thanks a bunch for joining us for the interview, Tom.

Tom: Just out of curiosity, where are you guys in relation to one another?

Jay: Good question. I'm in St. Louis (Central time). So there's a 2-hour time difference.

JJ: I'm in New Orleans (Central also).

Tom: I need to get to New Orleans someday.

JJ: We'd love to have you down, Tom.

Jay: New Orleans is a great place to visit and party.

JJ: Bring your beads.

Tom: Well, now that Anne Rice isn't living there anymore... What's the point?

Jay: She isn't?!?

Tom: She moved after her hubby died.

JJ: Hey, hey! Poppy Z. Brite is still here.

Tom: Is Trent Reznor still there?

JJ: Heck. I don't know.

Tom: Don't you know the people in your neighborhood?

Jay: I had no idea he lived there.

JJ: Yeah, I had to install DSL in his home here back in 2000. A lot of the celebrities that live here have houses here but don't stay here all the time.

Tom: We have a few celebrities here in Los Angeles as well.

Jay: Tom, I guess we could go ahead and get started with some questions.

JJ: Celebrities don't rank high on my list of priorities I guess.

Tom: Probably for the best, JJ.

JJ: I'm too busy with other things...maybe if I didn't live here. Proximity numbs.

Tom: Understood. Anyhow, I'm ready when you are.

Jay: Tom, the first thing I would like to talk about is your story. Obviously I selected it for the Vampire issue. And both JJ and I think it's one of the best stories we've have had the pleasure to publish.

Tom: I remember your very flattering letter.

JJ: I really enjoyed it.

Tom: Wow. Now I'm even more flattered. Thank you.

Jay: The thing that really got me was what an exceptional job you did with the parody aspect of things. The whole concept of a support group for young vampires is just hilarious. I was wondering, how did you think that up?

Tom: Well, I'd had some other sections to this story that had already been written, and some published. "Coming Out" appeared in Nuthouse Magazine and was about Peter informing his family that he was a vampire. "The Scene" was about Peter meeting up with all his old friends who were now vampires. And they all worked, as well as going back in time to discuss Peter's conversion. But I was really stuck on how to move forward with his family. What would be the next step? How would they cope with it? Then it hit me--therapy. And really, once that idea came into my head, it really flowed out of me.

Jay: Well, I've read A LOT of vampire stories, and yours came across as very unique.

Tom: Thank you, I hope it also has to do with the fact that it is humorous.

Jay: In the title you make a reference to "Friends of Dracula" being from Lifestyles of the Damned. So that is a novel?

Tom: Yes it is.

Jay: Is it completed? Or have you just published some of the finished chapters?

Tom: It is completed now. That first story was published in 1996. And when I got stuck after the second one (published in 1997), it sat for many years. A couple of years ago, I took a writing class at UCLA and that's when the idea for "Friends Of Dracula" hit me, so I wrote it up to be work shopped for that. And I got such great feedback from the class, it motivated me to finally complete the novel, so I spent about the next year and a half doing that. I am very happy with the finished product. Now if I can just get an agent or publisher interested.

Jay: If the rest of the novel is as good as the chapter we published on the MT web site, I don't think you should have any problem. I'm wondering... Is the group therapy aspect of the story, was that a reflection of the writing workshop/class, or did you have some other angle with that in mind?

Tom: Perhaps subconsciously, but I did not write it with that intention. I was leaning more toward how individuals cope with issues in their lives. Peter's mom chooses therapy, his father denial, and his sister takes the religious route. And also to show how a change in an individual's life ends up changing the lives of others.

Jay: Right. I can see that. I really got a kick out of how you started the story with Peter's arrival at his parent's house, and how each of them reacted.

Tom: That basically picks up where his "coming out" scene ends.

JJ: I really liked that characterization. Especially when the vamps started talking to each other while the adults were blabbering on.

Jay: The characterization was great. You really did an excellent job with that. They all seemed very realistic.

Tom: Thank you. Some feared I was taking a chance with Chance. That she was too over the top. But that's kind of the point of her, really.

Jay: Hahaha! I was just about to ask you about that very character!

Tom: LOL. I love her!

Jay: So who was the inspiration for the Chance character?

Tom: I wish I could tell you a great story about her, but she just popped into my head and I ran with her. I wanted her to have some kind of out-of-date speak, but couldn't figure out which would best suit her, so I used them all.

JJ: I loved her dialogue. She reminded me of a lady I work with who wants to be "hip" with all the kids. Loved it.

Jay: It was so real! Totally!

Tom: Thanks. You should see how Peter's dad reacts to her when they finally drag him along.

Jay: That would be something. Chance seems to speak in a lot of, what do you call it? I'm not sure what the word would be for trying to be overly hip, with it, whatever. But what I'm getting at is that her character is kind of a reflection of the stereotypical, overzealous, therapist. She's kind of a cliché.

Tom: Yes, she is. Thus, speaking in slang is her attempt to make others open up to her because they think she can relate to them. The character is a cliché, so she needed to talk like one.

Jay: Exactly. But for her it's forgivable. I think readers will find her likeable because it's her being genuinely herself, even though she does fit the stereotype. Speaking of which, I thought you did an excellent job of weaving many of the classic vampire clichés into the story. Like Peter's Mom saying he can't come in unless he's invited. And the crossing water bit.

Tom: Thank you. The theme of the story is Peter trying to break out of the stereotypes of his lifestyle.

Jay: Did you plan that, or did it just come naturally? Actually, I think you just answered that with your last comment.

Tom: I did, didn't I? It is the theme of the book. Just because you're a vampire, do you have to sleep in a coffin? Do you have to wear all black? Do you have to hang out at all the hip vampire clubs? Peter's trying to find where he fits into this world. But it doesn't help when not only mortals have misconceptions (garlic, crossing rivers) but when vampires themselves perpetuate the stereotype. Like the Universal horror movie looking vampires at the group therapy session.

Jay: Right. I got that. That was funny. I also like your choice of telepathy for an authentic vampire power.

Jay: In your biographical statement for the MT web site, you mention that when you're not writing you work as a graphic designer.

Tom: Yup.

Jay: How do you balance writing and work?

Tom: I am fortunate that I have a flexible schedule. I sort of freelance, so I can set my own hours as long as the work gets done. On a perfect day, I write a little in the morning before I have to attend to work, then take some time at lunch to perhaps do some editing, then try to squeeze a little more writing in at night. Though occasionally I try to have a social life.

Jay: Sounds like getting a little bit of writing in on a daily/weekly basis is the key. Do you try to write every day?

Tom: Yes. For at least an hour. Some days it turns out to be more, some days less.

Jay: That's great that due to your working freelance you can manage to make time for writing like that.

Tom: But sometimes work gets so hectic, it's tough to clear that hour.

Jay: Right. How is the graphic artist work? What sort of stuff do you do in that area?

Tom: I enjoy doing something creative that does not drain me from writing. I'm more of a production artist than a designer, which is fine by me. I enjoy making other people's designs try to fit into whatever else it is a client needs.

Jay: Sounds like a good mix. Kind of like how I'm into the technical aspect of computers, but I also like writing and literature.

Tom: My main job (who I worked full time with until I decided to go freelance) has a few clients. I work closest with a health care company. So not only do I enjoy the work, but it also feels like I'm doing something worthwhile. My other client is Tokyo Pop. Manga comics. I do lettering and retouching, and it's really great to be a part of that world.

Jay: I actually find that working on things other than writing gets me more motivated to write.

Tom: True. I think I get more writing done when I have more work, because if I only have two hours to write, I'm going to write in those two hours. If I have four hours, well, I may be organizing my CD collection.

Jay: Exactly! Do you have any favorite authors, or are you reading anything right now?

Tom: My favorite authors are pretty mixed. I admire Joyce Carol Oates, John Irving and young adult writer Robert Cormier.

Jay: I'm a Joyce Carol Oats fan. I like her short fiction.

Tom: She writes like a book a month, so your best to keep it to the short stuff. Though Zombie is a fantastic novel. She writes as a male serial killer and it's petty frightening.

Jay: I might have to check that one out.

Tom: Do so, you won't regret it. I also read many classics, enjoy Russian literature, and some of the surrealists like Kafka and Camus. And of course, Anne Rice, because if I don't they'll take away my vampire writing card.

Jay: You do have a broad literary interest.

Tom: I try. I think it's important as a writer to read a little bit of everything.

Jay: So have you written any other vampire fiction?

Tom: Actually, no. Lifestyles was my one and only take at vampires. I have written some other horror pieces as well as some surreal and sarcastically pieces.

Jay: I think writing a good vampire story is very difficult because there are so many potential pitfalls. Your first attempt has certainly seemed to be successful. At least in the opinion of the editors here at Midnight Times!

JJ: I definitely agree. I want to read the novel. When you do get an agent and it goes on sale, please let us know so we can get a copy.

Tom: Well, it was a long journey as well. Almost ten years in the process. And that makes it all worthwhile. My cover letter begins "I know what you're thinking--not ANOTHER vampire novel." But sadly, out of all the novels I've written (and remain collecting dust) I think Lifestyles is the most marketable. I hate having to think that way.

Jay: A lot of authors who try to write a vampire story make the mistake of being too cliché, or just rehashing what has been done 1000 times before. I agree with you that Lifestyles is marketable. I'll buy it when you get it published. I'm ready to read more.

Tom: Cool. I'll go on an elaborate book tour to St. Louis and New Orleans!

JJ: Most definitely.

Jay: I think Lifestyles is both marketable and has literary merit. I think you have managed to get it both ways. Well, we have covered a lot of stuff, especially in regard to your story, "Friends of Dracula". I guess we should go ahead and wrap it up.

Tom: OK. Any last questions?

Jay: I think I'm out of questions. JJ?

JJ: Not at this time. I feel we got a lot of good insight from Tom about the story.

Jay: Great insight! Tom, do you have any final comments that would like to add?

Tom: Well, I'd like to plug a few things.

JJ: By all means.

Jay: Go right ahead.

Tom: But first, on the authors, can we also ad Douglas Adams, Mark Leyner and Neil Gaimen. They influence my humor a great deal. And now the plugs. My website (which now I have to finish if you mention): www.kidgoth.com.

Jay: I'm a huge Douglas Adams fan.

Tom: Did you see the movie?

Jay: Not yet, but I plan to.

JJ: I saw it. That's a great image on your website, btw. I haven't read the book, so I don't really have a strong basis for comparison.

Tom: I also run an internet Goth/80s radio station: Darkest Before Dawn: www.live365.com/stations/tommiz. Thanks, JJ. the original was www.angelfire.com/mi2/misuraca.

JJ: lol. I like the new graphic better.

Tom: I liked the pic on the original so much, I made it my business card.

Jay: Yes. It does look sharp.

Tom: Anyhow, I also want to mention my next publication: "City Under Siege" will be published in Jaw Magazine in Spring 2005. "He Kindly Stopped For Me" will be published in The Writers Post Journal in August 2005. And "The Machine" is currently on Reflection's Edge web site, www.reflectionsedge.com.

Jay: BTW, this interview will be in the Summer 2005 issue of MT (July 1 publication date).

Tom: Sweet! If this doesn't get me an agent, I don't know what will!

Jay: I hope it helps! Thanks a million for participating in the interview, Tom!

Tom: Very nice to "meet" you guys.

JJ: It was a pleasure to get to talk to you, Tom. Thank you.

Jay: Yeah, nice to get to know you as well.

Tom: And thanks for all the flattery. I think my hat size has gone up a few notches.

Jay: LOL!

JJ: hehe

Tom: When we all make it big, we'll meet up for coffee!

Jay: Absolutely, Tom!

Tom: Have a good day, Jay & JJ.

Jay: Thanks. You do the same.

JJ: You too, Tom.

Jay: Okay. That's a wrap.