Welcome to my website!
Within these pages of malevolence you will find links to my works and updates on new projects. My first novel, Storberry, is finished and is going through final edits. The expectation is for digital release (initially on Amazon Kindle) in the middle of August 2014.
I am currently working on two new novels, feeling my way through the initial chapters and getting to know the characters. Once Storberry is officially released, I will fully commit to one of the two novels. I’m very excited about both ideas, and can’t wait to see where the characters take me this fall and winter.
In the meantime, I want to give my readers a tantalizing taste of what to expect from “Storberry.” This novel is an homage to the classic vampire horror genre, the kind of stories that made your heart race and the hairs on your neck stand. Drawing inspiration from iconic titles like “Salem’s Lot,” my story is an atmospheric, eerie exploration of a small town shrouded in fear and uncertainty.
“Storberry” introduces you to a quaint Virginia town, the kind that has all the makings of an idyllic, all-American setting. The picturesque streets, friendly locals, and generations-old traditions all help create a sense of deceptive tranquility. Yet as the sun sets, an ancient darkness awakens, one that has long been dormant but never forgotten.
It all begins with a series of odd occurrences, things that are easily brushed off as random incidents by the town’s inhabitants. A missing pet here, an unexplained power outage there – signs that become increasingly hard to ignore. It’s not until a former resident of Storberry returns to the town that the fear truly takes hold.
Our protagonist, a quiet and introverted teacher with a past he’d rather forget, becomes increasingly entangled in the disturbing events as they escalate. He has a history with the supernatural, a past that makes him sensitive to the lurking evil that threatens to consume the town.
“Storberry” draws you into its chilling narrative, compelling you to follow its twisting storyline, where horror is woven seamlessly into the fabric of the town’s everyday life. The novel encapsulates the sense of isolation and creeping dread that we associate with the best vampire fiction. The stakes rise with every turned page, with every sun that sets, and you will find yourself invested in the desperate fight against the nocturnal terror that has claimed Storberry as its hunting ground.
As I put the final touches to the manuscript, I can’t help but anticipate the journey you will soon embark on. “Storberry” offers a terrifying exploration of the classic vampire trope, infusing it with a palpable sense of dread that will leave fans of horror literature on the edge of their seats.
In the coming weeks, I’ll be sharing more about my progress and providing glimpses into the world of “Storberry”. But for now, brace yourself for the release – for when darkness falls upon Storberry, there’s no knowing what might come out to play.
The History of Vampire Horror Novels
Let’s examine the history of notable vampire horror novels, a fascinating journey through time that shows how this genre has evolved.
1. “Carmilla” (1872) by Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu: This novella is one of the earliest works of vampire fiction. It tells the story of a young woman’s susceptibility to the attentions of a female vampire named Carmilla and is remarkable for its lesbian themes.
2. “Dracula” (1897) by Bram Stoker: No list of vampire fiction would be complete without this iconic novel. This book introduced Count Dracula and set many of the standards for modern vampire fiction.
3. “I Am Legend” (1954) by Richard Matheson: In this novel, the entire world has fallen prey to a vampiric plague, leaving Robert Neville as the last human in a world of the undead. Its unique twist on the vampire mythos has made it a timeless classic.
4. “Salem’s Lot” (1975) by Stephen King: King’s second novel tells the tale of a small town in Maine that is overrun by vampires. It has been recognized as a classic in horror literature and was an obvious inspiration for my own novel, “Storberry”.
5. “The Vampire Chronicles” (1976-2018) by Anne Rice: This series, beginning with “Interview with the Vampire,” reinvented vampire fiction for a new generation, offering a more sensual and sympathetic depiction of the vampire.
6. “Let the Right One In” (2004) by John Ajvide Lindqvist: This Swedish novel centers on the relationship between a bullied boy and a vampire child in a suburb of Stockholm in the early 1980s. It’s known for its unique take on the vampire genre.
7. “The Passage Trilogy” (2010-2016) by Justin Cronin: This series offers an epic and terrifyingly plausible take on the future, where a government experiment gone wrong results in a post-apocalyptic world overrun by vampire-like beings.
This brief overview provides just a glimpse of the rich and diverse history of vampire fiction, from its origins to contemporary interpretations. Each of these books has contributed to the evolution of the genre and the enduring allure of the vampire archetype. As a fan of this genre, my goal with “Storberry” is to honor this legacy while offering a fresh and thrilling addition to this timeless tradition.
What if you don’t own a Kindle?
A few people have mentioned to me that they wish to read my stories, but cannot because they don’t have an e-reader (Kindle, Nook, Kobo, etc). Guess what? Anybody with a computer, tablet, iPad, or smartphone can download and read digital books. You don’t need to purchase a dedicated e-reader.
Amazon, Kobo, and Barnes and Noble all provide free apps for the latest devices so that you download and read digital books on the devices you already own. Pretty cool, eh?
That’s right. You don’t need to own a Kindle device to enjoy the vast library of Kindle books. The Kindle app is available for smartphones, tablets, and computers. Here’s what you need to do:
1. Download and Install the Kindle App
First, you need to download the Kindle app from your device’s app store. For Android devices, you can download it from Google Play Store, for iOS devices from the Apple App Store, and for Windows or Mac from the Amazon website. The app is free to download and install.
2. Sign In to Your Amazon Account
After you’ve installed the Kindle app, open it and sign in using your Amazon account credentials. If you don’t have an Amazon account, you’ll need to create one.
3. Browse and Purchase eBooks
You can browse and purchase eBooks directly from the Kindle app or from the Amazon website. From the Kindle app, tap the “Store” or “Shop in Kindle Store” button, then search for the book you want. On the Amazon website, navigate to the Kindle eBooks department, search for your book, and choose the “Buy now with 1-Click” button. Make sure your Kindle app is selected as the delivery device.
4. Download and Read eBooks
Purchased eBooks will automatically appear in your Kindle library. To download a book to your device, tap the cover of the book. Once downloaded, tap the book cover again to open and read the book.
5. Adjust Reading Settings
In the Kindle app, you can adjust font size, background color, and other settings to make reading more comfortable. These settings are usually available via the “Aa” icon while you’re reading a book.
6. Using Kindle’s Features
The Kindle app provides several features to enhance your reading experience:
– Bookmarks: You can bookmark a page by tapping the top-right corner of the page. A small bookmark icon will appear.
– Highlights and Notes: You can highlight text by pressing and holding a word, then dragging the highlight handles. You can also add notes to highlighted text.
– Dictionary: Tap and hold a word to bring up the dictionary definition.
– Search: Use the search feature to find specific text in your book.
– Sync Reading: Kindle app can sync your reading progress, bookmarks, notes, and highlights across all devices with the Kindle app installed. You can pick up reading where you left off on another device.
Remember to keep the Kindle app updated to ensure you have the latest features and improvements.
If you want more information on how to use these free Kindle apps, check out my how-to page.
Another great way to get updates on my projects and to connect directly with me is through Facebook and Twitter.
In the meantime, I need to get back to work.
Thank you for supporting independent writers!
Dan Padavona