I've read a lot of reviews lately wondering if Breathless is inspired by Twilight, so I thought I would provide some insight into my inspiration for the book.
Basically, I love vampires. It sounds cliche, but only by today's standards because of the Twilight phenomenon, but I have loved vampires since junior high--which is longer than I care to admit! It all started with Lestat. He's incredibly corrupt but so beautifully tragic that I couldn't help but fall in love with him. For sometime after being introduced to Lestat, I delved into vampire lore and began forming my own thoughts and opinions about various traits and characteristics. Eventually, though, my love affair with the Anne Rice series caused me to branch out in search of other vampires that could woo me in the same way as Lestat, but until Edward came along, all others failed.
Ah, Edward. He's everything Lestat isn't, and I can't decide if that's good or bad. I love them both but for very different reasons. Where Lestat is over-the-top, wonderfully charming, wise, and sometimes incorrigible, Edward is inconspicuous, modest, and naive. It's hard to move on from Edward...but I did.
Twilight is a fun read, but my favorite vampire books belong to Claudia Grey's Evernight series. They are much less splashy, but the story is sweet and sincere. I have been chomping at the bit, waiting for the last book in the series for what feels like forever. Soon. Very soon.
I also love Lesley Livingston's Wondrous Strange series. Her writing is so poetic that it makes me want to be better at what I do. I just finished the third book and have that lingering sadness that comes with knowing it's over.
I also enjoy Alison Noel's The Immortals series. The first book was a bit of a letdown to me. There were some plot twists that didn't sit well, but I found myself yearning for the next book nonetheless, and I have enjoyed every title ever since.
So, what inspired Breathless. I would be lying if I said there weren't elements of Twilight in it. Everyone has read Twilight, and it's become the standard by which to rate all other vampire romances. If you look hard enough in any of them, you will find elements of Twilight, intended or not. Truly, the half-vampire idea of Chaseyn was brought on by my many lingering thoughts about Renesme. Aside from that though, any similarities to Twilight are truly coincidental. I wrote a vampire romance...it's bound to sound a bit like Twilight, the quintessential vampire romance. Once you get reading, though, I think it's evident that Chaseyn and Edward, as well as Bella and Lia, couldn't be more opposite each other.
Cheers,
HH
Heather,
ReplyDeleteIt is unfortunate that you feel the need to get on here and defend your inspirations behind Breathless. I, too, love Twilight, but honestly, I didn't even read the books until I saw the first two movies and was wondering what all the fuss was about.
But like you, I have always loved Vampires. Twilight was great, but it is by no means the first, best, or only thing out there. I absolutely loved Breathless. It was great in its own right. I plan on putting up a short review (I use that term very loosely, as I only put up books I actually liked, there by making it more like a book love letter with some constructive criticism), on my new blog soon.
I can't wait for the next one. I'll be buying it as soon as it is out.
Hi Jules,
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for your kind comments. My inspiration comes from so many places that it is impossible to pinpoint any one frame of reference. Obviously, Twilight was a phenomenal addition to the collection of vampire literature, but it is just one book that I have read...just one of the many romances, vampire novels, etc., that could be compared to the love story of Cordelia and Chaseyn.
So often, I'm inspired by a song I hear while driving to work. One like can evoke a barrage of imagery in my mind. I'll even go as far, sometimes, as placing that line someplace within the pages of my writing--a little clue for people who recognize the words. Movies go just as far to conjure a story in my head. Wanderlust is filled with so many different inspirations, many from my own European travels...I'm working hard to complete it so that I don't have to keep people waiting fo rth enext installment. Hang tight! It's coming soon...
Thanks again! I look forward to seeing your review. If you have time, it would be great if you could also share your thoughts on Amazon or Goodreads as well.
Best,
Heather
I just got my hands on Breathless yesterday and couldn't put it down! It was an excellent read and I'm so looking forward to Wanderlust!
ReplyDeleteI've been on a vampire trend lately it seems and this series is just the sort of read I need! Great story without the raunchy stuff! :) Twilight was good for me for similar reasons. If you're looking for series to try I also recently discovered the House of Night series, great read and similar good qualities to yours. I can't wait to read more of your work!
Thanks, agferrell! I've read some of the House of Night series, but I'll have to get back to it. What I read was good.
ReplyDeleteI have to admit, I've gotten on an angel kick lately. I'm on the Grace series right now...and I'm waiting for the follow up to Becca Fitzpatrick's Crescendo. Of course, though, I will always fall back to the darkside. Lestat and Edward will always make my knees weak!
Cheers,
HH