Well, it's the beginning of a brand new year here on the Anne Rice Facebook page and, despite the fact that the author has been "under the weather" as of late, the page and the "People of the Page" continues to bring it's followers the latest news, most controversial stories and varying opinions on all things Anne Rice, with the same welcoming atmosphere and sanctuary for freedom of speech, that it has always maintained.
And, though there have not been any groundbreaking deals to write about or any major announcements coming from Mrs. Rice, things continue to move forward with pre-production on "Christ the Lord - Out of Egypt" and "Tale of the Body Thief" and rumors of some exciting news about these movies continue to spread.
We have also learned that the paperback edition of Anne Rice's last book, "The Wolf Gift", due out the end of the month, will contain the 1st chapter of the follow-up novel, "The Wolves of Mid-Winter", which according to the author, "will explain what happened to Laura".
For those who have yet to read "The Wolf Gift", the novel tells the story of Reuben Golding, a reporter for a San Francisco newspaper, who, while investigating the story of a lovely old mansion, is bitten by a were-wolf, leading the reader into his amazing world where good and evil are often blurred and the question of hero or villain is constantly debated.
Back where she belongs, in the realm of supernatural fiction, Anne Rice continues to amaze with "The Wolf Gift" and anticipation of the sequel will, no doubt, reach the same fever pitch that envelopes all her new work.
Some of the most exciting news to come from Mrs. Rice recently, also thrills the entire city of New Orleans as she recently confirmed that, barring illness or unforseen emergency, she will be attending this year's "Vampire Lestat Reunion Ball", thrown as always over Halloween weekend in New Orleans by the "Anne Rice Vampire Lestat Fan Club".
In response to the news, Sue Quiroz, President of the ARVLFC, says, "As you can imagine, I am thrilled to have Anne come back for the 25th anniversary of the Anne Rice's Vampire Lestat Fan Club. Since she moved to CA, we have not seen her attend the Ball, but she is always invited, every year to come join us. I have some special arrangements for her the night of Lestat's Reunion Ball and I hope she will enjoy our admiration! I am happy to be able to share the news with all her fans from all over the world."
A yearly event since it was first established in 1988, with a small break for a few years beginning in 2000, the ARVLFC has boasted thousands of members from all over the world.
According to Ms. Quiroz, “Melanie Scott, Susie Miller, Teresa Simmons and myself started her fan club at the “Queen of the Damned” book signing in October, 1988. She invited us to her home in New Orleans and gave us all kinds of publicity people to contact for information on her scheduled appearances so we could provide it to our members in our quarterly newsletter. We had about 35 names and addresses that we collected at the signing … and grew to 1,000s before we shut down in 2000. In 2002, I had heard so many complaints from people that missed the annual gatherings, that I began organizing the annual Ball again on my own money. When Katrina hit New Orleans in 2005, I was unable to keep the gatherings going, so I restarted the fan club so I could continue hosting the parties.”
She goes on to say “What the gatherings at the annual Ball means to me is an opportunity to bring our Anne Rice fans to New Orleans to see the places Anne writes about in not only the Vampire Chronicles but the Witching Hour series and the Feast of All Saints (even Exit to Eden) ...they all include New Orleans...the City blends in with the characters like a gumbo, each ingredient being an important part of the finished product. And those who love Anne Rice's books and characters can meet others who share the same interests. We love to dress up and pass a good time with each other...it is a magical mix of fans and fun. I think meeting all the different people from all over the country and the world is a great benefit because no matter who they are or where they come from we all feel the same about the books.”
Each year, the annual ball covers a different theme and the members, usually, dress in accordance to the era the theme is set. In years past, they have had “The Witching Hour” ball, “The Queen of the Damned” ball, “The Memnoch Ressurection” ball, and, last years, "The Wolf Gift" ball. Each has been met with great success.
Considering this announcement also coincides with Anne's recent post about finding a condo in the French Quarter of New Orleans, only encourages further speculation that, perhaps, she has finally found one. We certainly hope so as some of her most beloved books and characters have stemmed from her years in this wonderful city. I'm sure time will tell.
At this time, the "Anne Rice Examiner" page would like to acknowledge some of Mrs. Rice's most ardent "People of the Page", who continue to post interesting and provocative articles, in the wake of her recent "semi" break.
Thanks to Granny Goodwitch, page appointed science editor, for her fascinating articles, Andy Cummins, our neighbor from across the pond, for his "hot-button" posts that always illicit discussion and honorable mentions to Joaquin Hernandez Hinojosa for his always beautiful photos, Troy Hawkins, Dani C., Suzi QS, Greg Wilkey, and so many others whose contributions keep the Anne Rice Facebook page moving along. I know Anne appreciates all your support.
So, with a brand new year ahead of us, I want to wish all the "Anne Rice Examiner" fans a happy and healthy one. From one Anne Rice fan to another, as long as you continue to read, question and want to know about our favorite author, I'll be here trying to get the answers. Here's hoping Lestat comes back soon ... see ya around the page.
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I hope you enjoyed reading the latest about the "going ons" over at the Anne Rice Facebook page, as well as, everything new in the world of Anne Rice. If you did, please hit the subscribe button above to immediately receive all my new work as soon as I publish.
And, as always, for all the latest author interviews, publication news and book reviews, please visit the "Tampa Bay Books Examiner" page. Coming up, my review of Dennis Lehane's "Live by Night".
See ya next time!
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