Yesterday we began an interview with Mike Duran, a Christian vampire author. We discussed how he got the idea about vampire literature while also defining exactly what defines vampire literature.

Mike is back today for the second part where he discusses his experiences in trying to publish a Christian book as well as why there is such a resistance in the publishing world to this genre.

Question: What has been your experiences with trying to publish a book of this type?

Answer: Well, I haven’t made a huge run at it, to be honest. I pitched the idea past my last agent who liked the concept but, like me, was well aware of the risk. One hesitation I have is the current market’s saturation. It may be leveling out, but between Twilight, The Vampire Diaries, HBO’s True Blood, and many, many others, there is no shortage of vampires in film and fiction. Jumping on a bandwagon, especially when it’s over-crowded, is not something I want to do. Another reservation I have is the trepidation on the part of Christian publishers to touch the subject. The Christian market is notoriously conservative, so trying to push through stories about vampires carries a built-in frustration factor.

Question: Why do you think that there have been such resistance and rejections to Christian Vampire Literature?

Answer: That’s pretty easy to answer. First, evil. Second, erotica.

Although there are various cultural legends, the vampire has always been associated with evil. She feeds on others, steals their life to sustain her own. Many have pointed out how the vampire myth reverses the symbolism of the Christian Eucharist. Whereas Christ commanded His followers to eat His flesh and drink His blood (John 6:53), the vampire turns that around and feeds on the flesh and blood of her victim. Thus, the vampire is an archetype for something antithetical to Christianity. It is anti-Christ, if you will.

The second reason there’s been such resistance to the notion of a Christian vampire is the erotica. Somewhere along the way, the vampire “kiss” – the biting of the jugular vein – took on increasingly sexualized connotations. Instead of frail, pathetic parasites, vampires became Casanovas, refined and aristocratic men about town. Nowadays, the erotica has been replaced by teenage angst and forbidden romance. Either way, Christian audiences are still suspicious of the vampire motif for these reasons.

Question: What do you think is the future for authors who would like to publish in this genre?

Answer: Hmm. They’re probably in for a rough road. I’m not saying it isn’t worth traveling. There’s just a lot working against them. Again, your audience matters a lot. Frankly, the person exploring the Christian vampire concept may have a better chance in the general market. I just don’t know how ready the religious community is to embrace the notion. But bottom line: Writers are often encouraged to write what’s on their heart, share their story and damn the torpedoes. So that would be my advice. If your story is about a Christian vampire, then write it.

Question: Where can our Lexington readers go to contact you or get more information?

Answer: My main contact point is my website: www.MikeDuran.com.

Mike- thank you for agreeing to do this interview and I welcome you back at an time.

So what questions do you have Lexington for our guest? Is there a particular book that you may have an interest in? What is your opinion of Christian Literature? Please comment below.