Vampire Q&A: Delizhia Jenkins (Vampire Hunters Academy)
“This book prepares the readers for the next phase in Sanaya’s journey as a Huntress, which will be nothing but total darkness.”
Vampire Hunters Academy author Delizhia Jenkins talks about her inspiration for the series, gives us a peek at the latest book, and reveals why you shouldn’t fall in love with a vampire.
Delizhia Jenkins is an urban fantasy and paranormal romance author whose love whose works include The Vampire Hunters Academy series and The Lost Queen: Mercury’s Heir. Her love for writing began in elementary school, when the passion for storytelling developed into a journey of writing. Over the years, she honed her craft for storytelling and the written word by excelling in subjects such English and English Literature; and by indulging in her favorite past time which involved reading the works of Anne Rice, K’Wan, Christopher Pike, Carl Weber, Omar Tyree, and L.A. Banks. J.R. Ward’s Black Dagger Brotherhood also claimed her heart and author Karen Marie Moning joined the ranks of Miss Jenkins’ all time favorite authors.
In this interview, Miss Jenkins talks to Monster Complex about Vampire Hunters Academy, talks about her inspiration for the series, and explains the problem with loving vampires.
RELATED LINKS:
Complete Vampire Hunters Academy from Delizhia Jenkins
The Vampire Issue | Summer 2020: Delizhia Jenkins, L.A. Banks, Buffy Vs. X-Files, More!
What inspired your unique take on the vampire mythos for the Vampire Hunters Academy?
Well, it began as a sort of homage to the late L.A. Banks. When she died, there was a hole in the (black) Sci-Fi community and I (at the time) was a new author and I loved her work so much I needed a way to thank her. I wish that I had been granted the opportunity to meet her in person because her work, is really what inspired me to go forward with fulfilling a dream of bringing my own characters to life.
Now granted, I’ve always been a writer. I felt the magic of the pen in third grade when I first started first realized I could do a lot more than just homework assignments. But L.A. Banks made me realize how hungry readers like me were for representation in the Sci-Fi genres.
So, long story short, The Vampire Hunters Academy started out as a “Thank You” to Ms. Banks. It was a way for me to keep her memory alive. But the characters I created are not based off of her. The storyline is a intricately woven web of everything that I know about vampires and their origins, mixed with everything I've learned about religion, spirituality and mythology.
Your latest Vampire Hunters Academy novel is THE FORSAKEN. No spoilers, but how does this fit into the larger picture of the series?
This is basically where the story line “gets real.” Time is running out. The anticipated prophecy is unfolding and Sanaya (main character) no longer has the luxury (not that she really ever did) to still be a “Kid.”
The Fallen—damned angels who disobeyed the Almighty and were locked away as punishment—have been freed, which means that the end is approaching. So, this book prepares the readers for the next phase in Sanaya’s journey as a Huntress, which will be nothing but total darkness.
What were your favorite vampire stories (books, movies, comics, TV, whatever) growing up?
I loved Buffy The Vampire Slayer. Blade—I can’t even tell you how many times I watched that growing up. I watched every single Dracula remake I could find. Oh, and Christopher Pike’s The Last Vampire series turned me on to reading vampire themed stories. Anne Rice was another, and of course, LA. Banks’ The Vampire Huntress Legends series.
What are your biggest pet peeves in vampire stories?
I hate the fact that vampires have been romanticized in such a way that they are no longer something to be feared. Don’t get me wrong, I appreciate paranormal romance too, but when it comes down to it, vampires are not your friends. They shouldn’t even be your lover. Their world is violent, sadistic even, savage... their rules are different, so to have them blend in with humanity takes away the lure of vampire noire.
What do YOU look for in a great vampire story?
Origins. I love to find out how vampires came into being. I also appreciate a few good death scenes.
Find Delizhia Jenkins Online
Amazon Author Profile (affiliate link)
RELATED LINKS
Complete Vampire Huntress Legend Series by L.A.Banks
Anne Rice’s ‘Vampire Chronicles,’ ‘Mayfair Witches’ At AMC
Quiz: Was That Monster On An Episode Of X-Files Or Buffy The Vampire Slayer?
Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter Books by Laurell K. Hamilton In Order
Interview with Author Delizhia Jenkins – Ramona Portelli Blog
Interview With Author Delizhia Jenkins - Paul's Fantasy Writings
Interview with Delizhia Jenkins - Smashwords
Celebrating POC Authors in Fantasy: Delizhia Jenkins
BlaQ Her-Story with Urban Fantasy and Paranormal Romance Author Delizhia Jenkins
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