I am extremely excited to have author Gerry Bartlett here today, Gerry is the author of the Glory St. Clair series. The latest book Real Vampires Hate Their Thighs will be released on February 2^nd. It’s not often I get the chance to interview one of my favorite authors, so excuse me while I go all fan girl! Thanks to taking the time to stop by Gerry!

WLP: Can you tell us a little about Glory for those unfamiliar with the series?

GB: Glory St. Clair is a vampire who was bloating when she was turned over four hundred years ago by her on again off again lover hunky Scot Jeremiah Campbell aka Jeremy Blade. This century she’s running her own vintage clothing shop in Austin, Texas and trying to blend with humans to save her own hide while she tries to figure out if she can really find happiness as an ancient male’s woman. The latest book in the series, REAL VAMPIRES HATE THEIR THIGHS, out February 2, is book 5. But you can jump in with this one and still enjoy the story. 

WLP: Why did you chose to avoid the whole “when vampires are turned they become perfect” aspect of most vampire stories?

GB: My philosophy when I decided to write about vampires is that I figured they had to be people first. And wouldn’t they keep the same personalities and quirks? So why not the same figure flaws and insecurities? It makes for a much more interesting story I think. I sure have fun with the idea. Glory has some great friends and they come in all sizes and age groups with their own unique hangups.

WLP: I have to ask, if you were Glory which male would you choose? Jerry, Ray or even Valdez?

GB: Since I’m writing men that fulfill some of my own personal fantasies, I refuse to choose. I mean, why not have them all? One at a time. Hmm. Hunky Scottish warrior, then hot Rock Star and last but not least the alpha male who is your best friend but wants your body and knows exactly how to please you. Is it hot in here?

WLP: Can you tell us a little about your antique business and how you incorporated it into Glory’s store?

GB: I rent a space at a store on the historic Strand on Galveston Island here in Texas. We lost everything in Hurricane Ike but have rebuilt and restocked. I work there once or twice a week and enjoy meeting people from all over the world who come to the beach or to take a cruise. Glory’s business is like mine and I use some of the characters I meet and the whole setup as the basis for her shop in my books. Of course a woman who had lived through great fashion eras would dig vintage clothing. It seemed natural to me to give Glory this interest.

WLP: I can totally see Gerry Butler playing Jerry! So, if you could pick who would play your characters in a series, who would you pick?

GB: Yes, Gerard Butler, definitely. And Chris O’Donnell in NCIS Los Angeles for Rafe Valdez but with longer hair. Not sure about Israel Caine. If only Adam Lambert were straight… LOL. But there are lots of hot possibilities. There’s a link for a petition on my fansite to get my books made into a TV series or movie. Hit my website for the link to the fansite to sign up and maybe we’ll see these come to life some day.

WLP: Do you feel that readers are getting sick of vampires, since the whole Twilight thing went wild?

GB: I just did a blog about this at VampChix I say no way. Vampires, especially the men, are still fascinating us. Look at the success of “Vampire Diaries”. And how many of us added HBO to our cable package and are holding our breaths waiting for the return of “True Blood”? Me, me, me. Vamp men are the ultimate bad boys. We can’t seem to get enough of them. I think there’s still a while before this trend runs its course.

WLP: If you could pick any paranormal to be, what would you be? Why?

GB: I love writing about them, wouldn’t want to be one. I have too many all too human family members and friends to want to leave them behind. I’m just glad I have the opportunity to enjoy great stories and that I can indulge my imagination and get the vicarious thrills from the paranormal adventures being written today.

WLP: What authors do you enjoy, when you aren’t writing?

GB: J.R. Ward for her edgy brotherhood and Adrian Phoenix for urban fantasy. I like straight mystery too by John Sandford and some Dean Koontz.

WLP: Your romance scenes are some of my favorite in the genre, where do you get your inspiration?

GB: Since I’m a fairly recent widow, I’m relying now on memory. I had a great husband for over thirty years. Sigh. But I also have read romance since junior high school. I watch a lot of TV too and my guilty pleasure is “The Young and The Restless” and “One Life to Live.” Yes, I like the soaps. I DVR them and watch them at night. My days are for writing and shopping for my antique business.

WLP: Can you tell us about Real Vampires Hate Their Thighs?

GB: In this one Glory is off to Hollywood with rock star Israel (Ray) Caine, pretending to be his fiance while she teaches the new vampire how to use his fangs. This is her chance to walk the red carpet at the Grammys. Blade is along for the ride. When Glory hears that a vamp diet guru can help her finally lose those extra pounds she’s been carrying for centuries, she’s all for it. Too bad he’s Blade’s ancient enemy. Does he have a hidden agenda? When his diet drugs have strange side effects, Blade’s sure of it. Just how far is Glory willing to go to make her diet dreams come true?

WLP: Any hints on the next book in the series, Real Vampires Have More To Love (Dec ’10)?

GB: We’ll see a whole new Valdez in book 6 and Glory’s going to have a devil of a time with the Energy Vampires again. Blade, Ray and Valdez are all back in her life and Flo’s got the wedding of the century on tap. Oh, and did I mention the bachelorette party from hell? Lots of fun and, oh yes, turn on a fan, there’s heat.

WLP: Thank you again for stopping by Gerry, I cannot wait for the 6^th book!

GB: Thanks for having me. This has been great fun. I hope you’ll invite me back in December!

WLP: Read my review of Real Vampires Hate Their Thighs here