Guest in S.A.: Gabrielle Faust

Austin author Gabrielle Faust

Austin-based horror novelist Gabrielle Faust will be signing books at Dragon’s Lair Comics & Fantasy on Saturday, June 11, from 3-6pm.

Faust is the author of the post apocalyptic vampire trilogy Eternal Vigilance, the latest book of which — Bound in Blood — was released last fall. Her new novella, Regret, hit the shelves earlier this year. Beyond her horror fiction, Faust has worked as an illustrator, a musician, an entertainment critic and released two books of poetry.

The local appearance and the new books seemed like a good excuse to make the always-busy author sit still long enough to answer a few questions about her work, her marketing efforts and why she likes signing books at Dragon’s Lair.

You’ve got a new novella out, Regret, in addition to some new musical projects. What are you promoting at this particular appearance?

I will be signing copies of Regret and the third Eternal Vigilance novel, Bound in Blood. However, if anyone has any copies of any of my other books from previous years, feel free to bring them by and I’ll be happy to sign them as well.

Tell us a little bit about Regret and the Eternal Vigilance series. What ideas are you exploring in these books and why do horror fans want to give them a read?

In Eternal Vigilance I explore a variety of philosophical and metaphysical ideas from the observation of the rise and fall of civilizations, how humanity seems to repeat the same catastrophic mistakes time and time again, one’s internal struggle to define what one’s purpose is, the dangers of deification and the metaphysical definition of “reality.” I wanted to create a series that not only drew you in on an entertainment level but also made you really reexamine some of the more poignant questions about life.

Regret is a metaphysical exploration of the concept of sin and its purpose within our own psyches and within human civilization. Through the introduction of five separate demons the main character, Marcus, discovers why each demon exists or was created by humanity and what purpose it governs.

Is this your first promotional jaunt to San Antonio?

I have actually done two signings at Dragon’s Lair Comics & Fantasy for the first two ETERNAL VIGILANCE books. I have also completed two signings at The Twig bookshop. I’m hoping to return in November for another signing around Day of the Dead.

Why the decision to promote at a comic shop versus a bookstore like B&N or Borders?

I like to keep things local when I can. I grew up going to Dragon’s Lair here in Austin so it is an honor to be able to support them in return. Dragon’s Lair has a large section that is genre novels, not just comic books, graphic novels or games. Since I write post apocalyptic and metaphysical horror it is a perfect fit!

Much of your work explores the vampire trope. I’m sure you, like many horror authors, wince when you see what these once-terrifying creatures have become: — they now go to high school, sparkle and seem more interested in romance than biting necks. Can you talk about the challenges of being a “vampire author” when mainstream pop culture seems to have stripped much of the fear and mystique from these monsters?

Well, personally, I don’t consider the stripped down mainstream “vampires” really vampires anymore because they’ve eliminated everything that makes them truly a predator. I know the Twilight fans out there will defend their dear sparkly Edward to the grave, but vampires, while they can be extremely sexy, are our predators. They are not supposed to be the guy mom wants you to bring home for dinner. While the vampires I write are not in the more feral “30 Days of Night” vein and there are romantic subplots throughout the novels, in the end, they are sociopaths and killers. It is their nature. I have never really found any difficulty staying true to my depiction of the vampire because I have rarely in my life allowed any media trend to sculpt my creative voice. I may acknowledge it and study it, but my voice is mine and mine alone.

You’re very active in social media and have launched various product lines with tie-ins to your books/brand. Do you think many writers fail to pursue all the promotional tools at their disposal?

I am very lucky to have a marketing background so I tend to think outside the box when it comes to building the “brand” of being an author. I also have a variety of interests when it comes to business ventures and it seems only natural for me to desire to pursue such things as a makeup line or, hopefully soon, my own wine, fashion line, etc. However, it takes the courage to pursue such ventures because it is an incredible amount of work which can be daunting to someone who’s never attempted it.

Are there any other upcoming events or releases you’d like to mention?

I just finished the manuscript, along with co-author Solomon Schneider, for the sequel to Regret, entitled Revenge. It is currently in our publisher’s hands at Dark Regions Press. We hope to have this book released by the end of the year. The new Seraphim collaborative EP will be available on iTunes within a couple of weeks, as well. Aside from the signing event this Saturday at Dragon’s Lair in San Antonio, I also will be signing at Katy Books in Katy, Texas on July 15 (6-8pm), ApolloCon in Houston, Texas June 24-26, ArmadilloCon in Austin, Texas August 25-28, KillerCon in Las Vegas September 22-26 and will be a special featured guest at the Theater of the Vampires masquerade ball in New Orleans. While in New Orleans I will also be performing with the band Savage Gypsy (under a new collaborative name yet to be decided) at the Endless Night vampire masquerade at the House of Blues on October 29. Be sure to check my website at www.gabriellefaust.com for the latest news because new dates are being added all of the time!

Here’s one we always like to ask people. What are your five favorite novels, your five favorite movies and your five favorite comics?

I have so many favorites, but here are a few of mine…

NOVELS:

• Wraeththu by Storm Constantine
• Dawn Song by Michael Marano
• Memnoch the Devil by Anne Rice
• Ilium by Dan Simmons
• Neuromancer by William Gibson

COMICS:

• Kabuki
• Strangers in Paradise
• Dawn
• Batman
• The Darkness