The Breakdown
What We Learned:
• Mel would love to see Blue Bloods as a tv should because “then we get to expand the story rather than truncate it. If we had a TV series we could explore the characters' lives more. But of course, movies are great, too. If the right people came around and said they had a great idea on how to make my books movies, that would be fun too.”
o Mimi would be easiest to cast (Mel likes Amanda Seyfried at the moment) and Schuler would be the hardest
• The Martins are Silver Bloods who have earned to control their evil impulses and so they live just like Blue Bloods even though they've been corrupted. Which means: they drink Red Blood, not Blue.
o Silver Bloods have gone rogue, which means they don't follow the Code. But yes, they could cycle and be reborn if they choose to be. But their cycles are not controlled by the Code of the Vampires, so they can cycle at any time, or not cycle at all.
• Chief Warden means she is head of the Committee that takes care of all the newborn Blue Bloods. The teen vampires are watched over by Wardens, and Priscilla Dupont is the head of them. Whereas the Regis is the head of ALL the vampires in the Coven.
• The “adoption fiasco”- Charles fought Cordelia's will in the human (Red Blood) courts, and the courts invalidated Cordelia's will which had declared Schuyler an emancipated minor and because the Code of the Vampires says that they have to follow the Red Blood laws, Charles won and was named Schuyler's guardian. And Schuyler's still a minor at fifteen. You're of age at eighteen. Cordelia tried to set her free but Charles was too clever and used the human courts and human laws to his advantage. He knows how to use the laws to get his way.
• The Silver Bloods have been secret, and hidden for centuries. They aren't even supposed to exist anymore. Charles (Michael) sent Lucifer and his minions back to hell AGES ago in Rome (like during the Roman times). But Lawrence has been suspecting that they've come back, especially since the Blue Bloods disappeared in Roanoke, and there have been other times in the Blue Bloods' history where there have been disappearances and unexplained deaths. But Charles and the Committee have refused to believe the Silver Bloods are back, and only when Priscilla was killed at the Repository did they have to admit they were wrong.
Anyway, so because the Silver Bloods are secret - they do not take part in the Blue Bloods ceremony. Although IF and that's a big IF there are Silver Bloods passing off for Blue Bloods in the coven, then they would take part.
• Mimi is vapid so much as frustrated, spoiled, angry, fearful and petty partly because she’s losing Jack… There are reasons for how nasty she is acting- she's just trying to do the right thing according to the laws of the vampires. Mimi is a force for the establishment, she doesn't want anything new, she likes the way it's been for hundreds of years...and Schuyler scares her because she is not a real Blue Blood and doesn't understand why things have to be the way they are.
• The Blue Bloods are fallen angels. They were followers of Lucifer, the Prince of Heaven, who thought he could be more powerful and beautiful than God. Lucifer and his angels were cast out of heaven for their sins. That's the story of Paradise Lost, and a Christian myth. My "addition" to the myth, which led to Blue Bloods is that... Lucifer and his angels were not just cast out of heaven, they were cursed and sent to earth, where they became vampires. The fallen angels reformed and wanted to find a way to get back to Heaven - these became the Blue Bloods. But Lucifer did not want any such thing. He and his followers were the Silver Bloods, who made their own laws and did not care about getting back in God's good graces.
• The next book is called the van Alen Legacy
• Michael cast Lucifer into the pit
• In the Blue Bloods world, Michael and Gabrielle have left Heaven to save their fallen brethren. They have any communication with God anymore. They're cut off.
• Blue Bloods can only have dogs as familiars.
What Will Soon Be Revealed:
• Sky’s love triangle will not be resolved in book 3, possibly by 4, and definitely by the end (which looks like book 9 or 10)
o Mel can’t decided who she prefers but she is satisfied with how it ends
• How much blood a Croatan has to drink from a Blue Blood to corrupt them and whether it happens all at once/the attacks are spread out
• The “adoption fiasco” with Charles will be explained in Revelations
• Bliss’s father will be revealed in Revelations
• Bliss and Schuyler’s ages and parents, etc… all the confusion will be revealed in Revelations and later books
• Mel would love to see Blue Bloods as a tv should because “then we get to expand the story rather than truncate it. If we had a TV series we could explore the characters' lives more. But of course, movies are great, too. If the right people came around and said they had a great idea on how to make my books movies, that would be fun too.”
o Mimi would be easiest to cast (Mel likes Amanda Seyfried at the moment) and Schuler would be the hardest
• The Martins are Silver Bloods who have earned to control their evil impulses and so they live just like Blue Bloods even though they've been corrupted. Which means: they drink Red Blood, not Blue.
o Silver Bloods have gone rogue, which means they don't follow the Code. But yes, they could cycle and be reborn if they choose to be. But their cycles are not controlled by the Code of the Vampires, so they can cycle at any time, or not cycle at all.
• Chief Warden means she is head of the Committee that takes care of all the newborn Blue Bloods. The teen vampires are watched over by Wardens, and Priscilla Dupont is the head of them. Whereas the Regis is the head of ALL the vampires in the Coven.
• The “adoption fiasco”- Charles fought Cordelia's will in the human (Red Blood) courts, and the courts invalidated Cordelia's will which had declared Schuyler an emancipated minor and because the Code of the Vampires says that they have to follow the Red Blood laws, Charles won and was named Schuyler's guardian. And Schuyler's still a minor at fifteen. You're of age at eighteen. Cordelia tried to set her free but Charles was too clever and used the human courts and human laws to his advantage. He knows how to use the laws to get his way.
• The Silver Bloods have been secret, and hidden for centuries. They aren't even supposed to exist anymore. Charles (Michael) sent Lucifer and his minions back to hell AGES ago in Rome (like during the Roman times). But Lawrence has been suspecting that they've come back, especially since the Blue Bloods disappeared in Roanoke, and there have been other times in the Blue Bloods' history where there have been disappearances and unexplained deaths. But Charles and the Committee have refused to believe the Silver Bloods are back, and only when Priscilla was killed at the Repository did they have to admit they were wrong.
Anyway, so because the Silver Bloods are secret - they do not take part in the Blue Bloods ceremony. Although IF and that's a big IF there are Silver Bloods passing off for Blue Bloods in the coven, then they would take part.
• Mimi is vapid so much as frustrated, spoiled, angry, fearful and petty partly because she’s losing Jack… There are reasons for how nasty she is acting- she's just trying to do the right thing according to the laws of the vampires. Mimi is a force for the establishment, she doesn't want anything new, she likes the way it's been for hundreds of years...and Schuyler scares her because she is not a real Blue Blood and doesn't understand why things have to be the way they are.
• The Blue Bloods are fallen angels. They were followers of Lucifer, the Prince of Heaven, who thought he could be more powerful and beautiful than God. Lucifer and his angels were cast out of heaven for their sins. That's the story of Paradise Lost, and a Christian myth. My "addition" to the myth, which led to Blue Bloods is that... Lucifer and his angels were not just cast out of heaven, they were cursed and sent to earth, where they became vampires. The fallen angels reformed and wanted to find a way to get back to Heaven - these became the Blue Bloods. But Lucifer did not want any such thing. He and his followers were the Silver Bloods, who made their own laws and did not care about getting back in God's good graces.
• The next book is called the van Alen Legacy
• Michael cast Lucifer into the pit
• In the Blue Bloods world, Michael and Gabrielle have left Heaven to save their fallen brethren. They have any communication with God anymore. They're cut off.
• Blue Bloods can only have dogs as familiars.
What Will Soon Be Revealed:
• Sky’s love triangle will not be resolved in book 3, possibly by 4, and definitely by the end (which looks like book 9 or 10)
o Mel can’t decided who she prefers but she is satisfied with how it ends
• How much blood a Croatan has to drink from a Blue Blood to corrupt them and whether it happens all at once/the attacks are spread out
• The “adoption fiasco” with Charles will be explained in Revelations
• Bliss’s father will be revealed in Revelations
• Bliss and Schuyler’s ages and parents, etc… all the confusion will be revealed in Revelations and later books
Q&A
Melissa: Hi! I'm here!! Is this the right place?
Bliss: Yep! Welcome back, Mel! =]]
Mel: I think this IS the right place because there are questions! So I'll just start answering them.
Neen: Is going to be an on-going love triangle with Sky, or will that be resolved sooner rather than later?
Mel: You know, I'm not really sure. All I know is that it's not resolved in Book Three and I'm not sure it will be resolved in Book Four. But I do promise at that the end of the series (which looks like it will be either Book Nine or Book Ten) you will know who Sky ends up with.
Freaking Amazing Person: "I was just curious to know which you would prefer…a TV show or movie for the series? And why?
Also, have any of your casting choices changed?"
Mel: I think I would prefer a TV show because then we get to expand the story rather than truncate it. If we had a TV series we could explore the characters' lives more. But of course, movies are great, too. If the right people came around and said they had a great idea on how to make my books movies, that would be fun too.
As for casting choices, I saw the girl from Mean Girls and Mamma Mia (I can't remember her name) on someone's dreamcast for Mimi and I thought that was right on.
I think Mimi will be the easiest to cast and Schuyler the hardest.
October-Minded: 1. Silver Bloods like the Martin family -- Lawrence said that they "controlled" their thirst for blue blood. Does that mean they don't drink it at all? How do they survive?
Mel: The Martins are Silver Bloods who have learned to control their evil impulses and so they live just like Blue Bloods even though they've been corrupted. Which means: they drink Red Blood, not Blue.
October-Minded: 2. Do Silver Bloods "cycle" too? Can they be reborn?
Mel: Silver Bloods have gone rogue, which means they don't follow the Code. But yes, they could cycle and be reborn if they choose to be. But their cycles are not controlled by the Code of the Vampires, so they can cycle at any time, or not cycle at all.
October-Minded: 3. How much does a Croatan have to drink from a Blue Blood to corrupt them? Does it have to happen once, or can the attacks be spread out?
Mel: This is still a mystery to the Blue Bloods also--and will be revealed in later books.
October-Minded: 4. Priscilla DuPont was said to be the Chief Warden -- how does that compare to the title of Regis? What do the Wardens do, compared to the rest of the Committee?
Mel: Chief Warden means she is head of the Committee that takes care of all the newborn Blue Bloods. The teen vampires are watched over by Wardens, and Priscilla is the head of them. Whereas the Regis is the head of ALL the vampires in the Coven.
Emmy.G: "Anyway, i was wondering about the whole adoption fiasco with Charles. How was he able to take Sky away without her ever having to come into to court and say anything? She is 15 and at that age, legally, shouldn't she have some say as to where she is able to live? I just don't understand how all of that transpired without her knowledge.
And also, who do you prefer? Jack or Oliver?"
Mel: The adoption fiasco is explained in Revelations. It was cut out of Masquerade, but Charles fought Cordelia's will in the human (Red Blood) courts, and the courts invalidated Cordelia's will which had declared Schuyler an emancipated minor and because the Code of the Vampires says that they have to follow the Red Blood laws, Charles won and was named Schuyler's guardian.
Now I wonder why I cut it out of Masquerade because I get so many questions about it.
And Schuyler's still a minor at fifteen. You're of age at eighteen. Cordelia tried to set her free but Charles was too clever and used the human courts and human laws to his advantage. He knows how to use the laws to get his way.
Nakima3193: Hey Mel, this is kinda a how do silver bloods work question. Do Silver bloods have a coming of age ceremony and do they get to know their angel names during it like the blue bloods or are they excluded? And this is fashion question =] Who do you perfer MIU MIU or Chanel and why? Thanks for answering my questions! =]
Mel: The Silver Bloods have been secret, and hidden for centuries. They aren't even supposed to exist anymore. Charles (Michael) sent Lucifer and his minions back to hell AGES ago in Rome (like during the Roman times). But Lawrence has been suspecting that they've come back, especially since the Blue Bloods disappeared in Roanoke, and there have been other times in the Blue Bloods' history where there have been disappearances and unexplained deaths.
But Charles and the Committee have refused to believe the Silver Bloods are back, and only when Priscilla was killed at the Repository did they have to admit they were wrong.
Anyway, so because the Silver Bloods are secret - they do not take part in the Blue Bloods ceremony. Although IF and that's a big IF there are Silver Bloods passing off for Blue Bloods in the coven, then they would take part.
And I like Miu Miu and Chanel - although I think I'm getting a little old to wear Miu Miu and lately I find I've been buying more Chanel.
Jenni van Alen: It's no secret that Mimi is...well, a bitch. At times, very few I'll admit, I feel sympathetic for her. Her behavior seems to be a result of Jack's slight lack of dedication. Do you think Jack is to blame for her personality? Do you defend her bitchy persona as something deeper--or is she really just a vapid bitch?
Mel: I think Jack is PARTLY to blame for Mimi's irritation and bitchiness. It must be hard to lose the love of your life...literally. LOL! I don't think Mimi is vapid so much as frustrated, spoiled, angry, fearful and petty.
I have a lot of sympathy for Mimi...and I think there are reasons for how nasty she is acting, but at her core, I think you'll find she's just trying to do the right thing according to the laws of the vampires.
Mimi is a force for the establishment, she doesn't want anything new, she likes the way it's been for hundreds of years...and Schuyler scares her because she is not a real Blue Blood and doesn't understand why things have to be the way they are.
Veela: 01) Does it ever concern or worry you writing a vampire series when the genre has become ever the popular type? I can't seem to go into a book store now and not find a new one tucked into the new releases.
Mel: I'm not too worried. I'm glad people are discovering how cool vampires are, and really, I wrote Blue Bloods before the whole explosion of the genre, so it just means publishers are reacting to how well Twilight and Blue Bloods are selling. I did remember feeling a bit surprised when I saw Twilight, because I had *just* turned my book in to my editor, which meant it wouldn't come out for a year after Stephenie's had come out, so I was worried that no one would buy mine. But it turns out it's the total opposite!
As for the flood of new vampire books, well, readers are smart - they can tell an original series from a quick-buck-making knockoff.
Vee: 02) I often try to think of a way to describe your books to other readers and the greatest comparisson I can come up with is "it's like Gossip Girl but not really and like Twilight but not really." Any help on how you would describe them to someone who was interested in reading.
Mel: I think it's okay to say it's a bit like Twilight and a bit like Gossip Girl, but it has its own original voice. I actually think it's like a grown up Harry Potter with a younger Sex and the City, with a mix of Flowers in the Attic, Lord of the Rings and Dune.
Mel: Q: And also, who do you prefer? Jack or Oliver?
A: I just realized I didn't answer this one. I love them both!!! I actually cannot decide. But I know how the love story ends, and it satisfies me, so I hope it will satisfy everyone else.
Bliss: Are you planning any more contests in the future?
Mel: Yes! I loved the poetry contest. That was awesome. We will do more. Right now Hyperion has a sweepstakes - go to www.bluebloodsbooks.com and go to "Contest".
You could win $1000 grand prize and lunch and shopping with me in your hometown!
But we'll also do some little ones on my site. Any ideas? Art contests? YouTube contests?
Q:why did the blue bloods get banished to earth?
A: The Blue Bloods are fallen angels. They were followers of Lucifer, the Prince of Heaven, who thought he could be more powerful and beautiful than God. Lucifer and his angels were cast out of heaven for their sins.
That's the story of Paradise Lost, and a Christian myth. My "addition" to the myth, which led to Blue Bloods is that...
Lucifer and his angels were not just cast out of heaven, they were cursed and sent to earth, where they became vampires. The fallen angels reformed and wanted to find a way to get back to Heaven - these became the Blue Bloods. But Lucifer did not want any such thing. He and his followers were the Silver Bloods, who made their own laws and did not care about getting back in God's good graces.
Jenni van Alen: Have you read any of the fan-responses to the Blue Bloods series? For instance, did you know there's an entire fanfiction.net community dedicated to Blue Bloods fanfiction?
Mel: No I didn't! That is so cooool! I can't read fan fiction, I'm happy it's out there, since I was a big fan fiction writer when I was young. But I can't read it--too weird!
Jenni van Alen: Do you have an outline for the rest of the series? Do you know where it's pretty much going and what will happen to the characters in detail, or are you developing the story and characters as you go along?
Mel: I do have an outline for the whole series, but as for the small things, I like to figure that out as I'm writing. So it's half and half. But I do know the big plot points of where the story is going.
Alexluvstosmile: If bliss is Allegras daughter then who is the father?
Mel: You'll have to read Revelations to find out!
Casey: Will you perhaps ever write an older, Chic Lit sequel/epilogue to The Au Pairs? I know you've done chic lit in the past, why not a last, older hurrah? Will we see any "older" novels from you in the future as well?
Mel: I might! It's not out of the question, but right now I have so many Blue Bloods books to write, plus my new series GIRL STAYS IN THE PICTURE, and a Blue Bloods spinoff!
I would like to write for older readers again, hopefully I will have time in the coming years to do so. I think as the books progress, anyway, that they will age up as the story goes on and even my readers get older.
Sylvanacitylove_: Which character would you want to be, and why? :]
Mel: I kind of feel like I *AM* all the characters already, since they are my creation. But as for whose life I'd like...hmmm that's a hard questions since they all have so much drama in their lives! Maybe Trinity Force, since all she seems to do is go on plastic-surgery safaris and shopping!
Emerald ojos: How many books do you plan to publish each year about the BB series?
Mel: Right now we are pubbing one a year.
Rhia: For the Masquerade ball I have a few questions.
Is there a fee to get in?
Is there anything you need help with?
Also, how formal will it be?
Mel: NO FEE - It's free!
You can join the committee by emailing melissadlcoffice@gmail. com - my assistant will let you know how you can help! Thanks!
It is semi-formal. Which means cocktail dresses! Fun!
Ikra: just wanted to know if you decided on the title of the next book? acan you tell us what it will be. THANKS!!!!
Mel: The next book is called "The Van Alen Legacy". I don't know yet what Book Five will be called.
Vamp angel: Is Bliss and Schuyler born in the same year? Did Allegra meet someone before she met Schuyler's father and after Charles?
Mel: This is one of the huge mysteries of the series. Part of it is explained in Revelations. Other parts will be explained later.
I think I've got to go now - baby is freaking out!
So GREAT chatting with all of you! You guys are so much fun!!!
lots of love,
Mel xoxoxo
Mel: I seem to have missed some questions.
Emmy.G: I have a question about Gabrielle and Michael. According to Christian myth, they occasionally appear to humans, is that consistant in the blue bloods world? Do they still do the work of God if they are needed? Like, when Christ was born, I'm pretty sure it was Gabriel who appeared to mary. And at the end of days, Michael is supposed to cast lucifer in to the pit. Does all of that happen with Gabrielle and Michael in the blue bloods world?
Mel: Some of it is part of the Blue Bloods myth - like Michael does cast Lucifer into the pit in both Christian myth and Blue Bloods myth. As for Gabrielle appearing to Mary, I'm not going there. I'm keeping my mythology pre-Christ.
In the Blue Bloods world, Michael and Gabrielle have left Heaven to save their fallen brethren. So I don't think they have any communication with God anymore. They're cut off.
And I think this is the last question I didn't get to:
Alexluvstosmile: so sky cant be with jack right? that would break his bond with mimi
and she cant be with oliver becuase he is a red blood and her human counduit (i have no clue how to spell that lol)
i hope she ends up with oliver hes my favorite character but can she?
Mel: The books will answer these questions! You'll have to read to find out! This is the central mystery to the series, isn't it? What's allowed? Who'll end up with who? If I tell you, it will spoil all the fun!
Aannnnd I think that's it. Thanks again guys! Xoxoxo
Mel: Oh and I did reply about the animal familiars - I think I was typing it and then the baby woke up.
Blue Bloods can only have dogs as familiars.
And as to Lawrence saying that Red Blood is poisonous to Silver Bloods. Did he? I'll have to re-read Masquerade too. Hmmm. I think I just inadvertently revealed something I shouldn't have! LOL! You guys are too clever for me.
And now I *really* have to go...we have guests coming over for dinner! But I will be back and hope to see you all at the Masquerade Ball!
xoxo
Mel
Bliss: Yep! Welcome back, Mel! =]]
Mel: I think this IS the right place because there are questions! So I'll just start answering them.
Neen: Is going to be an on-going love triangle with Sky, or will that be resolved sooner rather than later?
Mel: You know, I'm not really sure. All I know is that it's not resolved in Book Three and I'm not sure it will be resolved in Book Four. But I do promise at that the end of the series (which looks like it will be either Book Nine or Book Ten) you will know who Sky ends up with.
Freaking Amazing Person: "I was just curious to know which you would prefer…a TV show or movie for the series? And why?
Also, have any of your casting choices changed?"
Mel: I think I would prefer a TV show because then we get to expand the story rather than truncate it. If we had a TV series we could explore the characters' lives more. But of course, movies are great, too. If the right people came around and said they had a great idea on how to make my books movies, that would be fun too.
As for casting choices, I saw the girl from Mean Girls and Mamma Mia (I can't remember her name) on someone's dreamcast for Mimi and I thought that was right on.
I think Mimi will be the easiest to cast and Schuyler the hardest.
October-Minded: 1. Silver Bloods like the Martin family -- Lawrence said that they "controlled" their thirst for blue blood. Does that mean they don't drink it at all? How do they survive?
Mel: The Martins are Silver Bloods who have learned to control their evil impulses and so they live just like Blue Bloods even though they've been corrupted. Which means: they drink Red Blood, not Blue.
October-Minded: 2. Do Silver Bloods "cycle" too? Can they be reborn?
Mel: Silver Bloods have gone rogue, which means they don't follow the Code. But yes, they could cycle and be reborn if they choose to be. But their cycles are not controlled by the Code of the Vampires, so they can cycle at any time, or not cycle at all.
October-Minded: 3. How much does a Croatan have to drink from a Blue Blood to corrupt them? Does it have to happen once, or can the attacks be spread out?
Mel: This is still a mystery to the Blue Bloods also--and will be revealed in later books.
October-Minded: 4. Priscilla DuPont was said to be the Chief Warden -- how does that compare to the title of Regis? What do the Wardens do, compared to the rest of the Committee?
Mel: Chief Warden means she is head of the Committee that takes care of all the newborn Blue Bloods. The teen vampires are watched over by Wardens, and Priscilla is the head of them. Whereas the Regis is the head of ALL the vampires in the Coven.
Emmy.G: "Anyway, i was wondering about the whole adoption fiasco with Charles. How was he able to take Sky away without her ever having to come into to court and say anything? She is 15 and at that age, legally, shouldn't she have some say as to where she is able to live? I just don't understand how all of that transpired without her knowledge.
And also, who do you prefer? Jack or Oliver?"
Mel: The adoption fiasco is explained in Revelations. It was cut out of Masquerade, but Charles fought Cordelia's will in the human (Red Blood) courts, and the courts invalidated Cordelia's will which had declared Schuyler an emancipated minor and because the Code of the Vampires says that they have to follow the Red Blood laws, Charles won and was named Schuyler's guardian.
Now I wonder why I cut it out of Masquerade because I get so many questions about it.
And Schuyler's still a minor at fifteen. You're of age at eighteen. Cordelia tried to set her free but Charles was too clever and used the human courts and human laws to his advantage. He knows how to use the laws to get his way.
Nakima3193: Hey Mel, this is kinda a how do silver bloods work question. Do Silver bloods have a coming of age ceremony and do they get to know their angel names during it like the blue bloods or are they excluded? And this is fashion question =] Who do you perfer MIU MIU or Chanel and why? Thanks for answering my questions! =]
Mel: The Silver Bloods have been secret, and hidden for centuries. They aren't even supposed to exist anymore. Charles (Michael) sent Lucifer and his minions back to hell AGES ago in Rome (like during the Roman times). But Lawrence has been suspecting that they've come back, especially since the Blue Bloods disappeared in Roanoke, and there have been other times in the Blue Bloods' history where there have been disappearances and unexplained deaths.
But Charles and the Committee have refused to believe the Silver Bloods are back, and only when Priscilla was killed at the Repository did they have to admit they were wrong.
Anyway, so because the Silver Bloods are secret - they do not take part in the Blue Bloods ceremony. Although IF and that's a big IF there are Silver Bloods passing off for Blue Bloods in the coven, then they would take part.
And I like Miu Miu and Chanel - although I think I'm getting a little old to wear Miu Miu and lately I find I've been buying more Chanel.
Jenni van Alen: It's no secret that Mimi is...well, a bitch. At times, very few I'll admit, I feel sympathetic for her. Her behavior seems to be a result of Jack's slight lack of dedication. Do you think Jack is to blame for her personality? Do you defend her bitchy persona as something deeper--or is she really just a vapid bitch?
Mel: I think Jack is PARTLY to blame for Mimi's irritation and bitchiness. It must be hard to lose the love of your life...literally. LOL! I don't think Mimi is vapid so much as frustrated, spoiled, angry, fearful and petty.
I have a lot of sympathy for Mimi...and I think there are reasons for how nasty she is acting, but at her core, I think you'll find she's just trying to do the right thing according to the laws of the vampires.
Mimi is a force for the establishment, she doesn't want anything new, she likes the way it's been for hundreds of years...and Schuyler scares her because she is not a real Blue Blood and doesn't understand why things have to be the way they are.
Veela: 01) Does it ever concern or worry you writing a vampire series when the genre has become ever the popular type? I can't seem to go into a book store now and not find a new one tucked into the new releases.
Mel: I'm not too worried. I'm glad people are discovering how cool vampires are, and really, I wrote Blue Bloods before the whole explosion of the genre, so it just means publishers are reacting to how well Twilight and Blue Bloods are selling. I did remember feeling a bit surprised when I saw Twilight, because I had *just* turned my book in to my editor, which meant it wouldn't come out for a year after Stephenie's had come out, so I was worried that no one would buy mine. But it turns out it's the total opposite!
As for the flood of new vampire books, well, readers are smart - they can tell an original series from a quick-buck-making knockoff.
Vee: 02) I often try to think of a way to describe your books to other readers and the greatest comparisson I can come up with is "it's like Gossip Girl but not really and like Twilight but not really." Any help on how you would describe them to someone who was interested in reading.
Mel: I think it's okay to say it's a bit like Twilight and a bit like Gossip Girl, but it has its own original voice. I actually think it's like a grown up Harry Potter with a younger Sex and the City, with a mix of Flowers in the Attic, Lord of the Rings and Dune.
Mel: Q: And also, who do you prefer? Jack or Oliver?
A: I just realized I didn't answer this one. I love them both!!! I actually cannot decide. But I know how the love story ends, and it satisfies me, so I hope it will satisfy everyone else.
Bliss: Are you planning any more contests in the future?
Mel: Yes! I loved the poetry contest. That was awesome. We will do more. Right now Hyperion has a sweepstakes - go to www.bluebloodsbooks.com and go to "Contest".
You could win $1000 grand prize and lunch and shopping with me in your hometown!
But we'll also do some little ones on my site. Any ideas? Art contests? YouTube contests?
Q:why did the blue bloods get banished to earth?
A: The Blue Bloods are fallen angels. They were followers of Lucifer, the Prince of Heaven, who thought he could be more powerful and beautiful than God. Lucifer and his angels were cast out of heaven for their sins.
That's the story of Paradise Lost, and a Christian myth. My "addition" to the myth, which led to Blue Bloods is that...
Lucifer and his angels were not just cast out of heaven, they were cursed and sent to earth, where they became vampires. The fallen angels reformed and wanted to find a way to get back to Heaven - these became the Blue Bloods. But Lucifer did not want any such thing. He and his followers were the Silver Bloods, who made their own laws and did not care about getting back in God's good graces.
Jenni van Alen: Have you read any of the fan-responses to the Blue Bloods series? For instance, did you know there's an entire fanfiction.net community dedicated to Blue Bloods fanfiction?
Mel: No I didn't! That is so cooool! I can't read fan fiction, I'm happy it's out there, since I was a big fan fiction writer when I was young. But I can't read it--too weird!
Jenni van Alen: Do you have an outline for the rest of the series? Do you know where it's pretty much going and what will happen to the characters in detail, or are you developing the story and characters as you go along?
Mel: I do have an outline for the whole series, but as for the small things, I like to figure that out as I'm writing. So it's half and half. But I do know the big plot points of where the story is going.
Alexluvstosmile: If bliss is Allegras daughter then who is the father?
Mel: You'll have to read Revelations to find out!
Casey: Will you perhaps ever write an older, Chic Lit sequel/epilogue to The Au Pairs? I know you've done chic lit in the past, why not a last, older hurrah? Will we see any "older" novels from you in the future as well?
Mel: I might! It's not out of the question, but right now I have so many Blue Bloods books to write, plus my new series GIRL STAYS IN THE PICTURE, and a Blue Bloods spinoff!
I would like to write for older readers again, hopefully I will have time in the coming years to do so. I think as the books progress, anyway, that they will age up as the story goes on and even my readers get older.
Sylvanacitylove_: Which character would you want to be, and why? :]
Mel: I kind of feel like I *AM* all the characters already, since they are my creation. But as for whose life I'd like...hmmm that's a hard questions since they all have so much drama in their lives! Maybe Trinity Force, since all she seems to do is go on plastic-surgery safaris and shopping!
Emerald ojos: How many books do you plan to publish each year about the BB series?
Mel: Right now we are pubbing one a year.
Rhia: For the Masquerade ball I have a few questions.
Is there a fee to get in?
Is there anything you need help with?
Also, how formal will it be?
Mel: NO FEE - It's free!
You can join the committee by emailing melissadlcoffice@gmail. com - my assistant will let you know how you can help! Thanks!
It is semi-formal. Which means cocktail dresses! Fun!
Ikra: just wanted to know if you decided on the title of the next book? acan you tell us what it will be. THANKS!!!!
Mel: The next book is called "The Van Alen Legacy". I don't know yet what Book Five will be called.
Vamp angel: Is Bliss and Schuyler born in the same year? Did Allegra meet someone before she met Schuyler's father and after Charles?
Mel: This is one of the huge mysteries of the series. Part of it is explained in Revelations. Other parts will be explained later.
I think I've got to go now - baby is freaking out!
So GREAT chatting with all of you! You guys are so much fun!!!
lots of love,
Mel xoxoxo
Mel: I seem to have missed some questions.
Emmy.G: I have a question about Gabrielle and Michael. According to Christian myth, they occasionally appear to humans, is that consistant in the blue bloods world? Do they still do the work of God if they are needed? Like, when Christ was born, I'm pretty sure it was Gabriel who appeared to mary. And at the end of days, Michael is supposed to cast lucifer in to the pit. Does all of that happen with Gabrielle and Michael in the blue bloods world?
Mel: Some of it is part of the Blue Bloods myth - like Michael does cast Lucifer into the pit in both Christian myth and Blue Bloods myth. As for Gabrielle appearing to Mary, I'm not going there. I'm keeping my mythology pre-Christ.
In the Blue Bloods world, Michael and Gabrielle have left Heaven to save their fallen brethren. So I don't think they have any communication with God anymore. They're cut off.
And I think this is the last question I didn't get to:
Alexluvstosmile: so sky cant be with jack right? that would break his bond with mimi
and she cant be with oliver becuase he is a red blood and her human counduit (i have no clue how to spell that lol)
i hope she ends up with oliver hes my favorite character but can she?
Mel: The books will answer these questions! You'll have to read to find out! This is the central mystery to the series, isn't it? What's allowed? Who'll end up with who? If I tell you, it will spoil all the fun!
Aannnnd I think that's it. Thanks again guys! Xoxoxo
Mel: Oh and I did reply about the animal familiars - I think I was typing it and then the baby woke up.
Blue Bloods can only have dogs as familiars.
And as to Lawrence saying that Red Blood is poisonous to Silver Bloods. Did he? I'll have to re-read Masquerade too. Hmmm. I think I just inadvertently revealed something I shouldn't have! LOL! You guys are too clever for me.
And now I *really* have to go...we have guests coming over for dinner! But I will be back and hope to see you all at the Masquerade Ball!
xoxo
Mel