Welcome to the darkest depths of Castle Dracula. This is my Torture Chamber, my
'Interrogation Room' if you will. Here I shall be placing interviews from people 
who are connected in some way with the world of horror and are foolish enough to 
wander (or be dragged kicking and screaming) in here. Whenever I have anything 
submitted to 'Castle Dracula' to be reviewed from a filmaker, author, etc. I will 
try to have them dragged down here to be "interviewed" for your sadistic pleasures. 
Who knows, if I am satisfied with their answers, I may even let them go.

- Tressa Graves - Author - 
- Interviewed By Dracula 

Dracula - Looking at your photo and judging by the description you have given yourself
as being a "true red head" on your website, you appear to be a very attractive 
lady. Then again I also like women with blonde hair, brown hair, black hair, it 
doesn't matter to me, they all taste the same. Any chance you would like to drop
everything and run away with me to run 'Castle Dracula' in an unholy unison? 


Tressa - Only if the bite is right and how did you know I have always had a crush on Dracula?

 
Dracula - Ahhh, I have my dark spies everywhere. I must say that I love your name, especially 
for a horror author, 'Tressa Graves.' Accept my offer and I will take your second 
name as my own...."Dracula Graves." Hmmmm....actually I've changed my mind, that 
name has too many connotations. I am not ready for any type of grave yet. However, 
would I be right in thinking that it was a "pen name?" 


Tressa - Ohh!!!!
LA-LA. Somethings you can suck out of me but that is not one of them (my blood sucking 
friend).

 
Dracula - Hmmmm....We shall see. My dark spies also tell me that you have been married 
for seventeen years....now that could cause us a problem. Does your husband help 
you in anyway with your writing or does he think you're just 'mad as a goose' and 
leave you to write your dark stories of terror in peace in the hope you don't 
decide to try any grisly murders out upon him first?  


Tressa - My husband, he really dosen't like horror so he basically leaves me alone and 
yes I did try an experimental imbomination on him, but unfortunately he woke 
up before I could finish.


Dracula - You have suddenly lost your appeal. Answer my questions and I may let you 
leave in one piece rather than many pieces. What made you first put pen to paper? 


Tressa - I knew that if I did not write down these ideas that were going on in my 
head that my brain would eventually explode.


Dracula - So what you are saying is that you have some extremely violent thoughts.
Is your husband a regular visitor to the hospital? 


Tressa - Yes very violent thoughts and as far as my husband goes he deserves a good ass 
kicking on a regular basis.


Dracula - I can see I may have keep a close eye upon you. It would be much easier to 
write another type of genre, why horror in particular? 


Tressa - We'll my life is pretty scary already!!! 
Truthfully ever since I was about five or so I have always had horrid nightmares 
along with sleepwalking. Now the horror genre is just a part of my life. I have 
finally found my calling in life and where I feel comfortable and it has found 
me at the same time, also I like hanging around psychos. Besides I knew starting 
a career as a nun was a dead end job.


Dracula - Where do your ideas come from, are you sick and deranged (I like that in a 
woman), or are you just very imaginative? 


Tressa - All the above, to write like I do you have to be sick, deranged and have a vivid 
imagination.


Dracula - My dark spies have informed me that Dolly Parton inspires you, in what way? 


Tressa - She is a very talented woman and has made it all on her own. I honestly thank 
her for my career because if it wasn't for I would have not of followed my 
dreams she was an excellent role model for me.


Dracula - I personally would've thought that Marilyn Manson was a far better role model
for inspiration to write a horror story. Although I can see your point, the 
thought of listening to Dolly Parton fills me with terror. Anyway, are you a 
Country music fan? 


Tressa - Be nice Mr. Dracula your pushing it now. I personally like all kinds of music
but yes, I was raised on country music. I would also like to add for my writing
though, I listen to Mr. Rob Zombie which I might say is the most deranged celebrity 
to me. The song 'Demonoid Phenomenon' reminds me of my novel 'Wood Killers.' It 
fits it to a T.


Dracula - It is my job to "push it." As for being "nice?" I am afraid you're in the 
wrong place. Now, you're a big fan of Stephen King, what's he got that I haven't?


Tressa - About 40 million a year!


Dracula - I suppose that's a good answer. What are your favourite books by him (he 
stole all my ideas you know)?


Tressa - Rose madder, Desperation, Black House, Misery.


Dracula - I actually bought a hardback copy of "Desperation" from a book shop that 
specializes in importing books and selling them at ridiculously low prices. 
However, I still haven't sat down and read it. That was around 7 years ago. 
Do you recommend I rectify this situation? 


Tressa - Definitely!
This is one of my all time favorites. I would love to know what King was 
thinking when he wrote this one.


Dracula - General consensus is the films based upon his books are usually a waste 
of space, with the odd exception. Do you agree? 


Tressa - Well since now he has more say so and is actually there during his filming,
the movies are now awesome. The older of his movies were not done to what I think 
Stephen King standards are, he was short changed.


Dracula - Most hate the mini-series version of 'The Shining,' I personally love 
it, it's much closer to the book, which do you prefer? 


Tressa - Definitely the mini-series which I own on dvd and vhs. The original was 
a nightmare all in itself. 


Dracula -  Ooooohhhh, now we are getting down and dirty. Even though the mini-series
was much better, Jack Nicholson portrayed 'Jack Torrance' much better, don't 
you agree? 


Tressa - Sorry Dracula but Jack Nicholson was over acting compared to Steven Weber. 
Jack Nicholson is a great actor but Weber was much better for the part.


Dracula - Aaaahhhh, controversy, this is what I like. Which version of 'Carrie' do 
you prefer and are you looking forward to the upcoming remake of 'Salem's Lot?' 


Tressa - I'm sorry to say that I have only seen the first Carrie but plan on watching 
it soon. 'Salem's Lot' I can't wait for. I think it will be great but we will 
just have to wait and see.


Dracula - What are your favorite films in general? 


Tressa - 'Blair witch Project,' it scared me!!! 
'Misery,' 'The Shinning' (mini-series) 'Copy Cat,' 'Straight Talk,' 'Duck Tales 
The Movie' and Lilo and Stitch' he rules.


Dracula - "DUCK TALES THE MOVIE?!?!?! MENTIONED IN MY TORTURE CHAMBER!!! Your 
chances of leaving do not look good. I hope with the rest of my questions you 
can redeem yourself. Your first novel, 'Wood Killers' and your forthcoming novel, 
'Angus Valley,' are both set in a factual place near to where you live in Central 
Florida, 'Wesley Chapel.' Do you have something against this place? 


Tressa - Other than it scaring the hell out of me when I was little, no. 'Wood Killers' 
was all imagination with some factual events that happened in the area. 'Angus 
Valley' hits closer to home, much closer. My family and I were terrorized. I 
think it was in the late 70's. That was a real horror but has nothing to do 
with the story line. I'll save that for a non-fiction novel one day.


Dracula -  You were "terrorized?"
I am sorry to hear that, would you like to elaborate further?


Tressa - Well to make a long story short, my aunt and Uncle lived in Angus Valley and
myself and my parents used to go visit them. Someone disliked us for some reason 
and started prank calling us, threatening us with murdering the whole family and 
said that they would put us all in pine boxes. Once Angus Valley is released you 
will see the terror that can happen there.


Dracula - So, it is full of psychos (in that case I may visit for a holiday).  


Tressa - Yes, when I went for research some of the people I met were a little scary.


Dracula - What do you consider to be the best thing about writing? 


Tressa - If I get pissed off at someone I just kill them off in one of my novels just 
ask my MOTHER!!!!!!


Dracula - Have you ever felt like quitting? 


Tressa - Yes, a number of times actually. My novel "Wood Killers" was lost a total 
of I think three times and I was left to rewrite it with only what I had 
remembered. That caused for a lot of tears. I wrote an article for a local 
magazine on that little story.


Dracula - How do you plan your stories, do you write the ending first?
Or the characters first?
Which if either at all? 


Tressa - I never write an outline. I just sit down and write what comes to mind. I have 
had other authors tell me that I'm doing it all wrong, we'll here is some 
advice to newcomers don't let anyone tell you how to do something, do what you 
are comfortable with and not what other people are comfortable with and good 
things will happen, I'm living proof of that.


Dracula - Do you think the Internet has helped you at all? 


Tressa - As far as research, no. I like doing that the old fashioned way books. Getting 
exposed, now that has been great.


Dracula -  Apart from myself, have you met any strange fans yet at signings? 


Tressa - Yes, mostly men now why do you think that is?


Dracula - Er....well....I'm asking the questions!
What book do you wish you had written? 


Tressa - 'Desperation.'


Dracula - In the centuries to come, when you're just dust in the ground and I still 
walk the Earth, I will come visit your gravestone What message would you like 
it to have had carved upon it for your final epitaph? 


Tressa - "The Evil Has Been Vanquished!!!! 
But Will Rise From The Grave Once Again!!!!" 


Dracula - I like that. What are you currently working on? 


Tressa - A few short stories, two novellas and a possible movie deal.


Dracula - Look deep into my eyes, you can feel yourself losing control of your mind. 
It now belongs to me and will do exactly as I say. Tell me more about these stories, 
novellas and the movie deal. You will also get me a leading role in the film, correct? 


Tressa - I will be starring in a film starting this summer which I might add I will also 
be the leading actress. As far as my novels being put to screen I have a dear 
friend whom I won't mention is meeting with me to discuss all deals so keep your 
eyes open for the upcoming Tressa Graves and yes, I will keep my eye out for you 
when it comes to the casting.


Dracula - Any upcoming appearances you would like to announce? 


Tressa - Yeah, the awards for 'Best Selling Author,' move over Stephen, Tressa is on the 
prowl!!!


Dracula - What advice can you give for upcoming authors? 


Follow your dream where ever it may lead you and never give up no matter how 
hard things may get. Be your best CRITIC!!!


Dracula - Here are some one word questions; please reply with the first thing that 
comes into your head.


Dracula - Occult? 


Tressa - My Family


Dracula - Religion? 


Tressa - Sometimes scarier than what I write.


Dracula - Censorship? 


Tressa - In the words of Wario which is Mario's nimbus cousin (WONDERFUL).


Dracula - Genius? 


Tressa - Tressa Graves of course!


Dracula - Sex? 


Tressa - All the time.


Dracula - Death? 


Tressa - Peace.


Dracula - Internet? 


Tressa - Nerve racking.


Dracula - Finally, what is your favorite horror site?


Tressa - Why of couse yours Mr. Dracula and might I add www.TressaGraves.com.

I have decided that with her final answer, she has redeemed herself enough to
be set free and continue her work. My heartfelt thanks go out to Tressa for
taking the time to allow herself to be tortured and interrogated by myself.
For more details about Tressa, her novels and upcoming appearances, projects, 
etc, click upon the banner below. You shall be then transported to her own 
site, www.TressaGraves.com.

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