1). Tell us a bit about yourself.
My name is Steven Van Patten. Friends call me ‘SVP’. Yes, I know about the ESPN guy. Don’t care. Anyway, when I’m not writing something that thrills and/or disturbs people, I’m either stage managing a TV show or being bossed around by Lola. She’s a black cat and I’m sure you know Black Cat Lives Matter.
2). Who is your favorite vampire author?
You mean I can’t pull a Muhammad Ali here and scream, “I am The Greatest!” Okay fine. Sigh. I’ll go with Bram Stoker, but only because if his drunk, xenophobic ass didn’t write Dracula, we’d all have to go be break dancers or something.
3). If you had the choice, would you be a vampire?
Wait… what have you heard?
4). Who is your favorite vampire?
Other than Christian Brookwater, I am partial to Prince Mamuwalde aka, Blacula. Then there is Jerry Dandrich from Fright Night. Christopher Lee’s version of Dracula is a defining staple. Here’s an obscure one for you, but send the kids to bed first. Grave of the Vampire starring Michael Pataki (The guy in Rocky 4 who said, “Whatever he hits, he destroys”) as Caleb Croft. That’s movies. As for print, I am a big fan of Marvel’s Tomb of Dracula and who doesn’t love Kurt Barlow from Salem’s Lot? Oh wait. Did you just want one? Sorry. I get carried away.
5). What do you like the most about Slay?
It’s almost like our yearbook. Pretty much every black spec fiction horror writer I know, love, have gotten drunk with, or smuggled drugs with, or took paternity tests for, or allowed to mildly sexual harass me or helped hide a dead body are in this damn thing.
6). What inspired you to write your story?
I went a little off my usual beaten path with this one. Was in the mood to explore a parental relationship and do something unconventional.
7). Tell us a bit about your story.
Imagine if Fred Sanford were a retired monster killer.
8). What do you hope accomplish with your story?
Truthfully, I was just having some fun.
9). Will there be more stories of your character? I don’t think so. It’s hard to say. Different things strike me at different times. At the moment, I feel like I have moved on from these characters, but who knows? The fact that you asked me the question might prompt me to wake up tonight in a cold sweat, screaming ‘HOLY SHIT! THAT’S A GREAT IDEA!’ Or not.
10). How do we keep up with all things SVP?
The easiest thing to do is visit the website- www.laughingblackvampire.com. I’m also on Facebook by the ‘government name.’ I’m on Twitter and Instagram as @svpthinks. Or, you could send a raven.
11). What advice would you give to Slay readers about this anthology?
It’ll make a great Christmas gift.
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