AN INTERVIEW WITH JUSTIN SOMPER 

How does it feel to be bringing the VAMPIRATES sequence to a close?

It’s a fairly momentous time for me and I’m experiencing a real cocktail of emotions. I’m certainly sad to be bidding farewell to characters I’ve enjoyed getting to know and spend time with over the past eight years. At the same time, I do feel a great sense of achievement, both in terms of how the story has unfolded - it’s become more epic and intense than I could have imagined – and also the reaction to the books from readers around the world. In lots of ways, my identity as a writer is bound up in the world of VAMPIRATES so it is strange starting to detach from it.

Does it seem a long time since you first sent twins Connor and Grace on their journey from Crescent Moon Bay?

In certain ways, it seems a very long time ago but, equally, time seems to have flown. I think that’s because since I signed my first contract, it’s been afairly constant rollercoaster of writing, touring, blogging etc. As soon as I’ve finished one book, I’ve needed to get started on the next – which is just how it works when you are writing a sequence like this.

Did you always know there would be six books in the sequence?

No I didn’t have a grand vision. I knew when I was pitching the idea that there was more material than could be contained in one book alone so I knew there was the potential for at least a second. It was my UK publisher, however, who initially commissioned four books from me and then, even before UK publication of DEMONS, asked for two more, who led there to being six. Or, I suppose seven – if you count DEAD DEEP.

Did you set yourself any specific guidelines when embarking on IMMORTAL WAR?

The main thing was that I wanted each of the main characters to have a good opportunity to say goodbye to the readers and, as far as possible, to resolve any unfinished business. I wanted to leave them, as far as possible, in a good place. As you may have gathered, I care deeply about my characters. They are like extra members of my family. I don’t think I realised quite how emotional I’dget writing the last book in a sequence. At the same time, I also wanted the book to reflect the title and to be about war – not just big external battles but also the more personal battles that we are engaged in on a daily basis. I like that relationship between what’s going on internally and externally.

Which are your favourite characters across the sequence as a whole?

I’m often asked this question when I visit schools. For a long time, I said Sidorio because he is so fun and liberating to write as he pushes the envelope further and further. I could also make a strong case for Lola, and writing scenes featuring Sid and Lola have given me the most fun times working on these books. But overall, I reckon my favourite character might be Stukeley, which isn’t to say that I like him the best. He’s not as obviously likeable as Bart say, or Johnny. But I like the journey that Stukeley has gone on. Even more so because really I intended to bring him into TIDE OF TERROR, kill him and that would be it. I was as surprised as my readers when Sidorio sired him. I think that Jez/Stukeley has a real pathos. One of my favourite scenes in the whole sequence is in BLOOD CAPTAIN when he returns to Ma Kettle’s.

As well as the main characters, there have been some memorable minor characters amongst the cast too – Kally, Lilith, Shanti, Transom, Oskar and, in the new book, Mr Mizzen. Which of these are you most fond of?

Well, I like all of those you’ve mentioned. But I’m going to come out and say that I have a sneaking affection for Lisabeth Quivers. I think she has plenty of storiesshe’s been keeping to herself all these years.

As well as introducing new characters, you seem to really enjoy evolving the characters we already know. In the new book, for instance, we start to see a whole different side to Moonshine. Can you say more about this?

I do like characters to evolve from book to book because I think we all do change– sometimes in small ways, sometimes in more profound ways. With Moonshine, I had a lot of fun initially establishing him as “the Prince of Darkness” – firstly in DEAD DEEP, where we discover his passion for starfish shurikens and then in BLOOD CAPTAIN when we see his crazy cabin, pet rats etc etc. He was the antithesis of Connor and that was fun to explore. Moonshine had a rest in the story after BLOOD CAPTAIN and then a little cameo in BLACK HEART when he shows a bit of bravery and decency – on his mother’s behalf. So he was already starting to change before IMMORTAL WAR. He definitely comes into this book as a rather changed character. Partly he’s just grown up and partly it’s the seriousness of what he sees going on around him – the murder of his two uncles etc.

Will we ever find out Lorcan’s “Crossing Story”?

Yes! I promise you will. I have fresh thoughts about this.

Is this really and truly the end of the voyage?

It’s definitely the last VAMPIRATES novel for the time being and it was important to me to bring the story to a nice rounded finish. But I don’t know if I’ll be able to resist going back to these characters and this world at some point in the future. But, for now, I definitely think it is time for me to have a go at writing something completely fresh. That’s both a scary and exciting proposition at the same time.

What’s next for you after VAMPIRATES?

I have several ideas and one in particular I’m keen to explore further. I definitely think I’d like to continue writing for the same age-group of readers and for both male and female readers. And I think I can guarantee that strong characters and their relationships will be at the heart of whatever I do next.

How can readers pose any further questions to you?

Easy peasy. Either e-mail me direct at thecaptain@vampirates.co.uk or come onto www.vampirates.co.uk and post a comment or question on my blog.

What if there are teachers or librarians out there who would like to invite you to visit their school/library?

In this case, also great to e-mail me at thecaptain@vampirates.co.uk. Andyou’ll find lots of background info on what I do in schools and libraries in the EVENTS section of www.vampirates.co.uk.

Do you have a final message for all your readers?

I think this book’s dedication says it all. I’ve been really blown away by your support for me and my books. It’s been great to meet many of you – in person and online – and I hope you’ll continue to enjoy my books and whatever I end up writing next. In the words of Johnny’s tattoo… the ride is far from over!