How Twilight Changed My Life

Don’t look so shocked.


Oh, and close your mouth, you’ll catch flies.


I’ve been thinking about this for a while. I will, firstly, admit that I am not a fan of the series, but I have come to respect the impact it has had on readers and the vampire and paranormal genres.


When my first two Vampire novels, “Changeling” and “Angel of Death,” came out in a limited edition volume in 2009 “Twilight” had already been in the theaters and was heading towards DVD/BlueRay release. My adult Vampire series, “The Chosen Chronicles,” hit the cresting wave of paranormal romance and vampire fiction.


My husband believed it was kismet. My publisher believed it fortuitous.


I was dropped in a quagmire of conflicting thoughts and emotions.


Since I found myself to be placed on Vampire panels with very well known Vampire authors, some of them New York Times Best Selling authors, at different conventions, I discovered how much of an impact “Twilight” had. I was also expected to have an opinion on the matter, too. (Oh, no I’ve never been on a panel discussion with Ms. Meyer.)


At first, “Twilight” dominated many of these panels. Vampire and paranormal fiction fans would always ask “Are your books like ‘Twilight?’”


When I was first asked this, I was stunned. How was I to compare my books to Ms. Meyer’s? I didn’t know how to answer. I’d hum and haw until they’d become direct.


“Do your Vampires sparkle?”


“No, “ I’d reply.


A smile would appear from the individual, usually accompanied by a positive response.


Spurred on, I’d continue, “My Vampires bite.”


The smile would widen. They’d buy my books.


Initially, I was surprised at the huge love/hate polarization vampire and paranormal fans held for “Twilight.” I’m sorry to say that I fell, for a time, on the hate side of the line.


Time continued, I was a guest at more conventions, speaking to more fans of the genre. It wasn’t until the summer before my book “Shadow of Death” came out that I started experiencing a shift of thought and feeing towards the “Twilight” franchise.


This came about as an increasing number of young women, who grew up on “Twilight,” wanted something more. They wanted something adult they could sink their teeth into. They wanted to read more vampire/paranormal fiction, but geared to the adults they were quickly becoming. Many found my series, “The Chosen Chronicles.”


I’ve never loved the “Twilight” series, and yes, I’ve read all four books, but now I have a healthy respect for it. What J.K. Rowling did with “Harry Potter” by reviving fantasy fiction through the introduction of something new and directed at young minds, Stephanie Meyer’s did for the Vampire and paranormal genres. She created a new fan base, introducing new readers to a revived genre, and allowed Vampire and paranormal authors, such as myself, an opportunity for success. If it weren’t for “Twilight,” many of us would never have been published.


For these reasons “Twilight” changed my life.


Thank you, Ms. Meyer.


For more information of Karen Dales’ Award Winning Vampire series “The Chosen Chronicles” please check out http://karendales.com


“The Chosen Chronicles” is now $.99 each on Amazon Kindle.
“Changeling”
“Angel of Death”
“Shadow of Death”


“Dark…compelling …that will keep readers turning the pages well past bedtime."
- Kelley Armstrong, New York Times Best Selling Author.


“A dark and gripping tale by a true mistress of supernatural fiction. Karen Dales brings fresh blood to the vampire genre.” —Michelle Rowen, National Best Selling Author