Pike’s Vampire

I cannot remember the initial catalyst that drove me to put pen to paper, it was too long ago. Now in my thirty-fourth year, I think back to being seven. I spent much of my time writing crude stories about tree eating dragons and electricity wielding super heroes. While growing up, I consumed fiction en masse, feeding my story hungry mind.

Although there is one significant event I do remember. During my mid teens, I discovered a book by Christopher Pike called The Last Vampire. I had never read anything so engaging. The book was part of a series that I powered through, desperate to find out more about the charismatic protagonist. I marveled at Pike's ability to evoke emotion using nothing but words. He is still one of my heroes.

Pike showed me just how powerful storytelling could be. I always loved writing. But after reading his books, I knew I wanted to be a writer. I remember thinking this is the most elegant form of alchemy, fusing ink and paper to create such an impact.

I have created many characters since then. Robots, aliens, various creatures of the night. But I don't know how enthusiastic I would have been if not for that one book by a man named Pike.