Monday, August 30, 2010

What would the most infamous female serial killer in history say on Twitter?

My lovely wife The Lovely Becky (aka the author Rebecca Johns) has a new novel, The Countess, which will be out October 12. It's about Countess Erzsébet Báthory, aka Elizabeth Bathory, aka The Blood Countess, a sixteenth-century Hungarian noblewoman who was convicted of murdering dozens of her servants. Over the centuries, the legends grew that Countess Bathory used these murders for black magic rituals, such as bathing in the blood of her victims to preserve her youth. Unfortunately, as the countess found out, that plan falls apart when you're caught and walled up inside your castle as punishment.

TLB's The Countess tells this story from Bathory's point of view. My wife told me that she wanted to find the human behind the historical monster, to get inside the head of someone who was an intelligent, charming, witty, powerful noblewoman (in an era dominated by men), while also diving into the dark, violent, brutal acts that made gave her The Blood Countess moniker.

So as the publication date approaches and TLB was discussing ways to use this new-fangled social media to get the word out, we came up with an idea:

The twitter feed of Countess Elizabeth Bathory

Where you can read the thoughts of the countess herself as she shares ideas on motivating one's servants (the secret ingredient is stinging insects), how to kick royal ass even while wearing dainty footware, and how even murderous noblewomen get the blues. Her first tweet:

The problem with bathing in blood is that it's hell on your towels.

You can follow Countess Bathory's Tweets at BathoryElizabet. Don't be fooled by the imitation Bathory's on Twitter. This one's as close to the real deal as you'll find.

TLB also has a good post about how you need to not be nice to characters if you want to write compelling fiction. Having read the book twice now, I can attest that while TLB's Bathory is enthralling and charismatic, she is most definitely not nice. In fact, after seeing what came out of my wife's imagination, I decided to be extra nice to her in real life. Just in case.

19 comments:

Vonnie said...

super like! alas, I do not tweet or follow the tweets.

Jennifer said...

Is TLB's bio included in your house's sales info?? I'm thinking after her book comes out and is an instant success, people will be clamoring to live in her former house... and to find proof that she do a little too much character study in the basement.

Jennifer said...

"did" a little... no "do" a little.

I do a little too much coffee this morning.

fish said...

LOL! That is so awesome. Although I think she should rename it: "Shit My Serial Killer Countess Says". Then maybe you all would get a shot at a TV sitcom...

zombie rotten mcdonald said...

So, should I order the book online, or wait to get it from the local bookstore when TLB visits?

Brando said...

ZRM, there should be books at the signing, but feel free to order from wherever you want.

Fish, that's exactly what I was thinking of when TLB and I discussed this. Hopefully it catches on.

fish said...

Ann Rice is already a follower (minion?), very cool.

Hamish Mack said...

When one had finished with the bathing an all, did one make Black Puddings? It would have been a big waste otherwise

Mandos said...

fish: A filet minion?

ifthethunderdontgetya™³²®© said...

I fear another storm of anti-fishism.
~

Snag said...

Will the resulting book tour take you my way? If so, I'd be happy to help by drinking with you.

Kathleen said...

and to find proof that she do a little too much character study in the basement.

you don't really think she spent $300 on cleaner b/c of cat pee, do you?

Brando said...

LOL at filet minion. And TLB is following Anne Rice, not the other way around (at least not yet).

Snag, Becky's not really on tour, just has some readings set up at nearby places. However, she may venture out to a couple of places to do some readings, especially if it will just cost air fare or gas. I will definitely promote any of those visits.

Churlita said...

Can we call it a tour, so that when she reads at Prairie Lights, I can hold my lighter or cell phone through the whole thing?

Vonnie said...

just ordered my copy!

zombie rotten mcdonald said...

Perhaps Snaggle should come down here for the one in my neighborhood. Then we could BOTH help out by drinking.

There is a bar across the street.

Jennifer said...

Becky's not really on tour, just has some readings set up at nearby places.

Fortunately some of us are in nearby places. :)

Kathleen said...

lucky!!

Substance McGravitas said...

The Countess also inspired heavy-metal band BATLORD. Sorry, Bathory.