MT Hart Unearths the Humanity Behind Mortal Vampyrism Through Her Stories

Exploring Mortal Vampyrism Through a Human Lens

MT Hart delves into her fascination with vampyrism, her inspiration for complex characters like Lydia, and how her writing blends the supernatural with profound reflections on the human condition.

A  t Mosaic Digest, we celebrate the storytellers who dive fearlessly into the unknown, and this issue is no exception. We’re thrilled to feature MT Hart, a visionary author whose work masterfully explores the world of mortal vampyrism. In her writing, Hart delves beyond the surface of vampire lore, crafting deeply emotional, thought-provoking stories that reveal the hidden secrets and dark desires within us all.

In this exclusive interview, Hart shares the personal inspirations behind her compelling protagonist, Lydia, as well as the intricate research and real-life encounters that shaped her unique perspective. From exploring historical settings like the infamous Casino Agua Caliente to unraveling the complexities of eternity, her stories go beyond supernatural fiction to examine the very essence of humanity.

MT Hart’s insights into writing, life, and the allure of the unknown are as captivating as her books. We’re excited to bring her voice to this issue—one that challenges us to seek beauty in the darkness and stories in the shadows.

Highlights

• MT Hart’s fascination with vampires began in childhood and evolved into a unique interpretation of mortal vampyrism.
• His writing blends supernatural elements with deep questions about humanity, morality, and existence.
• The inspiration for his protagonist Lydia stemmed from a desire to explore human fragility and strength in unusual circumstances.
• Historical research, including the iconic Casino Agua Caliente, plays a substantial role in shaping the authentic settings of his stories.
• His advice to aspiring writers: “Write what you love. Don’t follow trends, and trust your instincts.”

What inspired you to delve into the world of mortal vampyrism and explore its complexities in your writing?

I have been interested in vampires since I was a small child. I loved Dracula (1931) and all of the films that came afterwards! The mortal Vampyre in my first books becomes the main character and shows up in other books as well. 

Although the books are combined into one now, I originally wrote each book separately, because I wrote them as they were experienced. I know that may be hard to understand, because this is a work of fiction, right? Well, although this is a work of fiction, my own personal path lead me to research more and more on the subject of mortal vampyrism. And this lead me to awaken to new facts, new peoples, and a whole new otherworld.

Without getting into too much personal detail, I will tell you there are entire worlds existing within our world that most people never delve into. Some of these are scary and some not so scary. But these worlds contain different unique and fascinating people and some of these same people are part of our everyday lives. They are doctors, lawyers, and even the man who bags your groceries at the supermarket. They appear professional and shall we say “normal”, but have hidden secrets, dark desires, and buried personalities.

While writing, I have been lucky enough to explore these worlds. Lydia helped me through this. She grew as I grew. Then she became what she became.

How do you think your personal experiences and research have influenced the characters and storylines in your books?

I have personal experience with people who call themselves “Vampyres”. Some I even call friends. 

Can you tell us more about Lydia and her role in your writing journey, particularly in the development of your series?

She is the main character and the dark soul to my mine. She is evil and at the same time sensible and even a hero. But it was her journey that led me to continue writing the second and third books. 

How do you balance the darker themes in your work with the need to create an engaging and entertaining narrative for your readers?

The story is the story. The darker themes are in reality, part of the story. Like life, the co-exist.

What is the significance of the Casino Agua Caliente setting in your book, and how does it relate to the overall story?

Casino Agua Caliente was a famous casino in Tijuana in the 1930’s. The prohibition was on in the states which meant no drinking. But drinking and dancing was very close, just across the border. It is said a woman still haunts the ruins of the infamous casino. This is where my story begins.

Your work often explores the human condition, even in supernatural contexts, what do you hope readers take away from this aspect of your writing?

So many people say they want to be a vampire. I receive emails often asking me to make people a vampire. Why? Because they are sick of life. I have asked many people, “What makes you think you can be a vampire for eternity if you cannot handle just one lifetime?”  And there you have it, the romaticizing of a deadly creature. When in reality, there is nothing romantic about it. And you need to make the most of the life you have.

How do you approach the process of writing about characters with hidden secrets and dark desires, and what techniques do you use to make them believable?

My characters are humans first, vampires second. They do not become monsters. They are humans that can live forever and need blood to survive. In my books, there are not many vampires simply because not many human minds could handle “forever”. A mind is not designed for “forever”. So, these dark desires and secrets are the same as they would be for any human being.

What advice would you give to fellow authors who are looking to explore the horror and supernatural genres in their own work, and how can they create a unique and captivating voice in these fields?

Write what you love. Don’t follow the trends.