Today’s author is making his BMR debut! I’ve been a vampire fan since I saw the original Fright Night, so his book immediately grabbed my attention. He names The Shining as the King novel that unsettled him most – but he poses an interesting theory that makes me look at the book and movie in a different light. Welcome Dan Klefstad!
Which Stephen King novel unsettled you the most?
The Shining. This is so much more than a ghost story. The theme of family disintegration is especially unsettling as the father, Jack Torrance, grows increasingly obsessive and violent, and Wendy and son Danny feel threatened by his behavior. I was also fascinated by how Danny’s presence at the Overlook Hotel seems to intensify the paranormal disturbances there. My own interpretation of this novel, and the 1980 film, is that Danny’s visions, or “shining,” hint that he may be consciously destroying his father.
What is the spookiest ghost story you’ve ever heard?
A former cop in Rockford, Illinois, told me the story of a haunted apartment she rented. Her Sicilian mother refused to step into it, declaring something evil lurked there. She crossed herself and walked away. The former cop described various phenomena like faucets turning on, cabinet doors opening, etc. One night she was depressed and sat on the floor in the dark next to her fish tank, which provided the only light in the room. Soon she noticed all the fish had gathered in one corner near the bottom, as if they felt threatened by something. Suddenly, the cop was doused with water. Drenched, she went to a bar and called a friend who took her home. She moved out soon after.
Would you rather go to a real haunted house or watch a horror movie marathon?
Oh definitely the former. I’d love to visit a haunted home — especially one with a well-documented history of hauntings. I’ve never experienced the paranormal first-hand.
How do you use social media as an author?
Mainly to co-brand with independent bookstores. I’ve been lucky enough to get my book stocked by 27 indie bookshops, so I mainly use Facebook, Twitter & Instagram to share pics of smiling booksellers holding my book. One shop (From My Shelf Books in Wellsboro, PA) sent a pic featuring their bookstore cats, which I’m attaching. I’m proud of my association with indie bookstores, and we both win because the pics they send usually get the most engagement. Of course, I also use social media to announce reading & signing events, or when a new book is coming out.
What is your kryptonite as a writer?
Noise. I can’t listen to music when I write. If I’m outside, birds are fine. But traffic and lawnmowers will drive me to a quiet place inside.
What are you working on now?
The sequel to my vampire novel, Fiona’s Guardians. In it, I introduce a species of vampire little known in the west called a penanggalan.
When a vampire seduces you, death is minutes away. When she hires you, you’ll soon wish you were dead.
It’s a truth known to every guardian who worked for Fiona, including Daniel. Aside from managing the day to day chores and keeping her protected, he manages an investment portfolio to buy stolen blood from hospital workers. The 250-year-old Fiona needs 10 pints of human blood every night. As a result of this, Daniel and Fiona are always on the lookout for police, but fail to notice their gradual encirclement by Mors Strigae, an ancient order of monks dedicated to the extermination of vampires. Gone for a century, the monks start a new war when they destroy Fiona’s sire. This time, her vampire family is pushed to the edge of extinction — and the humans who serve them are hunted and executed.
After 35 years, what keeps him loyal? And will he ever be allowed to leave?
Purchase Links
Author Bio and Social Media
Dan Klefstad is a longtime radio host and newscaster at NPR station WNIJ. His latest novel, Fiona’s Guardians, is about humans who work for a beautiful manipulative vampire named Fiona. The book was adapted by Artists’ Ensemble Theater for their Mysterious Journey podcast. Dan is currently working on a sequel. He writes in DeKalb, Illinois.
@danklefstad on Twitter
@danklefstad on Instagram
Books and Such 
Welcome to BMR, Dan. I don’t blame that cop for moving away from that house! Love the photo of the bookstore kitties!
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Same, Joan. I’d be curious, but don’t think I’d stick around long.
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Reblogged this on NEW BLOG HERE >> https:/BOOKS.ESLARN-NET.DE.
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Love vampires! 😉 Thanks for introducing to another interesting book, Teri! Will forward the news, and also make a not for myself. Enjoy your Sunday! xx Michael
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Another vampire fan! Thanks again for sharing, Michael.
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Thank you Teri for featuring me — and thanks to those who responded and shared.
Dan Klefstad
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Happy to have you join in the fun this year, Dan.
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A ghost that even scared the fish?! Yikes! Great Bad Moon Rising, Dan and Teri!
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That’s what I thought, Priscilla, lol. Must have been something for them to gang up in the corner.
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Damn I would have moved outside that appartment pronto!
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Yep – packed up the fish and left!
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What a great post!
I’m intrigued by the theory about Danny in The Shining.. I can honestly say I never considered that. Now I’m going to have to watch it again. 😆
Thanks for sharing this, Teri, it was an interesting read!
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Same here, Sheri. When I read that it really made me think – it’s a totally plausible theory. Thanks for visiting!
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It actually makes a lot of sense when you really think about it. It will be interesting re-watching the movie with that thought in mind.
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Very intriguing! Why would he remain loyal, indeed?
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Makes you want to read the book and find out, right, Deby?
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What an interesting take on The Shining. I love Dan’s interpretation. And that’s cool that he’s so aligned with indie bookstores. I haven’t heard of anyone else taking such a focused approach. Best of luck to Dan with his books. 🙂 Thanks, Teri.
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It’s a wonderful idea, Diana. We have no indie bookstores around here – the closest one is in Nashville an hour away. It’s certainly a way to help get your name out there.
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We have one about an hour away too and I have a few books there, but 27 stores – that’s inspiring.
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Hi Teri and Dan. Another great interview. The Shining seems to be winning the King “award” hands down. I loved seeing the bookstore cats. That photo really captures their personality. What a delightful thing for them to send it to Dan. Hugs all around.
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Cat pics always get bonus points around here, Teagan. So adorable. You’re right – The Shining seems to be far in the lead with disturbing King books. Hugs!
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I think Dan’s approach to independent bookstores is a lovely way to market books. Well done on the questions too, Dan. Thanks, Teri.
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Sure is, John. There must be several in your area – might be something to think about.
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Yes indeed.
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It’s great to meet Dan here. And what a ghost story. Yes, I would have definitely moved out of that apartment immediately! His interpretation of The Shining made me pause and consider. He may be onto the subtlety of the story. Thank you for the introduction to Dan, Teri. Another fun BMR.
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There were some freaky things going on in that apartment, Jan. I wouldn’t have stuck around to see what else happened. Now I need to rewatch The Shining thinking about that theory. Have a great week!
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That haunted apartment story is wild!! I know that some people really can see evil more than others.
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I agree with that, Wendy. You hear about folks who’ve never experienced anything paranormal, and then others who have several stories. It’s like they’re a magnet or just more sensitive.
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That ghost story is spooky. Totally gave me chills.
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It put a big smile on my face – I’m just weird that way.
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Dan, that Rockford ghost story is chilling. I think it’s great that you’re a radio host. What fun. I love NPR!
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Love Dan’s approach to indie bookstores! Good info and fun interview!
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It’s an amazing idea if you’re in an area with lots of indie bookstores. I know I’d take advantage of it.
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Dan…Dan…hmmm, not sure I’ve heard of you…. (lol). Welcome to BMR! Awesome to see you here. Indie bookstores are where it’s at, for sure, and I’m glad they’re receptive. The kitties only add to the fun.
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Thanks for sending Dan my way, Sue!
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Of course!! 🙂
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Great interview (and cute kitties!) I’m fine with music when writing but that’s the only sound I can tolerate! Lawnmowers always have me moving to a quieter spot too!
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I’m loving the addition of all the furry critters to BMR, Shari. Pet photos always brighten my day. I don’t need absolute quite, but lawnmowers? I’d be looking for a quieter spot, too.
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A ghost that even scared the fish is definitely unsettling.
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Right? That’s just not a good sign at all.
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Hi Teri, It’s great to meet Dan. His comments about The Shining and the role of Danny in his father’s mental deterioration are interesting. His approach to marketing is also interesting.
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It sure made me look at the situation differently, Robbie. I want to rewatch The Shining now because of that. And the indie bookstores are a wonderful idea.
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