TIH 354: Danielle Trussoni on Fiction vs. Nonfiction, Writing Routine, and Horror Writing Tips

The Hunger, written by Whitley Strieber, tells the story of Miriam Blaylock, a beautiful and wealthy vampire whose life began in ancient Egypt. Miriam takes human lovers and transforms them into vampire-human hybrids, but these companions eventually begin to age and wither, despite her efforts to keep them youthful. The novel explores Miriam's loneliness and her search for a new companion, Dr. Sarah Roberts, whose medical research might hold the key to immortality for her lovers. The story delves into the psychological intricacies and intimacies between Miriam and her companions, highlighting themes of love, loss, and the pain of being inhuman.

Alex Miller's 'The Ancestor Game' centers around Lang Tzu, an exiled Chinese artist and art dealer. The novel explores themes of identity, belonging, and the complexities of human relationships. It delves into the history of Chinese Australians and the pervasive racism they faced. The story is deeply personal for Miller, as Lang Tzu is based on his real-life friend, Alan O'Hoy, whose tragic death inspired the novel. The book's exploration of cultural identity and the search for meaning continues to resonate with readers.