2025 Recap by Teresa Inge

Looking back on 2025, I see a year of achievements and moments of sorrow. Despite the challenges of a full-time job, I succeeded in publishing three mystery stories and drafting three additional ones for release in 2026. I also coordinated an anthology featuring Virginia authors and devoted time to editing a novel.

Setting Goals 

One of my proudest moments was being invited as a presenter at the Murder, Mystery, and Mayhem festival—a new year’s goal that I set the year prior. In my presentation, I discussed methods for finding information that go beyond typical search engines. I also shared my experiences in writing, selling, and promoting books, drawing on my extensive background with book signings.

2025 Conferences & Book Festival 

In addition, I was accepted into two local conferences—opportunities for which I am grateful to connect with readers and sell my books. I also co-coordinated the inaugural OBX Book Festival in the Outer Banks of North Carolina, collaborating with OBX tourism and local sponsors. The festival’s success was the result of tireless effort: creating author forms, managing social media, designing flyers, and personally visiting over sixty businesses across six towns to promote the event. Local magazines, radio stations, and social media amplified our reach, connecting authors and readers for the festival.

Wedding & Sorrow

I helped my daughter plan her wedding which occurred just a week before the festival, making the year feel like a whirlwind of activity. Yet, 2025 also brought sorrow. In July, my youngest brother was tragically killed in a car accident caused by a young driver who had only recently received a license. The loss was devastating for my family.  Just two weeks later, my sister’s husband passed away unexpectedly, bringing additional sorrow to our family.

New Year

As I enter the new year, I am excited for fresh writing opportunities and spending quality time with my family.

Happy New Year! 

www.teresainge.com 

 

 

 

 

Count Dracula, the legendary Vampire by Teresa Inge

As October approaches, a month often associated with Halloween, numerous horror films begin to air on television. Iconic characters such as Freddy Krueger, Jason Voorhees, and Michael Myers signal the onset of the season dedicated to suspense and fright. In my childhood, I enjoyed classic movies like Frankenstein, works by Alfred Hitchcock, and stories featuring Count Dracula. My siblings and I often repeated lines such as “I want to suck your blood,” showing how much Dracula influenced us.

Dracula is one of the most enduring and iconic creatures in gothic literature and popular culture. Originating from Bram Stoker’s 1897 novel Dracula, this vampire has become synonymous with the myths and legends of the undead, shaping the portrayal of vampires in literature, film, and media for over a century.

Origins of the Novel

Dracula tells the story of Count Dracula, a centuries-old vampire from Transylvania who travels to England in search of new blood, spreading his undead curse. The novel is presented through a series of diary entries, letters, and newspaper articles, chronicling the efforts of Jonathan Harker, Mina Murray, Dr. Van Helsing, and others as they attempt to stop Dracula’s reign of terror.

Bram Stoker’s creation was inspired by Eastern European folklore and historical figures such as Vlad the Impaler, a 15th-century Romanian prince known for his brutal methods of punishment.  

Characteristics of Dracula

Dracula is often depicted as a charismatic yet terrifying figure. He possesses supernatural abilities including immortality, shapeshifting into a bat or wolf, control over animals, and the power to mesmerize his victims. Traditionally, vampires like Dracula cannot endure sunlight, must drink blood to survive, and are vulnerable to garlic, holy symbols, and stakes through the heart.

Dracula in Popular Culture

Since the publication of Stoker’s novel, Dracula has been adapted into countless films, television shows, and theatrical productions. Throughout my childhood, I watched the 1931 Universal Pictures film starring Bela Lugosi who popularized the image of Dracula with his slicked-back hair, a high-collared cape, and an Eastern European accent.

From Hammer Films featuring Christopher Lee as Dracula in the mid-20th century to more recent adaptations such as the TV series Dracula and the movie Hotel Transylvania, the character continues to appear in popular culture.

Dracula’s Legacy

Dracula’s impact extends beyond entertainment; he has become a cultural symbol representing fear, eternal life, and the struggle between good and evil. The novel also sparked interest in vampire lore and gothic fiction as literary genres.

As Halloween approaches in the next few weeks, viewers will remain drawn to Dracula for its enduring vampire legend. Will you be watching? 

 

Summer's Calling: 5 Easy Outdoor Activities by Teresa Inge

I enjoy summer for its outdoor adventures and fresh air. Here are some simple activities to try this season.

Visit a Farmer's Market / Farmers Market Finder 
During the summer, I visit farmer's markets for a classic summertime experience to buy fresh produce and vegetables during their peak season.  

Farmer’s markets offer more than just produce; they function as community centers to support local farmers and small businesses. Additionally, I never pass up the chance to buy home-grown tomatoes to make my favorite tomato sandwiches with mayonnaise.

Go on a Bike Ride / Ride Better Tips
Biking offers both exercise and a chance to explore—whether heading to the store, enjoying scenic views, or cycling around the neighborhood like me.

It’s also a great summer activity for all ages. But if it's been a while, remember it's just like riding a bike—you'll pick it up quickly.

Take a Hike / All Trails Finder
Hiking is one of the most rewarding summer activities from leisure nature walks to wilderness adventures.

During the summer, I hike in parks and around lakes filled with flowers, trees, and scenic trails. But before you go, remember to bring water, bug spray, sunscreen, and sturdy shoes.

Go on a Camping Trip / Campground Search
Camping is a popular activity that has grilling, swimming, and sleeping under the stars in a tent or RV. Most campgrounds include hiking trails, open-air movies, supply stores, and allow pets.

Each year, my husband and I spend two weeks camping in our RV, enjoying nature, and meeting other campers.

See an outdoor concert / Outdoor Concert Search
Most towns offer summer concerts in their central areas. I attend concerts at my town center which are always fun. All you need is a festival chair and good spirits to join in. Schedules and details are usually posted online, and drinks are often available.

In summary, getting outside can do wonders for your physical well-being and general wellness. It can also reduce stress through simple, enjoyable activities.

Additional Summer Activities
Backyard Scavenger Hunt, Cornhole, Pool Party, BBQ Cookout, and Beach Days.

Malice Domestic - Where Everybody Knows Your Name by Teresa Inge

Last month, I had the pleasure of attending Malice Domestic, an annual convention that celebrates traditional mysteries, with a focus on Agatha Christie-style storytelling. Since its inception in 1989, this event has brought fans and authors together for a fun and friendly experience. Currently held each April in Bethesda, Maryland, it offers a mix of author panels, book signings, and engaging mystery-themed activities.

My own journey with Malice began twenty years ago, accompanied by my husband, daughter, and mother. Although I was initially nervous—surrounded by so many accomplished writers and knowing no one—I was warmly welcomed by Malice volunteers, members of Sisters in Crime (SinC) an organization dedicated to supporting female crime writers, as well as other authors and fans. I then realized I had found a place where I truly belonged which reminded me of the Cheers show theme song. Fast forward to last month, and Malice Domestic still exudes the same heartwarming “family reunion” vibe, complete with cheerful hugs, laughter, and enthusiasm shared with old friends and new ones. Over the years, this convention has had a profound impact on my writing career. It has helped me forge connections with fellow writers, build lasting friendships, discover publishing opportunities, and hone my writing craft. Now, I take pride in welcoming newcomers, just as I was embraced all those years ago.This year's highlights included Malice Go Round Speed Dating, New Authors Breakfast, an annual lunch with the Short Mystery Fiction Society, a SinC, Guppies gathering featuring an "Agatha signature cocktail" and appetizers, a captivating Sherlock Holmes play, the Agatha Awards banquet, an after-party, and panels like "Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys" and "Living in a Modern World: Women Take the Lead." There were fabulous interviews with the guest of honor Marcia Talley, lifetime achievement honoree Donna Andrews, and toastmaster Gigi Pandian as well as a book room overflowing with literary treasures, rounded out an unforgettable experience. 

Femme Fatales in Cinema by Teresa Inge

During my childhood, I watched many black-and-white films. But out of all the films I watched, femme fatales captivated my attention the most since they represented mystery, beauty, seduction, and danger. The term "femme fatale," French for "fatal woman," describes female characters who use their charm to lure men into traps that are compromising or deadly. This character has appeared in numerous films, evolving through different eras with seduction and deception.

Film Noir

In the film noir genre of the 1940s and 1950s, two of my favorite femme fatales is Rita Hayworth in Gilda and Barbara Stanwyck in Double Indemnity who emerged as this quintessential character. These women were objects of desire who used their sexuality as a weapon with unsuspecting men and then orchestrating their downfall. They reflected female empowerment, fascination, and fear.

Contemporary Cinema

As cinema evolved, so did the portrayal of femme fatales. In the 1990s, films like Basic Instinct had viewers in fear as Sharon Stone pushed the boundaries of sexuality and manipulation even further as character Catherine Tramell. These contemporary femme fatales were intelligent, confident, and unapologetically sexual, thus changing the cultural landscape of women taking control of their destinies.

Modern Cinema

In modern cinema, femme fatales continue to be a prominent figure, appearing in films such as Gone Girl and The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. These characters often blur the lines between victim and villain. Ultimately, the appeal of the femme fatale lies in her ability to captivate viewers with her presence. She reflects the evolving dynamics of power and sexuality in society.

Today, I still watch black-and-white movies. Sometimes they play on TV in the background while I write or work around the house. Other times I catch a glimpse of the femme fatale characters that I watched during my childhood.