Vampires: From Twilight to Dracula Daily

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This week, HotSamples is sinking its teeth into the Halloween season with a special tribute to our favorite nocturnal creatures: vampires! Whether you’re a fan of the dark humor in “What We Do in the Shadows” or you still swoon over the campy romance of “Twilight,” we’ve got a blood-curdling lineup just for you. So grab your garlic and sharpen your stakes, because we’re about to take a thrilling trip to the underworld.

Dracula Daily: Sink Your Fangs into a Serial Experience

Just a few years ago, Matt Kirkland unveiled his audacious plan: a serialized version of Bram Stoker’s legendary vampire novel, “Dracula,” delivered in bite-sized, daily emails. The reactions were mixed. Some were hesitant, uttering syrupy assurances like, “That sounds fun, but there’s no way I’m doing it.” If I were in his shoes, I might’ve declined too. After all, Dracula Daily would send over 100 emails, updating subscribers about the happenings in the world of Dracula from May 3 to November 7.

But Kirkland didn’t let the naysayers dampen his enthusiasm. Against all odds, Dracula Daily now boasts an impressive subscriber count of over 240,000. The success has even inspired Kirkland to release a book version, preserving the essence of the newsletter with added artwork and inside jokes sourced from his dedicated readers. “The goal of the book is to be a keepsake for the Internet community and newsletter,” explains Kirkland. “That way, you can experience it without signing up for 110 individual emails.”

How It All Began: From Innocent Intrigue to Thriving Fandom

The spark for Dracula Daily ignited when Kirkland reread the novel in 2020. His daughter, Trudy, only 10 years old at the time, became captivated by the story and constantly demanded updates. The summer became a ritual of suspense and shared curiosity. “What’s happening in Dracula?” Trudy would inquire. Inspired by his daughter’s enthusiasm, Kirkland began to wonder what it would be like if others took a similar reading journey. And thus, the idea for Dracula Daily was born.

Turns out, arranging “Dracula” in chronological order, including letters, diary entries, and newspaper clippings, makes the story more accessible and engaging. Over the past three years, Dracula Daily has attracted a horde of new and seasoned Dracula enthusiasts, eager to sink their teeth into the mesmerizing tale. Today, Kirkland opens up about his spooky Substack empire, his favorite characters in Dracula, and the captivating allure of Stoker’s literary legacy.

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Unveiling Kirkland’s Spooky Substack Empire

HotSamples: Congratulations on another chilling year of Dracula Daily. So, spill the blood—tell us: is it a one-man show?

MATT KIRKLAND: Surprisingly, yes! Setting up Dracula Daily didn’t take much effort. I arranged the entire book by date in one weekend, and from there, it was all about copy-pasting into emails and scheduling them to go out. Honestly, coming up with funny subject lines took up as much brainpower as arranging the emails themselves.

HotSamples: Have you encountered any die-hard Dracula superfans along the way?

MATT KIRKLAND: It’s mind-blowing, really. So many people have subscribed to Dracula Daily. The numbers keep growing, which astonishes me. I’ve had the pleasure of meeting experts on the time period and vampire literature in general. At my recent book tour events, attendees showed up in costumes and fangs, embracing the spirit of Dracula. It’s been absolutely delightful.

HotSamples: Dracula has endured throughout the years, remaining incredibly popular. What do you think keeps readers enthralled?

MATT KIRKLAND: Well, “Dracula” is the quintessential vampire tale. It’s where all the classic vampire tropes originate, with Count Dracula himself as the standout character. But the real surprise lies in the heart of the story. It’s not just about Dracula’s larger-than-life persona; it delves into the bonds of friendship and affection formed by those who come together to confront him. Dracula, in essence, is a monster scumbag that forces others to unite against him. This gap between readers’ expectations and the actual narrative is a delightful surprise.

HotSamples: Running Dracula Daily must have had its fair share of surprises. Care to share any?

MATT KIRKLAND: Thanks to the way Dracula Daily is structured, some days subscribers receive a mere paragraph, while other days offer more substantial chunks. And occasionally, there’s nothing at all. But it’s those shorter segments that readers truly sink their fangs into, uncovering funny moments and throwaway lines. For example, on the very first day, when Jonathan writes about trying paprika chicken, it became a topic of discussion in the online vampire community. People questioned if he’s truly that English. The paprika discourse was unexpectedly entertaining.

‘Fans gather for a Dracula Daily presentation’

HotSamples: Will Dracula Daily continue next year?

MATT KIRKLAND: Every year, I think to myself, “Surely this is it. Nobody will want to read this again.” Yet, every year, librarians and teachers reach out, expressing their desire to organize events around Dracula Daily in the following year. So, yes, I’m absolutely planning to continue it in 2024. As for the future, who knows? The effort required is minimal, but I can’t quite imagine sending Dracula-related emails for the rest of my life.

HotSamples: Do you have any other novels in mind for serialization?

MATT KIRKLAND: As much as I enjoy reading novels this way, countless others have embraced the concept too. Substack, in particular, has seen a surge in the serialization of classic novels. It’s great to see others taking up the mantle and doing a fantastic job. I’m more than happy to be a subscriber and enjoy their work.

HotSamples: Apart from Dracula, do you have any favorite characters from the novel?

MATT KIRKLAND: I’m always curious to know more about Renfield. He remains somewhat of a mystery in the book. Another intriguing side character is the guy who writes all the newspaper clippings. People have created an imaginary character out of him—a go-getter newspaper correspondent who takes on the vampire news beat.

HotSamples: As a Dracula aficionado, how do you feel about modern vampires like Edward Cullen and Nandor? Are you a purist or open to the new wave?

MATT KIRKLAND: Funny enough, I don’t have an overwhelming affinity for vampire stories. I enjoy them, but the concept itself is so flexible. I embrace all interpretations. Vampires can be modern and terrifying, or they can be comedic, just like in “What We Do in the Shadows”. My foundational vampire experience was “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” which had a campy feel. Vampires are a delightful trope to play around with, and I love them all.

Sink Your Fangs into Dracula Daily

Now, if you’re ready to dive into the world of “Dracula” and experience the captivating story in real-time, complete with commentary by the internet, be sure to check out Dracula Daily. You can grab a copy of the book version, allowing you to immerse yourself in Stoker’s timeless tale without the commitment of over 100 emails. And guess what? It’s now 10% off on Amazon. Don’t miss your chance to join the growing community of Dracula enthusiasts.

About the Writer:

Bria McNeal
Associate Staff Writer
Bria McNeal is a Manhattan-based journalist who is patiently awaiting the revival of B5. When she’s not writing about all things entertainment, you can find her glued to the TV or attempting a DIY project (usually while still watching TV). Her work has appeared in NYLON, Refinery29, HotSamples, and her personal newsletter, StirCrazy.

Enjoyed sinking your fangs into this article? Let us know in the comments below! Have you joined the Dracula Daily fandom yet? We’d love to hear about your experiences. And don’t forget to share this captivating piece with your fellow fashionistas who just can’t resist a stylish vampire. Happy reading!