Bertram: Who are you?
Eleanor: I am misunderstood. Your human idea of vampires is so limited, you still insist on portraying us as evil for merely surviving. I have lived for centuries, through years of your history, watching and learning. I have adapted to changing culture, always with impeccable taste. The parties I used to throw in Paris were the toast of the city; even a Dauphin attended one.
Bertram: What is your story?
Eleanor: I was born in 1291, in England. My life was typical of the time, married off young to an older man. My life was under the total control of a rather abusive husband, until I choose to embrace life as a vampire, and became liberated. I had to kill my husband to achieve that, but I did enjoy that piece of sweet revenge.
I fled to France to avoid any messy accusations of murder, and lived there for several centuries. I met Henri Forain there, in 1556, and fell in love. At the time it seemed a wonderful thought to turn him, and we would live forever as vampires; alas the romance did not last.
Bertram: Do you embrace conflict?
Eleanor: Not as a rule, I prefer to settle things amiably. I much prefer seduction to conflict, but I am not adverse to violence when the situation is in need of it. It is very unwise to cross my wishes, very few individuals try.
Bertram: How do your enemies see you?
Eleanor: As a killer, I would suppose, at least the ones that still breathe. Not entirely untrue, but still a quite harsh description.
Bertram: What are your achievements?
Eleanor: My greatest achievement is surviving: my husband, war, fools, death, even my relationship with Henri. I am also well read, quite musical, and the perfect hostess.
Bertram: Do you have any special strengths?
Eleanor: Immortality, strength, speed, all the usual vampire enhancements. I am also very good at lying.
Bertram: Do you have any special weaknesses?
Eleanor: Do you honestly think I’m going to enlighten you on that topic? Do not be absurd.
Bertram: Do you have any skills?
Eleanor: Oh many. I paint, embroider, cook, play the pianoforte and the lute. I also have skills a lady does not discuss in an interview.
Bertram: What do you want?
Eleanor: Blood. Preferably warm.
Bertram: What do you need?
Eleanor: Blood. Oh, and perhaps a few more pieces of expensive jewellery for my collection. Money is always welcome as well; a lady must pay the bills.
Bertram: What do you regret?
Eleanor: Not killing my husband sooner. And turning Henri into a vampire; he caused a great deal of trouble over the years.
Bertram: What is your biggest disappointment?
Eleanor: Henri, I wish he had been a better man and vampire. I truly did love the man, in the beginning, but he changed as the years passed and became such a displeasure to me.
Bertram: Has anyone ever failed you?
Eleanor: A long list of men, most of them are dead now. Some of them were even tasty.
Bertram: Has anyone ever betrayed you?
Eleanor: One or two souls; they did not survive to do it again. As I said, it is unwise to go against my wishes; it can even be fatal.
Bertram: Have you ever betrayed anyone?
Eleanor: Yes, but they were only human; mere food. I do not feel guilt over betraying the trust of prey. And there was Henri, but he deserved it.
Bertram: Do you keep your promises?
Eleanor: Sometimes, when it suits my purposes.
Bertram: Are you honorable?
Eleanor: No, quite the opposite. You are a fool if you trust me.
Bertram: Are you healthy?
Eleanor: I do not age, I do not become sick. I am far better than healthy, I am flawless.
Bertram: Was there ever a defining moment of your life?
Eleanor: Becoming vampire certainly defined, and enhanced my life. I highly recommend it. There is nothing quite so sweet as the taste of blood after a good chase. And a lady never has to worry about aging.
Bertram: How do you envision your future?
Eleanor: Endless and decadent, full of poor souls to feast upon. I have nothing else to say to you, but if you insist on knowing more about me, you can get the information here.
Pat Bertram Introduces . . . 
February 27, 2009 at 11:04 am
Scary lady, and what a brave interviewer you are!
February 27, 2009 at 12:53 pm
Eleanor has been surprisingly forthcoming about herself, and she is certainly worth getting to know much better! Great interview, wonderful book!
February 27, 2009 at 4:04 pm
A.F., You have certainly created a memorable character in Eleanor. I look forward to getting to know her better.
February 28, 2009 at 11:38 am
She may have further adventures in store for her.
February 28, 2009 at 5:29 pm
Terrific, ladies!
March 1, 2009 at 12:39 am
Very interesting interview. I do hope you say far away from Eleanor.
Better than a review of the book itself. I liked this format. While it might not work for many books, it certainly worked for this one.