Canadian author Nancy Kilpatrick has published numerous short stories and novels, including "Near Dark" and several books in the universe of Vampire: The Masquerade. A long-standing fan of the Undead, she holds one of the world's largest collections of vampire-related material. Ms. Kilpatrick has quite an eventful schedule planned for Halloween. "Oct. 31 is the first night of World Fantasy Convention 2001, to be held in Montreal. I plan to be there for a while, then hook up with friends from here and visitors from out of town, and watch the guy on the internet who is going to chop off his legs. Then we will all probably dress up, see the amazing outdoor decorations that Montreal is famous for, then end up at a goth club."

Writer Fred Saberhagen, author of many sci-fi and fantasy novels including his popular "Dracula" series, offers up his schedule. "This year, as in many other years, I'll be at (or on my way to) World Fantasy Con on Halloween." He also reflects on past years. "[I] once had an enthusiastic fan who was also a genuine dentist, and he made me the world's best set of vampire fangs. It was fun to greet trick-or-treaters with them in place." To this his wife Joan adds, "Fred has a wonderful long black cape with a red lining (made by a very talented fan) which he has worn on numerous occasions. The cape was loaned to a local theater group for use in one of their Halloween productions. [For World Con] we'll be traveling on commercial airlines with long lines, long delays and extensive baggage checks -- oh for the ability to transform into a bat!"

Elaine Bergstrom is the author of the "Austra" series, among other tales. She also writes under the pseudonym Marie Kiraly. Much like Nancy Kilpatrick, Ms. Bergstrom is also planning a night on the town. "This halloween I am going to an anniversary party at the "Safe House", the spy themed bar here in Milwaukee (known around the world as a haven for all sorts of unsavory types ... and also those who are not gamers). My most exciting Halloween was spent dancing with a snake in New Orleans (yes, the sort with scales) which is the BEST place to be for Halloween. Still, this one is going to be far better than most. Halloween has to fall on a weekend for it to be any real fun." To this she adds, "hope you all have a happy one even if it is on a Wednesday."

Unfortunately Laurell K. Hamilton (author of the popular "Anita Blake" series) was not directly available for comment, but her assistant provided this bit of information. "Actually, Laurell Hamilton is on tour this Halloween. She will make a brief stop in St. Louis to take her daughter Trick-or-Treating. But I don't think Laurell is planning on dressing up."

Finally, popular author Chelsea Quinn Yarbro, creator of the "Le Comte de Saint Germain" series, had the most surprising response: "I don't celebrate Halloween."

So if you are out this Halloween, be sure to be on the lookout for your favourite author, mixing it up with the local fiends. This year is a special one -- there will be a full moon on October 31st -- so keep that in mind when you see a vampire, ghoul or werewolf that looks a little too real. They may not be too impressed if you try to see what's under their mask.

Source: email correspondence/Vlad III