Telemarketers and Vampires: Blending Realism with the Monstrous

Recently at various libraries, Writing Education Specialist Sharma Shields ran a generative writing workshop called Monster Stories.

In one of the workshop’s prompts, Sharma asked participants to write a monster story involving a real-life work experience. Sharma loved the beginning of this story from local writer and colleague Tammy Anderson, who has worked for Spokane Public Library for sixteen years who envisioned Dracula working as a telemarketer...

Dracula sighed as he adjusted his headset. The headset was a constant problem; the microphone kept hitting against his fangs when he talked. Also, the headset volume—he had ears like a bat and the customers always talked too loudly.

Dracula always hated it when the customers asked him if he personally used the products. He was immortal; he didn’t need some “snake oil” vitamins and supplements that promised good health. Sure, it was easy enough to lie, but after a time, it wore on him…