VC Andrews SuperFan Magazine
Transcription
VC Andrews SuperFan Magazine
First Quarter 2016 V.C. Andrews SuperFan Magazine V.C. Andrews SuperFan Board Volume 1, Issue 1 Special points of interest: Lifetime brings Audrina to life in this new original movie adaptation. We highlight and celebrate some thought provoking, quirky My Sweet Audrina‟s theories, discussions , role-play and fan fiction. We take a look at the latest offering- Sage‟s Eyes. SuperFan Nehal Khan interviews Andrew Neiderman. Special guest writer E. Van Lowe informs us of the importance of character development. We take a look at how The Complete V.C.A Website transformed a fandom and preserved a legacy. Special Issue Inside this issue: My Sweet Audrina Movie 4-7 My Sweet Audrina Theory Section 8-13 My Sweet Audrina Theory , Fan 14-15 fiction & RolePlay Sage’s Eyes Special Feature 16-19 V.C. Andrews’ Fan News 20-23 Special Interviews & Awards 24-34 Coming up in the next issue…. 35 V. C . A n d rews Sup er Fa n M ag a z in e Page 2 The V.C. Andrews SuperFan Board by Amanda Jensen Credits : Cover artwork “My Sweet Audrina” by Lorraine Elgar Cover design by Neisha Chetty Editor: Christopher Bentivegna, Editor in Chief : Neisha Chetty Copy editing Kathryn White and Lorraine Elgar Magazine design and layout by Neisha Chetty For over thirty seven years, V.C. displaying V.C.A inspired fan art, Andrews‘ novels have captured authors and fan fiction, the hearts and imagination of so many dedicated and passionate fans. There are several websites, forums, and groups dedicated to the works of V.C Andrews. Now there is a new group dedicated to you...the V.C. Andrews fans. The VCA Superfan Board celebrates the achievements of all devoted fans who have been following VCA's career for years, and even the new fans just discovering her‘s and ghost writer‘s Andrew Neiderman's talent. The board intends to honor these fans with the induction into the ―V.C. Andrews Christopher Bentivegna Amanda Jensen The V.C.Andrews Superfan Board consists of the following Candace Marie Butler individuals Neisha Chetty Tabatha Williams Carmen Carreras Lorraine Elgar book page Jessica Zinder Jennifer The Complete VCA https://www.facebook.com/VCAndrews-SuperFan-Board588793504602906/ Ryan Michael Coe (edited by Neisha Chetty, Christo- Laura Jane Jones Jennifer Clarke If you‘d like to learn more about The V.C. Andrews SuperFan Board, you can find them on face- pher Bentivegna, Kathryn White and Lorraine Elgar). SuperFan Hall of Fame‖, awarding and recognizing Super Collectors, Thank you to Kathryn White who Assisted in the Copy Editing Process Kathryn White was born in 1981 explore new concepts, dysfunc- Kathryn also runs a successful and grew up on the south coast of tional relationships and viewing life book review website titled Kath- Adelaide. A passionate writer, she was first published at age 17 and from the perspective of people who do not quite fit in with their ryn‘s Inbox, which is updated daily. later graduated from Flinders Uni- world in one way or another. versity with a BA (Hons.) Kathryn Kathryn has been a fan of V.C. http:// has independently published a Andrews since she was in her kathrynwhiteau- variety of novels and is happiest teens and now owns all of her thor.blogspot.co.uk/?m=1 when she is using her writing to books. You can follow Kathryn on : Inside this issue: Lifetime’s Original Movie ―My Sweet Audrina‖ Carmen & Ryan Discuss the Lifetime MSA Movie 4 Special Guest & Amateur Director Ted Ryan‘s M.S.A Movie Review 5-7 My Sweet Audrina Theory Section Jessica Zinder‘s My Sweet Audrina Color Theory 8 Damian Adare by Lorraine Elgar 8-10 Mystery of Mercy Marie Solved (?) M.S.A Theory Fanfiction by Neisha Chetty 10 Lost Angels Of VCA : Was My Sweet Audrina Written before Flowers in the 11 Jennifer Clark‘s First and Best Audrina Quote : Explained By Neisha Chetty 12 Volum e 1, I ssue 1 Page 3 Inside this issue: continued Rachel Kapila - Vera ! 12-13 Fanfiction and Roleplay Vera by Ty Kovac 14 Whispered Dreams Theatre : Tuesday Teatimes RolePlay 15 Featured Book : Sage’s Eyes Special Sage‘s Eyes Excerpt from The Complete VCA Site 16 Laura Jane Jones‘ Sage‟s Eyes Review 16 Amanda Jensen‘s Sage‟s Eyes Review 17 Jessica Zinders‘ Sage‟s Eyes Review 17 Keshena Booker‘s Sage‟s Eyes Review 18 Crossword Puzzle : Cross Over With Sage‘s Eyes 19 Making a date with A-dare. Manip by Neisha Chetty V.C. Andrews News and Fan News AtticSecrets : FITA The Stage Play Wins numerous awards by Lorraine Elgar 20 Lost Angels of VCA‘s Jessica Zinder On The Move 21 Teatime with ―Uncle Andrew‖ 21 Salome Meyer -Lowrens from Woodhurst Library, Durban South Africa 21 The Purple Grass 22 Rachel Swanson Shares Her New Acquisition 22 Julianne Hannes‘ Audrina Movie Poster 23 Lorraine Elgar‘s Recipe For a Vera-tini 23 Fan Special Andrew Neiderman Interviewed by Nehal Khan 24-25 Andrew Neiderman Receives The Golden Raintree Award 26 Whitefern by V.C. Andrews Synopsis 27 The Incident by Andrew Neiderman Synopsis 27 E. Van Lowe : Advice for Aspiring Writers 28 About E. Van Lowe 28 Synopsis of Moondancers by E.Van Lowe (The Beautiful Creatures of Beverley 29 Our Challenge to V.C. Andrews Fan Fiction Writers 29 Jennifer The Complete VCA Interviewed by Lorraine Elgar 30-31 SuperFan Awards : Lifetime Achievement and First Hall of Fame Inductee 31-32 Super Collector : Nehal Khan shares his passion for Virginia Andrews 33 Nehal Receives First Super– Collector Award 33 One to One with Richard Maurer by Neisha Chetty 34 Coming up in the Next Issue 35 Because we simply love Audrina. Manip by Neisha Chetty Page 4 V. C . A n d rews Sup er Fa n M ag a z in e Carmen Carreras & Ryan Michael Coe Discuss the Lifetime MSA Movie Carmen Carreras is a well-known ance for me is the aunt of room scenes from the book member of the VCA fandom, she is Audrina. She always seemed like adapted to screen, though. Faces originally from Venezuela but now she would have been a little like a and voices in the pictures in the lives in the United States. Carmen is mother hen, Corrine, from the library! Movies made from books popular for sharing her insights into "Attic" series. She may not have always take a much quicker route. „‟V.C. Andrews‟ books‟ and movies. had a lot of scenes in the movie I thought the film adaption of "If version, but the actress portrays There be Thorns" was perfect! It her character perfectly! is exactly the way I envisioned it Ryan Michael Coe runs the „V.C. Andrews House Of Flowers' facebook page for fans, which is a place to Was there any scene in the post your thoughts about the movies movie that stood out? being made from V.C. books, and also where you can share your collecScene with Ellie and Audrina from the Lifetime Movie : My Sweet Audrina tions! Ryan makes a lot of his own memorabilia and art pieces inspired by V.C. Andrews! In this great interview, Carmen and Ryan offer their thoughts on the Carmen : India was awesome on her wedding night, acted very well as a traumatized young bride who wasn‘t able to perform. Were you upset when Billy and Sylvia were left out? while also reading the book! Do you think Lifetime should adapt more V.C. Andrews movies? Carmen :Yes, Heaven will be a good choice for them. Ryan : I hope Lifetime can greenlight the "Casteel" series into movies next! I also wouldn‘t mind a recent Lifetime film adaption of My Carmen: It was expected. Sylvia movie made of the "Runaways" When it comes to V.C. Sweet Audrina. was a very important part of the the book trilogy of a group of Andrews‟ movies, nobody What did you think about the story and I am sure that VC An- orphan girls reuniting to find hap- drews meant for Sylvia to be more does it better than movie My Sweet Audrina? Was that we really perceived of her. it good/bad ? How would you Ryan : Not all events from rate it? piness! The Dollanganger series adapted by Lifetime Films was a Carmen and Ryan. Join them as they chat to the SuperFanBoard about My Sweet Audrina, the Lifetime movie. Carmen : It was good, remember LifetimeTV had limited time to show everything that happened in the book. I will give a 4 out of 5. Many important items were missing but for a person who didn‘t read the book was easy to under- Sweet, sweet Audrina movie still (Lifetime My Sweet Audrina) ―Petals on the Wind‖ novel got put actors, actresses. ―Audrina‘s‖ movie didn‘t get eve- For more movie news, views, rything from the creepy novel, videos, and artwork check out either. Significant characters were Carmen and Ryan‘s Facebook left out from both movies I have pages and follow them on twitter. noticed as well. Not all scenes from the book Ryan : I watched the film of "My were in the movie. Is there Sweet Audrina." It is good! At least, any particular scene you feel it is to me after having read the novel! The style from the novel is should have been included in the movie ? translated and brought to life on Carmen : Oh, we all missed the the film quite nicely! I rate it a 7! Tea sessions with aunt Mercy! I Was there any performance personally missed the scenes that stood out for you? when Arden betrayed Audrina. In Carmen : All the actresses that sweet ,devoted husband but we all Ryan : The stand out perform- novels read like, setting, costume, into the film, a lot often like stand. played Audrina were awesome. fairly reasonable take on what the the Lifetime movie Arden is a know the truth. Ryan : I would have liked the tea- https://m.facebook.com/VCAndrews-Movies525062257591212/ https://www.facebook.com/VCAndrews-House-Of-Flowers-page1144215788928883/ Page 5 Volum e 1, I ssue 1 Special Guest & Amateur Director Ted Ryan‘s My Sweet Audrina Movie Review The story of a young girl born to Audrina the most, feeling like she takes a dramatic turn as Audrina's replace her dead sister, haunted has to live up to the expectations mother collapses in a pool of by nightmares of rapists in the woods and physically and emo- of her dead sister who was attacked and murdered in the blood and Audrina rushes in to see her mother glare up at her tionally abused while being kept woods as a child before Audrina tearfully as she cries "You went isolated in a Victorian mansion is 2.0. was born. Audrina lives with into the woods... Why did you do brought to life - Virginia Andrews' her creepily obsessive father Da- that?" - I didn't like how this standalone novel published in mien (James Tupper) , her heavily caused a premature labor and 1982 was a really compelling Gothic thriller and has inspired pregnant mother Lucietta who seemed emotionally detached Audrina to be ridden with blame and guilt. This certainly didn't both this movie and a sequel writ- (Kirsten Robek), the uncharacter- happen in the book and I certainly ten by Andrew Neiderman (V.C. istically quiet and obedient Aunt didn't like what happened next... Andrews' Ghostwriter) Ellsbeth (Jennifer Copping) and the Audrina's sister Sylvia died. They "Whitefern" - so It is safe to say manipulative cousin Vera (Kacey killed off a main character within that 2016 is Audrina Adare's year. Rohl) in the secluded Whitefern Manor. twenty minutes who actually survives to the end of the book, but I As some readers will know from India Eisley as adult Audrina. (Lifetime Movie) still courtesy of Carmen Carreras shall get back to that later. my previous blogs about this film, I Vera enjoys taunting Audrina as have been optimistic about it and she struggles with remembering India Eisley, Tess Atkins and Wi- looked forward to this film adap- the date or events from her past - liam Moseley take on the roles of tation as I enjoyed the book and it doesn't really help that the cal- Audrina, Vera and Arden as the was overall, I was impressed with endars and clocks make no sense narrative jumps seven years - Vera the casting choices. whatsoever and she is given sleep- has become increasingly sexually ing pills that knock her out for active and brags about her lovers hours - and Damien has the delu- in explicit detail which enrages sional mission to give Audrina "the Damien, Arden has become a the playroom or woods memories of her dead sister" and Disney Prince in comparison to forces her to sit in First Audrina's his very flawed character in the were very sinister with old bedroom and rock in her rocking chair to embrace her dead book and Audrina has grown into a polite and modest young sister's essence, but instead woman, but the visions of First However, after watching this film I was slightly disappointed with certain elements of the film and although I did like the dark cinematography and settings, I felt like the narrative could have been improved to make this film so much more faithful to the book. Audrina is traumatised by visions Audrina still haunt her and she is “Living in her family's secluded man- of the First Audrina being chased absolutely terrified of any inti- sion, Audrina is kept alone and out of and raped in the woods by three macy. sight ; haunted by nightmares of her older sister, The First Audrina, who attackers. As far as The First Audrina goes, The Second was left for dead in the woods after Audrina is forbidden to ask about an attack. As she begins to question her sister (which is odd although, her past and her disturbing dreams, she's constantly being told to be the grim truth is slowly revealed.” more like her sister, but God The film starts with the Adare/ forbid she ask if her older sister was a good piano player) or go The cinematography in this film into the woods. However, when loved Mike Rohl's filming style that she sees the boy next door, Ar- brought a very Gothic feel to the den, (Seth Isaac Johnson) and a film. Each shot was perfectly brief conversation in the woods framed and the flashbacks scenes Whitefern clan gathered around the First Audrina's grave (Imogen Tear) as the Second Audrina (Farryn VanHumbeck) reflects on how her parents loved The First “Each shot was perfectly framed and the flashbacks scenes in both the colouring being darker..” The sinister playroom has now become a place of sanctuary as Audrina slowly starts to discover that those closet to her have very dark secrets. was gorgeous and I absolutely Another creepy Lifetime movie still with the family gathered at the cemetery visiting the First Audrina’s grave. Page 6 V. C . A n d rews Sup er Fa n M ag a z in e Special Guest & Amateur Director Ted Ryan‘s M.S.A Movie Review cont... Vera entices Arden in the Lifetime Movie My Sweet Audrina. (courtesy Carmen Carreras) colouring being darker and the nervously over the colours from by Hannah Cheramy in one creative camera angles that made the stained-glass window singing a flashback scene, she did well in her the story work effortlessly. Rohl creepy nursery rhyme. Imogen scene with Imogen although it felt was by far one of the best direc- Tear was outstanding in her a little too nice. It basically lead tors to take on a V.C. Andrews flashback scenes. She portrayed into the sinister climax of the film. adaptation and I thought his direc- such depth in her performances There needed to be a dark shot of tion worked really well. The set- and was absolutely heartbreaking Evil Vera walking through the ting of this film seems to be 1970s, in her role. All three actresses did woods before the other flashback judging by the characters' clothes extremely well as Audrina at dif- to confirm Vera was responsible and cars and the basic mise-en- ferent stages of her life:- brilliant for the attack. scene on the sets which stays true castings there. to the book - but we only see two bit of a let down. His acting was in her most shocking and vindic- decent but his character was com- tive moments as a young adult, but pletely different from the novel India Eisley was definitely a perfect casting choice for Audrina. Her the writing for the role felt very one dimensional in this film and and I believe this is to do with the death of Sylvia. Judging Moseley portrayal of her character's shy could have been a lot more in purely on his acting, I thought he innocence was very believable and depth. Andrews spent great detail gave a pretty good performance seeing her making that transition in writing Vera as a complex an- and apart from one slip up, his into a stronger and independent tagonist and the reader got to see American accent wasn't consis- woman was great to see. Eisley really captured her character's how years of neglect, abuse, and rejection turned Vera into the tent . Overall, I was impressed with his performance. Arden personality and I believed in her woman she would become: so seemed to be without fault and performance that really brought the screenwriter had some good even when his darkest secret was Audrina's complex character to material to work off. Atkins did revealed, he came up smelling of houses and some greenery outside to go on. “India Eisley was definitely a perfect casting choice for Audrina, her portrayal of her character's shy innocence was very William Moseley as Arden was a Tess Atkins did very well as Vera the screen - My only criticism is great with her scenes, but some of selfless roses. My problem with believable and seeing her that her British accent did come her dialogue was a bit off (I have Arden was not the acting because making that transition into across in her voice during quite a few of her scenes. It's commonly no idea why this was even added, but Vera randomly turned around I thought Moseley was a good choice; it was the direction the a stronger ...” known she has a bit of a British and said "There's something so character was taken. I felt Moseley tone in her American accent erotic about babies, they suck on could have played his character as which was not really an issue for your boobs all day long." She had- a much darker anti-hero instead of me and I thought she gave a terri- n't said anything like that in the the perfect romantic lead if he had fic performance overall. Farryn and Imogen who played the book and it sounded utterly ridiculous!) and I wanted to see the the right material. Alas, without Sylvia there for Audrina, Arden younger versions of Audrina did different sides that explained was written in a much nicer and in immensely well in the flashbacks - Vera's true motivation for re- an appealing light and the contrast Farryn had Audrina spot on as the venge. Kacey Rohl (who is also between his personalities in the nervous girl who wanted to be the director Mike Rohl's daughter) book and film were apparent. obedient daughter, but secretly was spectacular as teenage Vera. longed to be given the freedom She gave a fantastic performance her cousin Vera always had. Her as the delusional and bitter girl scenes being trapped in the man- and it was a bit of a shame she sion reminded me of a folklore only had three scenes but she did fairy-tale, especially her skipping brilliantly. Little Vera was played Whitefern as seen in the movie Lifetime’s My Sweet Audrina. Still courtesy of Carmen Carreras The younger versions of Arden were both good. I think Cory Gruter-Andrew did a brilliant job in the flashback scene and Seth Isaac Johnson was okay, but his scenes were very brief. Page 7 Volum e 1, I ssue 1 Special Guest & Amateur Director Ted Ryan‘s M.S.A Movie Review cont... James Tupper as Damian Adare well in her scenes though. Al- and characters have to be cut characters and themes. This was extremely intense and creepy. though her scenes were brief, I when adapting a 400- page book was a decent film, but could Some scenes were a bit uncom- absolutely adored her acting in the and condensing it into a 120 page have been better and I am fortable to watch. He really com- climax flashback scenes. She did script, but cutting a central charac- looking forward to reading mitted to this sinister role. He's a terrific in those scenes and the ter like Sylvia really affected the the sequel Whitefern this very obsessive character and defi- emotion she portrayed was flaw- narrative of the story. Anyone summer.... nitely tries to control each of his less. The only thing which was who read the book knows Sylvia is family members by cruel means of very disappointing was how she autistic and her disability played a manipulation. This is seen in the was killed off (which was quite huge part in this story as Audrina emotional abuse of Audrina as he different from the book) and also became her caretaker and guard- tries to make her into the replace- the fact that Sylvia also died during ian from a young age, thus keeping ment of the First Audrina and is the childbirth scenes. her in this twisted home for the physically violent towards Vera. His relationship with his sister-inlaw is another thing entirely. I feel like this was a very well-cast role. Tupper seemed very well suited and portrayed a very sadistic and dark role while showing subtle hints of humanity. Matthew Kevin Anderson as Lamar did an okay job, but could have been developed a bit more. I had a more Daniel Giles style in mind, the noble and smartly dressed gentleman like his character on The Originals . Instead, Anderson looked more like a Jennifer Copping as Aunt Ellsbeth was another good casting choice, wannabe rocker in his first introduction scene and his perform- but I felt like the character herself ance was lacking in something. I was written too timid and obedi- understand that there are time ent , whereas in the book she was limits to further develop his char- fiery and always spoke her mind. acter, but he was in a total of Copping did well as the character three scenes and although he gave and visually she looked how I would picture Ellsbeth but her a good performance I would have liked to see the darker under- characteristics in this film re- tones of his character - especially minded me more of Lucky from in his relationship with Vera. the book Towards the end of story of this novel was the sisterly bond between Audrina and Sylvia and the maternal love Audrina had for her younger sister. So many of the sibling relationships in this story were damaged beyond repair and yet Audrina was very protective of Sylvia and likewise. Sylvia was the one to save Audrina from the murderous Vera. Casting this character for the screen would be difficult as Sylvia's dis(although it's been confirmed that she had autism) so they could have cast a Down‘s Syndrome actress to play this role if they could not cast an autistic actress there are many talented Down‘s actors and actresses on TV these Lacey is a great screenwriter from days and casting a young actress with Down‘s Syndrome to play her work on The Royals and did a Sylvia would have been a much decent job writing this adaptation, better alternative than killing off but it felt like the filmmakers her character as the relationship Kirsten Robek as Lucietta was a played it too safe taking on this between these two sisters was the similar situation - great casting but adaptation. There are many dark heart of the book. very out of character. Instead of and mature subject matters that being the compassionate and gen- they portrayed very well, but the tle mother, she was quite harsh changes made with regards to and abrupt in one scene with Sylvia and Arden, made the film young Audrina, which was admit- lack the true emotion present in tedly quite surprising. Robek did the novel. Understandably, scenes to see and captured more of the Ellsbeth from the novel. Super creepy dad, Damien Adare played by James Tupper in the Lifetime movie, My Sweet Audrina. Poster designed by Amanda Jensen. ability is never actually stated could have been brilliant. Scarlett Ellsbeth start to stand up to and challenge Damian. This was a treat posts/3527152 next fifteen years. The true love Overall, this was a good film but it Copping's character arc, we saw http://moviepilot.com/ If you have read the book, you may be a little disappointed and if you have just seen the film I recommend reading the book - it has so many more layers to it's Lifetime being Lifetime, did include Sylvia...well sort of. They turned her into a statue. Page 8 V. C . A n d rews Sup er Fa n M ag a z in e MY SWEET AUDRINA THEORY SECTION Jessica Zinder‘s My Sweet Audrina Color Theory Color plays an important role in black." Sound odd? Remember The golden raintree, where My Sweet Audrina. Jessica Whitefern falling into disrepair? Audrina lay under to die after Zinder of the Lost Angels group gives us her theory about use of color and the special meanings that can be found between the pages of My Sweet Audrina. Stained Glass Window throwing colors shack Step on Green never be clean Step on Blue work will never be through Step on yellow hear the world bellow shabby this house really is." It's stated that Damian was trying to fix it up but never did. ―Live for- I want to get my two cents in here ever in a shack.” that colors play a HUGE part of the story. When Vera returns she is wearing “Step on Black live forever in a shack green feathers...her green shoes Step on Green never be clean Step on Black live forever in a "You claim to love the gaslight but otherwise it might show Damian how green, "Smart hat of many shades of matched her very expensive-looking green suit." She might be physically being raped somewhat resembles the color yellow. The intense pain subsequently lead to her intense rage . The word bellow is associated with a deep, loud roar typically in pain …well, ―hear the world bellow.” One quote I like best is about Billie's cart "I love red best. Nothing shy about me darlin'" Well, she‘ll ―soon be dead.” Step on Blue work will never be clean but water cannot wash away Audrina's hair, prisms, the lights through” her bad deeds. “Never be clean.” from the stained glass window are Step on yellow hear the world bellow Eilsbeth's favorite color was blue. Step on red soon be dead” My Sweet The following quote best illus- Audrina - V.C. Andrews trates that,:- Let‘s look at some of the colors "Her best outfit, a navy-blue suit..." and how they play a major symbolic role in My Sweet Audrina. For an example, Damian has black hair, "Papa's hair was the darkest all multicoloured maybe it represent ambivalence. While Audrina wears white which usually represents purity. "You wear white...still Papa's pure, little darling." Wasn't she always pictured as something of a slave only working and cleaning all the time? ―Work will never be through.” Step on red soon be dead” My Sweet Audrina _ V.C.Andrews Damian Adare by Lorraine Elgar Manipulative, narcissistic, Damian‗s history is hinted at his obsession been bought up weak , charismatic, conniving throughout My Sweet Audrina and bitter about the it tells us he‘d piecing it all together gives us the been brought up by Julianne readers a great insight into his Hannes:- This was the man who drove a wedge between two sets of sisters, his charismatic charm man- Lorraine Elgar’s poster during the My Sweet Audrina premier. character. ―The civil war hit Damian‟s great aging to have a hold over the Damian‘s family were supporters grandparents hard and they did not women in his life even when they of the Confederates during the fare well in the Southern Reconstruc- wished to flee him. So, what is the Civil War, the losing side, the tion, and then more than likely, deal with daddy dearest? What is family‘s money would have been Damian‟s parents got hit hard by the his obsession with his daughters wiped out once the Unionists Great Depression ...” purity ? Why does he have such a gained power and Damian‘s ex- Madonna/Whore complex ? pensive taste hints that he had AND why do these women fall for come from a family of stock prior him?! to the war. He himself wasn‘t even Despite his horny toenail ? born when the war was fought but Damian, I suspect, knows about poverty. Poor with expensive tastes is not a good combination….He‗s ―Yankee born‖ but he asserts himself as a Southern gen- Page 9 Volum e 1, I ssue 1 Damian Adare by Lorraine Elgar cont... -tleman . Damian was from somewhere are still bitching about the civil war in I agree with Rachel Champions on 1970 like it just happened……” the whole Madonna-whore complex and how he segregated his daughters upstate near New England , most So, now married with a baby on likely Salem -if his tales about the way in a rotted mansion full of Witches as ancestors are to be fake antiques, Damian has inher- I definitely think Damian had ―mommy believed , but he married into the ited more than just a ruin …. Ells- issues” which the whole Madonna- south. beth returns with their one year whore complex stems from. Whitefern is Lucky and Ellsbeth‘s old daughter in tow , Vera. into those roles. I believe he adored his mother and family home and Damian is the Concerned with keeping up ap- thought of her like Madonna; yet was gold digger husband. pearances . Damian and Lucky disappointed with the fact she was pretend to society that Vera is most probably a whore and didn't their daughter, a confusing decep- love him unconditionally …. this fil- tion as surely the townsfolk know tered down into his personal life ….. the truth ? with Audrina she was, to him, a true He obviously had to work hard during his earlier life, having been in the navy, but then he met the Whitefern sisters – Unionist sup- porters and extremely wealthy; or so it appeared. Weren't they at the wedding ? An intense , passionate affair with the eldest of the two sisters, Ells- What's the excuse for Ellsbeth‘s disappearance ? beth resulted in an unplanned And here starts Damian‘s pregnancy and also the revelation Madonna-whore segregation. To that she wasn't the heir of White- him, Ellsbeth is the Whore who fern. Quite the blow I imagine, as I tricked him , became pregnant to suspect Damian was up to das- try and get him into marriage. tardly deeds here in his seduction So, what does he do ? Sends her away in disgrace to have the baby sister and legitimate heir to Whitefern – Lucietta. Of course, he marries this sister love before her rape. Her rape took that away from HIM. The unconditional love aspect seems to be a driving force behind Damian‘s actions – Ellsbeth no longer had it due to his ill treatment of her, Vera the same story, and Lucietta knew his failings. The only person who didn't know who Damian truly was, Lucietta , as he sees it at first , is no limits. his Madonna , his chaste love who That was her ‖ special gift ‖that he won‘t entertain him until they are was so desperate for her to regain. married. She will give him everything he craves or so he be- It‘s interesting that Damian does this lieves…especially in the bedroom , but soon discovers Whitefern isn't and feels especially in the bedthe little gem he had been expect- room, and feels its his right to ing . I‘m liking Lucky a lot for play- beat her for any misdemeanor. ing him at his own game – no disgrace for her Rachel Champions states : Julianne Hannes states Madonna who gave unconditional was Audrina and she loved him with of Ellsbeth. from the moment he knew she ex- family mansion they can‟t afford to isted, I‟d bet.. As for Audrina, he‟s upkeep, are secretly hated by the obsessed with her purity, and takes a town they deem as ―serfs‖, and they twisted patriarchal ownership of her Damian‘s actions – Ellsbeth no longer had it due to his ill treatment of her , Vera the same and Lucietta knew his failings , the only person who didn‘t know Damian truly was Audrina and she loved him with no limits . ― Notice how when Audrina displeases him she is no longer favoured ? sistic trait. from the city living in a rotted old driving force behind of a narcissistic parent to do so. whore complex ever, applying it even designated whore daughter and was aspect seems to be a good , the other bad. It‘s a huge trait Around the time Vera burnt his shirt and blamed Audrina – another narcis- 10miles from the ocean and 30miles ―The unconditional love separation with his daughters – one ―He has the strongest Madonna- ―For some reason they‟re in the south to his daughters, and Vera is the Profile of Damien Adare done by Lorraine Elgar Same with the purity thing … a narcissistic parent doesn‘t see their child as an individual, more of a representation of themselves. Damian couldn‘t handle what happened to Audrina, any more than she could. His whole Scene from the Lifetime movie . Page 10 V. C . A n d rews Sup er Fa n M ag a z in e Damian Adare by Lorraine Elgar cont... behavior was more of a cure for “You know, Damian never struck me jealousy, and rivalry. None of which him as it was for her . as a mastermind. He is in the same he deserves on his own merits. Quite category as Bart snr, a guy who relies fascinating. Almost like a trickster or on the gullibility, idiocy, and depend- vampire type character. Damian, I do believe was a master manipulator, especially with his women. I mean the man practically had a harem. And he ruled them all by divide and conquer. Two sets of sisters both at war over him. Please! But he managed that. Front Cover of My Sweet Audrina by V.C. Andrews courtesy of The Complete V.C. Andrews website. his wealth, leisure, ego, and sexual gratification. He uses his daughter to create wealth to enhance his own ego. He is a usurper, a parasite, Throughout the history of the world there has never been people more willing to be enslaved than womankind.” hijacking the talents of the female THAT I believe really could be Lulabel Johnson gives a fantastic line. Keeping the women divided Damian‘s life motto character summary of Damian: against one another through lust, Mystery of Mercy Marie Solved (?) M.S.A Theory Fanfiction by Neisha Chetty Deep within the V.C. Andrews fandom lies … insightful and hilarious fan fiction! This hilarious piece offers us this funny tribute to those Tuesday ―Aunt Mercy Marie, Teatimes that were held by Lucky did you really get and Ellie in My Sweet Audrina … boiled in a pot and Good reasons why I SHOULD eaten by cannibals in ency of the women around him for NEVER BE ALLOWED to money while fucked her half sister, “Aunt Mercy Marie, did you really get boiled in a pot and eaten by cannibals in Africa?" asks Audrina, and then reaches for a dainty ham sandwich, taking a small nibble. and it went dark. Then my ghostly spirit watched as your as your father came home and ordered your mother and aunt to chop me up into little pieces and boil me in a pot to get rid of my body. I was horrified. As I was a rather large woman, they kept "No, my story is so much more inter- some of me in the fridge, some of it esting!” Aunt Mercy Marie replies. they cured to make „ham‟ and ..." “Lucky and Ellsbeth have no imagination at all. I got boiled in a pot that "Did you say ham?” Audrina asks Africa?" asks write a V.C. Andrews novel, EVER! Audrina, and then Tuesday Teatimes are held on a part is true. But here's what really reaches for a dainty Monday morning because time happened. I was having tea with your ham sandwich, taking means fuck all when you don't go mother and aunt when I decided "Yes,” Aunt Mercy Marie answers. to school, and when you don't enough of this foolery! If your parents ―I taste good, don't I? Got to hand it have a job. Tea is served with didn't have the balls to tell you the to Lucky, she can sure cook, and BOURBON as per the book be- truth, I would. I started to mention Ellsbeth can sure eat," added Aunt cause Anna Walker -Smith is a that awful day in the woods. You Mercy Marie bitterly, as Sylvia book purist. Toasted rolled ham didn't want to hear it and threw one throws the photograph of Aunt and cheese sandwiches replace of your childish temper tantrums. You Mercy Marie into the fire. those ridiculous cucumber sand- ran upstairs while Lucky and Ellsbeth wiches because well, I'm a book theorist. shouted, warning me to stop. I stupidly followed, determined to finish a small nibble.‖ Audrina sits calmly down and starts playing "three blind mice" out of tune on the piano. This is Lets scare the doughnut to Death—picture from google. the only tune she has ever learnt to play because Lamar Rensdale is a pervert who didn't have time to teach her anything else, and needed to waste her father's what I started and put an end to this disbelievingly as she spits out the ham sandwich. Luckily for Audrina this was just a bad dream; it never happened, not to her anyway. charade. You screamed something Cue rocking chair and creepy about hearing windchimes and nursery rhyme prisms flashing colours blinding you. And then just as I was about to do shake some sense into you, you pushed me down the stairs. Over and over I rolled ... until I heard a "snap" Page 11 Volum e 1, I ssue 1 Lost Angels Of VCA : Was My Sweet Audrina Written before Flowers in the Attic? Tom Casteel writes. ―Okay, FITA. If she did, it could possibly maybe I'm crazy here, but I've often support my (purely speculative) the- wondered if MSA wasn't partly, or ory. Or maybe she just dreamed it up “When I met Virginia, she had two even completely, written before the while writing POTW and ITBT, and other novels I knew of. One was Dollanganger books that got pub- wanted to do something a bit differ- Gods of Green Mountain, which was lished before it. The writing style and ent from those. Not part of a series, science fiction and was finally pub- the tropes she touched on in MSA a bit darker and heavier and self- lished by Pocket as an e-book a few feel more raw and formative com- contained. I also wonder about Dark years ago. The other was an 800- pared to the Dollanganger books. It's Angel, and how it covers so many page novel called The Obsessed. also a more complex story with a plotpoints, and many of them not Some websites claim Flowers in the heavier use of symbolism (imo). I really connected. Surely she was tying Attic came from The Obsessed, but it could see MSA being a hard sell to a up any loose ends started in Heaven, didn‟t. The two have nothing to do publisher. That is, until she had huge given her diagnosis. But I suppose with one another - success already and the publisher that's for the Casteel board lol.” would be more willing to take a chance. Anyone else notice/wonder about this? I guess in the end it doesn't really matter if it was written first or not, but if it were it would explain a bit about her style and it's progression, especially since (to me) it really does feel more formative than the Dollanganger books. Thoughts?‖ Dwight Responded DeadGirl : “According to Patty Ann the Editor of Flowers in the Attic she said VC. Andrews when she first meet her had two transcripts one was the Obsessed and the other was My Sweet Audrina so it was probably fully finished and Andrews waited to Ann Patty From The Toast Then there was My Sweet Audrina, which I think she had already written when I met her. Or had written at least part of it. But we definitely wanted a sequel to Flowers in the Attic to be the next thing published, and we wanted it fast, so we had to speed up the process “ End Excerpt has been stated, that she wrote FITA then called The Obsessed and sent it in and told to rewrite it and that's how it came to be FITA but it wouldn't surprise me if VCA herself had started MSA (it came out in 84 * if memory serves right) since it's been said she The Dollanganger series is definitely ing it and it worked out fine Pub- higher in themes, theory and symbol- lished the year I was born so yeah it ism than MSA . MSA is more a pessi- was finished. Dwight. It's really touch- mistic novel whereas the Dollan- ing.” ganger series more optimistic” Patty Ann the Editor of said VC. Andrews when she first meet her had two transcripts one was the Obsessed and the other Compiled by .- Neisha Chetty Deepthought : “ I think MSA is a far more complex novel definitely- Lost Angels of VCA : much more darker novel. Definitely, s3.setaboards.com/angelsof VC/ my view of the Dollanganger series is that they were all plotted together- site was My Sweet Audrina …” and were part of a puzzle. Ann Patty mentions she thinks MSA was done prior to the Dolls. But I think Virginia truly kept things from Patty and was always writing ideas down and didn't really trust her or many people stories. It could very well have been a for that matter. novel she wrote first. Tom Casteel DeadGirl : “According to Flowers in the Attic she have a huge success before publish- ―Never thought about it but it could be quite possible. All we know is what Scary as hell, Twin images …. Picture courtesy of the Complete VCA Website. Patty mentions that she knew of two novels - the Obsessed and Gods of “Good points! They make me wonder Green Mountain. if she had to rewrite and resubmit MSA in much the same fashion as (Excerpt the toast) Windchimes and a Golden Raintree. Picture from Google. Page 12 V. C . A n d rews Sup er Fa n M ag a z in e Jennifer Clark‘s First and Best Audrina Quote : Explained By Neisha Chetty ―The snow danced in the wind, whirling around like tiny ballerinas, bouncing up, drifting down, floating sideways, On one level, the wind is the controlling force for the snowflake. Lucky, and father to Audrina, he controls them. Even when they try to escape he catches them. Although the snowflakes escape On a higher level this actually is the drafts, once in a while; floating about destiny. No one can escape up, down, or sideways, they're their destiny. This quote may actu- caught again by another draft. The ally give us a glimpse of the wind is a bigger force that the themes carried in ―All the Gallant snowflakes and it controls their Snowflakes” (an unpublished Vir- fate as they fall to the ground. ginia Andrews manuscript) Honestly, there were so many In a smiliar way, Audrina and If you‘d like to learn more about quotes to choose from, but this Lucky could never be free of “All The Gallant Snowflakes”, please one for me is a gem. The quote Damian, who is a bigger force. As reference this link http:// was found and posted by AtticSe- the man of the house, husband to www.completevca.com/library.shtml In no particular order, definitely 4) When she miscarried all over 10) She was an underaged artist‘s not in chronological order, and the floor and threw blood clots at model in New York. without picking up the book, I‘m going to list the best/Vera-est her mother. (Aside: Ellie just changed her apron and made a Vera moments/facts in the book, pie. May have to make an Ellie list not including flashbacks. I came up next) making pictures, telling me, always telling me that I was never, never going to be free, anymore than Momma had been free." My Sweet Audrina Lifetime’s My Sweet Audrina movie still showing Whitefern. crets‘ Jennifer Clark. Rachel Kapila - Vera ! ―I came up with 30 just off the top of my head, y‘all.‖ with 30 just off the top of my head, y‘all. making no secret of the fact that he‘d rather be boning her 5) When she pretended a bee waaaaaay underage little sister, stung her on the boob so she and there is no excuse for him, so So here we go, before the movie could wriggle around flashing Mr. it‘s kind of awesome that she inevitably disappoints us, one last Rensdale during Audrina‘s piano drove him to alcoholism and sui- look back at our adolescent rage lesson cide, then just shrugged and got a hurricane, the one, the only: Vera Whitefern Adare. 1) When she masturbated in front of Audrina that time, and when Audrina revealed herself, Vera didn‟t stop. 2) When she cut pics out of porn mags and coated them with glue so that they‘d stick to Audrina‘s fingers. Vera knows how to charm the pants off any man. If only one of them could just stay long enough to love her best … (Lifetime’s My Sweet Audrina Movie still) 11) An adult man slept with her and took her to New York while 3) When she spied on Tuesday Teatime with Aunt Mercy Marie, while playing with the detachable penis out of the medical book. 6) She kept her fingernails filed to nursing degree. sharp points so she could scratch 12) That time when they were still you but good if she wanted. kids and she was all wide 7) She installed a lock on the inside of her closet because she is the smartest person in this fucked up family. eyed ―What happened to all the male dolls, Audrina?‖ 13) The green feathered hat! 14) When she threatened to stand 8) When she put on an Audrina- in the middle of town and shout voice to drive their pedo-piano that she was for sale so come and teacher to full lust overdrive. get your Whitefern daughter! 9) When she tackled Audrina and 15) When she almost actually did knelt on her boobs while describ- that before Damien dragged her ing said piano teacher‘s hairy body home by her hair. Damien ruins and the precise length of his penis everything. Page 13 Volum e 1, I ssue 1 Rachel Kapila - Vera ! 16) Back in the medical book days, love her. And that‘s why it‘s one boom, bounce all the way to her when she told Audrina that she of the Vera-est things, and there- death at the bottom of the stairs, was going to learn all about bodies fore on the list. where she still managed to one-up so she could be the seductress and not an idiot seductee. 23) All the times she refused to pretend things were different than 17) When she declared herself they were and screamed and almost too old to have a chance at screamed about how no one loved life, when she was like, 24. Possi- her (see above) bly younger. I can‘t remember and I‘m making this list without checking things in the book. 18) When she came home and managed to somehow work a will straight up destroy you. But she is one of my all time favorite thing she made up right on the fictional characters. She is the only spot. one reacting in any sort of rational head. *shudder* 19) OK, this may be her master- 26) When she banged Arden in piece of bitchiness: When Billie front of his comatose wife. (aside: died, and Audrina ran around fucking Arden Lowe, y‘all. You can crying in the rain, Vera, while the body just stayed there at the foot do better, Vera. I know it‘s this big, symbolic victory, but it‘s still of the stairs, called Arden at the Arden Lowe. Gross) 20) When she confused the cops investigating Billie‘s death by invoking the mysteries of nail polish and flashing her cleavage. 21) After Lucky died, and she crawled in bed with Audrina to describe what was currently happening to Lucky‘s dead body complete with how they‘d be stuffing cotton into Lucky‘s vagina. 22) This one‘s kind of sad, but when she begged Audrina to be her friend, and it was part of a long term scam, but I also think I would not want to know Vera in shirt, which has got to be some- coma, and Vera did dirty things with catheter placement see what would happen. Damn. Take that, Audrina! a ―silk mender‖ to fix Damien‘s person in the room while still just straight fucking with Audrina‘s tion. Just set that up and waited to ferring to their illicit relationship. real life, because damn. That girl 25) When Audrina was in the him to come home, no explana- Audrina‘s husband‘s lap while re- 24) When she said she‘d gone to different game on every single office, and just - left a message for Audrina by dying with her head in 27) When she washed comatose Audrina‘s hair and did her makeup while singing slightly altered lyrics Take that, Audrina ! Vera sures know how to make Audrina cry. (Lifetime’s My Sweet Audrina Movie still) way to the weirdness of Whitefern. If only she hadn‘t also been under its spell, she could have been a contender. R.I.P. Vera, and may the movie not completely fuck this up. ―I would not want to know Since the movie already aired, if you Vera in real life, because want, the last line can read “R.I.P. Vera, I assume the movie did not do damn. That girl will straight you justice” up destroy you. But she is http:// casteelkidsstolemygroceries.tumblr.com/ post/121958900 one of my all time favorite fictional characters.” to ―Wash That Man Right Out of My Hair‖ from South Pacific. 28) That time she yelled about vengeance while shaking her fist in the air. 29) When Damien talked shit about her unknown parentage and she screamed that everyone knows he‘s her father, and they know he knows it what is this bullhshit? GOD. 30) When she came into the cuppola with her lesser magic hair powers on full electric effect. she really meant it in a way. She 31) Her final moments as she just wanted one damn person to ricocheted off the banisters bang, Julianne Hannes fan art. Page 14 V. C . A n d rews Sup er Fa n M ag a z in e FAN FICTION : Vera by Ty Kovac My stupid half sister sat in her Only thing is, he only had eyes for Didn't work for me." I bragged. bedroom for the first week. Ever sweet little Audrina. I had to wear Lamar hated blowjobs. He only sinc,e I told her the truth she has been playing the victim card. Poor one of her stupid frilly dresses and her perfume for him to ―take‖ me. wanted my sex. The blond looked up over the magazine at me. He was a total waste. I had moved "Oh really? And you are?" The on to bigger and better things. other one. The twin opened her More specifically Arden Lowe. I eyes and turned towards me. little Audrina, sad, sad Audrina. Forget the fact that when her damn mother slapped me I broke THREE of my fingers. Ty Kovac’s Fan Fiction picture bit in the woods. You know, Doctor, and I'll show you attention. Stupid, naive Arden has ways thought it was odd that he been by her side ever since. I al- invited Arden. Everyone knew he ways wondered if he did the deed. had a crush on her. So I figured he The blond smirked. "They have I told Spencer about her being in would rat them out. But it's been plenty of puzzles to do." Her the woods. He was always looking over FIVE years and he's kept his friend snickered. I waved my hand. at the same magazines I did. mouth shut. He must have done the deed just like the rest of them. "Nah, I need something more- Unlike my dear sister who insisted show you mine; if you show me on wasting away on the third looked once more at that card yours. But Spencer wanted more. floor, I went downstairs and table. Nope not happening. I was saving myself for someone started mingling with the others. Finally the blond spoke up. "Come I could tell right away who I would get along with and who I would to my room tonight. Bring some- end up loathing. Immediately, as I "Second floor. You'll figure it out." special. Not ugly, big-nosed Spencer Longtree. I made him a deal. I gave him something he felt But Spencer wanted more. I ever wanted me when they could big nosed Spencer Longtree. I made him a deal. “ have the girl with the violet eyes and chameleon hair. Audrina was beautiful, even I couldn't deny that. A pretty face, a gorgeous body. It was a waste on that stupid girl. I was the other Whitefern daughter. The one no one talked about. I had apricot hair and dark eyes. I was tall and voluptuous. Any man's dream... until they saw Audrina. Vera doing what Vera does best … Still from Lifetime’s My Sweet Audrina. to sound cool. woods. You know, Doctor, and I'll was better. Of course. No one someone special. Not ugly, something fun to do." I said, trying interesting." I turned away and looked around once more. I mine if you show me yours. was saving myself on "Vera. Just got here. Looking for me who was coming along. I al- We had played around a bit in the “We had played around a knew he was there. Spencer told She was pathetic. Anything to get went into the rec-room, I saw two girls sprawled on one of the couches reading a magazine I en- didn't want anybody to notice my limp. I hurried up stairs to figure Then, I saw a group of boys and Lamar had given me some weed. I girls at a card table doing a puzzle. Lame. The guys were hot, I could tell they could use a good romp in the sack. I bet these girls were not putting out. Turning towards the corner, I saw a gorgeous blond girl looking at a magazine with a ballerina on it. She shared the loveseat with a smoking hot boy in a lessons with her. I hated the pi- leather jacket. A little ways behind ano, I just wanted to be close to them, sat another really hot blond her teacher. I decided the first day boy watching them carefully over I saw him that he was the one I a medical book. Interesting. I de- had been saving myself for. cided to check out the girls on the Rensdale was everything I wanted. I nodded and walked out slowly. I joyed. It was all about sex. After her birthday, I started piano Tall, dark and handsome Lamar thing- interesting." couch. I walked over to them."I've read that issue already. That article on how to give oral is a crap. out what to bring. Before we left could take that. Or any of my magazines. I also took out Daddy's bottle of bourbon. When he discovered that it's gone I'm sure he'll throw a fit! But now he can't get me. I'm free to do whatever I want here; and I want two things. To be with the popular crowd, and Arden Lowe. I decided on TWO things within the hour. I would be bringing my Daddy's bourbon, and I would start with the girls. Arden would come later. I chuckled to myself thinking about how literal I meant that. Page 15 Volum e 1, I ssue 1 Whispered Dreams Theatre : Tuesday Teatimes RolePlay Grab your cucumber sand- cance to that particular stare? She create a diversion, open the door so wiches and bourbon laced tea; quietly took her place. Arden could gain entry to the house. To help celebrate the release of Lifetime's "My Sweet Audrina" Amanda Jensen: “Thank you Thank goodness aunt Ellsbeth reacted to Aunt Mercy Marie‟s obvious slight.” movie adaptation Whispered Dreams Theatre held their own tea times with Aunt Mercy Marie. They held two live events where people could actively role-play the different Adare/Whitefern characters during the favorite Tuesday pastime. Here are a few snippets of conversation that occurred.:-Amanda Jensen Ellie,” Lucky said, taking the tray from her sister. She caught the look her husband gave her sister Patty Nieves: “I have plenty of and she scowled audibly. cleaning to do after picking up after everyone in this house I would not Patty Nieves: Vera finds the slave myself in the kitchen too (I would perfect spot to hide and listen to not admit that i'm a terrible cook, “ the conversation, and secrets that Ellsbeth thinks.) start coming out after a few cups of tea, and thinks “What is this like the 3rd time they're having this tea party and for what, just to keep their sweet Audrina in her little bubble. Pfffff!” Jennifer Pruitt: Ellsbeth took the teapot off the stove and placed it on the tray alongside a bottle of bourbon. That was her 'special ingredient' during these tea times. A bowl of sugar cubes was already on it. She enjoyed these times, but hated having to use this as a ruse to hide the truth from her niece Audrina. Taking the tray, she headed upstairs. Anna Walker-Smith: Audrina smoothed out her silk white dress, straightened her waist bow, and headed down the hallway for teatime. Manip done by Neisha Chetty using the Lifetime Movie still. NeishaChetty: ―Ellie, really you should try cooking sometimes. They say a way to a man's heart is through his stomach, isn't that so Aunt Mercy Marie?” Amanda Jensen: “Audrina, honey, ―Well, Lucietta if a man had to eat you look lovely,” Lucky told her Ellsabeth's cooking it may just punch a daughter, as she walked over and hole all the way to his heart,” An- If you're interesting in smoothed her chameleon colored hair. She spotted Vera watching swered Aunt Mercy joining one of WDT's them from around the corner and ―Aunt Mercy stop now,” I smiled, Not went over to her. “Vera, I know we all of Ellie's cooking results in indiges- they plan new ones don't usually allow this, but hurry up tion.” every month https:// “Vera stop stuffing yourself with that www.facebook.com/ cake and contribute something useful groups/ and go put on a nice dress. You're invited to this one,” she said, deciding on the spur of the moment to invite her niece and not caring what her sister would think. to the conversation.” Amanda Jensen: Audrina slowly opened the door for Arden and Anna Walker-Smith: Audrina quickly snuck in. “Thanks Audrina, wondered what Aunt Ellsbeth I've always wanted to attend one of would think about Vera's skipping these,” he said giving her a wry classes again. smile. “Where would be the best events, join their page whisperedreamsthea tre/ place for me to hide so I can still hear Renee Benson: “Well if you ladies About a week later, or maybe don't mind, I think I will have a glass sooner it's so hard to tell time of tea with you.” Damian sits in his favorite chair, wistfully staring at in that house, WDT held one more tea-time. Here's what Ellsbeth was overheard this time. Anna Walker-Smith: Audrina Lorraine Elgar:―Sorry mother,” I entered the room and caught her replied as Vera stuffed a fancy cake father's stare. She wondered what into her mouth, “Soon there would it meant. Was there any signifi- be nothing left for me. I needed to everything?” We had two very different stories play out. In the first, both Vera and Damian got to attend the tea time and in the second Arden was going to eavesdrop on the mysterious tea times he had heard so much about. Poster by Amanda Jensen (courtesy of Lorraine Elgar) Page 16 V. C . A n d rews Sup er Fa n M ag a z in e Feature Book : Sage‟s Eyes Special Sage‟s Eyes Excerpt from The Complete VCA Site My parents watch me obses- about who she really is. For Sage sively for signs of evil. They and the alluring new boy at school don't let me out, they keep me away from other people. share many things in common. Perhaps, they'll learn, far too many And I'm beginning to think things. maybe they're right to. Sixteen-year-old Sage is a lonely child, dreaming of hemlock and mysterious ancestors she knows nothing about. Her adoptive parSage’s Eye Front Cover ents keep a close eye on her, studying her for warning signs of... something. But Sage has to admit that even she can't make sense of the strange things she sees and hears. She possesses knowledge Original Cover: January 26, 2016 Copyright © 2016 Vanda Productions, LLC Cover design by Anna that other teenagers don't, that neither her parents nor teachers—no adult—possibly could. Hypnotic Voices "Take it off," the voice whispered. "You'll never know the truth about yourself if you let them control you. Take it off." There was something hypnotic I started to take off the necklace, "Take it off. Don't wear it all the but it was as if there was someone time." standing behind me grasping my fingers to stop me. I stared at myself in the mirror. I was totally naked except for the necklace. Although it wasn't tight, it felt very warm against my skin. I started to reach back and stopped. ― And then, as if a spotlight had hit it, the shadow evaporated, and the room was silent. I went to bed with the necklace on, but I couldn't help but wonder I heard my voices telling me to leave it on, but then, for the first time, I heard another voice, a So when Sage finally makes a different-sounding voice, deeper, friend who understands her alarm- darker. It was coming from the far ing gifts, he becomes her confi- right corner of the room, where there was a shadow that shouldn't dant, a precarious link to the truth be there because it was so lit up. if the voice in the shadows was the one I should have obeyed. stopped. And then, as if a spotlight had hit it, the shadow evaporated, and the room was silent. I went to bed with the necklace on, but I couldn't help but wonder Laura Jane Jones‘ Sage‟s Eye Review Yesterday I received my copy of build up, and the anti-hero nature Sage‟s Eyes… at last. I started of the guy, but not in the usual Cover photo © Terry reading thinking "just a couple of way. It did break away from the chapters . . ." and by 2.30am, I was mold in that sense. Bidgood/Trevillion done. Images : I actually really enjoyed it. Finally didn't actually see that coming. I you got the sense that the pro- stayed away from reviews and tagonist was indeed in some kind spoilers because I had some pretty Anyone feels like breaking that of danger other than her jealous high hopes for the book merely down and applying it to the book, friends. Although Summer isn't in because it had a supernatural ele- I'd be interested in reading that. it for long, he does make an im- ment to it, and I wasn't disap- But do give the book a chance. pact. I was like "Whoa, this guy . . pointed. If I'm still up at 2.30am Complete VCA ." Not wanting to spoil it at all, but reading it, then obviously I wasn't SPOILER I did love that there was disappointed. My copy had a lack Website very little "oh, Rio Grande, should of preview for the next book, I cross thee?" in it. I liked the slow which made me sad, but oh well . . Dorfman Source of Cover Information : The And the twist, I‘ve got to say, I also SHOUT OUT TO RUBY. Personally, I think it's worth the read. Kubla Khan by Samuel Taylor Coleridge is also pretty interesting (It's mentioned in the book). Page 17 Volum e 1, I ssue 1 Amanda Jensen‘s Sage‟s Eyes Review Parents with secrets, a mysterious long, for their friendship to suffer, ters and their back-stories, but new boy at school, and strange as a new boy., Summer Dante this is a stand -alone book, so I memories are just some of the themes in Sage's Eyes, the newest (terrible character name- by the way!) comes and whisks Sage off will never get my answers. I think a lot of the story from the middle addition to the long catalog of VC of her feet. Surrounded by se- of the book could have been cut, Andrews' books which has been crets from her parents, Summer because it got a little repetitive added to over the years by ghost- and Sage must uncover the hidden and muddled. With that cut, there writer Andrew Neiderman. Sage truth behind those secrets to find would have been more space to is a sixteen-year-old girl who has her true identity. expand on the ending and keep it always been different; it doesn't help that her adoptive parents are so strict. going. I think this story could have Overall I liked this book, though I did find it a bit predictable. My She sees memories she shouldn't main complaint with the book is have, and knows things about that the middle was hard to get people without being told. After some trouble with this at school, through, and then when everything started getting very interest- Sage's parents decide to enroll her ing...it ended with no sequel! I into a private school. By this time, think that Mr. Neiderman could she has gotten better at keeping have went a lot further with all her words to herself, though she the revelations and how Sage dealt ends up sharing some of her insights with her new best friends to with them rather than just tying them up so neatly at the end. I still their confusion. It doesn't take have questions about the charac- been better executed as a family saga. It would be interesting to see the history of Sage's parentage ; both her paternal and adoptive. I will say I thought that the epilogue was a nice touch to Sage's story and I found it quite sweet. Out of five stars, I'd give this book a three. Amazon rating : 4/5 stars (39 customer Jessica Zinder‘s Sage‟s Eyes Review reviews) I finished the book last night and retelling of it, but better. The one Darkness but both scenes in Sage‟s there were as few surprises. Read- person in her family that seems to Eyes are better rewrites. ing this book reminds me why I understand her is her Uncle continue reading V.C. Andrews Wade ,who is a magician. books. Once in a while, a gem like At the risk of not picking it apart as us fans usually tend to do, it is a Sage moves from her public to a wonderful story...finally. Granted private school and her ―gift‖ is our beloved GW does do his kept ―under wraps ― , at first until shameless promotion with Ruby, she is hearing voices and seeing unlike Celeste where he doesn't shadows where there shouldn't be mention the name Dawn. In Sage's any. When a new boy shows up Eyes , Ruby is blatantly obvious. Sage is an adopted girl with ex- named Summer, he seems to He has done this previously sev- tremely secretive and supersti- know what she is and displays eral times and I recognize this as tious parents. By either looking, some of the same powers as more like an Easter egg then a talking, or, touching a person , she Sage. shameless this comes up and renews my faith in the GW. Virginia Andrews always wanted to write a book on someone with clairvoyance; and I think ―she‖ has. is able to know their deepest secrets , or see their future. For some readers, this will sound like the short story, The Little Psychic. The prolog almost sounds like a There are few scenes that seem reworked , like a party that she goes to is similar to one Phoebe goes to but ends up better. The end is reminiscent of Daughter of Goodreads : Rating: 3,5/5 - 167 votes promotion. The Little Pyschic painting courtesy of The Complete VCA Page 18 V. C . A n d rews Sup er Fa n M ag a z in e Keshena Booker‘s Sage‟s Eyes Review My favorite V.C. Andrews novels fying her smothering concern for proaches the Gone With the Wind are the Dollanganger novels, and her…and giving her more magical fabulous domestic horror of V.C. My Sweet Audrina. Most of the protective bling . Andrew‘s original work, in which novels written by the ghost writer Andrew Neiderman, simply don‘t interest me because I feel they lack the two key elements of Andrews‘ brand of horror: the setting of her native Virginia, and the constant menace of parental attention turned into suspicion and surveillance. Both are utilized to https:// alistaircross.wordpress.com/tag/vc-andrews/ palpable effect in Audrina and the Dollanganger novels. As well as the staid morals of the old south facilitating tales of families, who criminalize their daughters for showing nascent sexual maturity. Just as the book is taking on impressive shades of Stephen King‘s Carrie, the difficult situation with Sage‘s classmate is quickly swept aside in favor of a romance that follows all the beats of Twilight. A new boy in town who is mysteriously sophisticated and witty captivates all the girls, but only has eyes for Sage. This romance really brings the story down. Sage‘s supernatural powers literally go dormant, and rather than solving the mystery of who her adoptive parents are, what the source of The generic suburban setting her abilities are, and who her strips the characters of any re- biological parents are, she spends taking on impressive gional/cultural motivation to be so prim and condemnatory towards about four chapters sneaking around to see Summer Dante and shades of Stephen the growing girls in their lives, but exchanging forced and hackneyed this cultural isolation sort of ―flirty‖ dialogue. They fight, they works in Sage‟s Eyes. As an confide, they kiss, and the Edward adopted child, Sage feels distant and Bella act is suddenly stopped from her adoptive parents, and in its tracks when Sage‘s parents they seem distrustful of her. Her adopted parents reveal very little reveal who Summer really is to Sage (think Chris, Sr. and Cor- about themselves and their pasts, rinne -if that‘s not too big of a and nothing to Sage about her hint). “Just as the book is King‟s Carrie, the difficult situation with Sage‟s classmate ..” biological family. They have no patience for her clairvoyant abilities, memories of past lives, and ability to talk to protective spirits. While they discourage these abilities, it seems every other chapter, they are gifting her with some protective New Age talisman. The sprinkling of New Age philosophy and magical talismans added to the If you loved Sage’s Eyes, then you’ll love Daughter of Darkness. (Cover Picture courtesy of the The Complete VCA Website) book‘s initial mood of paranormal mystery. As Sage learns a dark secret about a classmate and intervenes, her parents are intensi- That‘s it. They just tell her the truth, and she just accepts it. None of the fire and blood of Cathy Dollanganger‘s quest for vengeance against the mother who falsely imprisoned her, or the genre bending bonkbuster melodrama that sent every female member of the Whitefern family tumbling down the stairs in My Sweet Audrina. Even when dealing with the supernatural, nothing in the ghostwritten books ap- sexual maturity is a one woman revolution perpetrated against the keepers of childhood, who fight back with unfair weapons only parents can turn on a child: the restriction of freedom, and the denial of affection. Despite some spooky moments and inside jokes referencing the Ruby series and Neiderman himself poking fun at his own image with a male character who writes female geared books under a feminine pen name, Sage‟s Eyes is, like its heroine, lacking roots. Sage‘s conflict with her parents would have been more effective without the Dante character taking up so much of her time without driving the conflict in a real or necessary way. I enjoyed the book, though, and I would rate it maybe a C plus. Page 19 Volum e 1, I ssue 1 Crossword Puzzle : Cross Over With Sage‘s Eyes Sage picture https:// www.botanical.com/ botanical/mgmh/s/sages-05l.jpg Puzzle compiled by Amanda Jensen and designed by Neisha Chetty Picture from https:// creativemarket.com/ feanne/102056-EyeDrawings Page 20 V. C . A n d rews Sup er Fa n M ag a z in e V.C. Andrews Fan News Special FITA The Stage Play Wins numerous awards by Lorraine Elgar AtticSecrets is thrilled to reveal such a production as he did and their ratings and general response that Christopher Bentivegna‘s the results showed this. would have been drastically im- wonderful adaptation of FITA: The Stage Play has won numerous awards from BroadwayWorld.com for the whole of Louisiana. attention, place an interesting sentence or quote from the story here.” Christopher Bentivegna will be widely recognised for his role in nominated for, it walked away successful run of sold out shows making the stage play a success with four of including Best Play Of but have now won these awards. and with his sensitivity and insight BroadwayWorld.com, is as the Best Play : Flowers in the Attic to what is picked up to run on Broadway, This is wonderful news Best Actress In A Play: Rebecca Elizabeth Hollingsworth (Corrine for The VCA Estate and Neider- Dollanganger) the Big Apple Bentivegna was initially chosen after numerous interviews with be achieved when a passionate fan and passionate. VCA adaptation whether its for tion. Bentivegna had a challenge, not only to produce something that would honour the legacy of VCA to Broadway but also nationwide with the same cast who per- Best Set Design : Matthew Collier This just goes to prove what can were initially against the produc- trusted to take this play , not only (Christopher Dollanganger) the USA. They were impressed with his vision, which was heartfelt He brought the heartbreaking into the work and would be en- Best Actor In A Play: Levi Hood potential directors from all over disliked by many fans and who Picture courtesy of AtticSecrets. The Awards won were : name suggests is very influential as book to a script which had been Hollingsworth as Corrine. AtticSecrets truly wishes that photo‘s -all resulted in not only a beauty and haunting tone from the Rebecca Elizabeth audience IN THE ATTIC with the children, fantastic promotional man who are hoping to bring it to “To catch the reader's proved and not an embarrassment to everyone. Out of the five categories it was The Year. Picture : Courtesy of AtticSecrets. A talented cast and crew, an amazing set design which had the is given the task to produce a theatre or movies adaptations. In fact, if the Lifetime movies had been entrusted to a director of Christopher‗s caliber, perhaps formed their roles beautifully and had more insight into their characters than the Lifetime actors. Photo credits: Alexa Kinigopolos All pictures courtesy Of Lorraine but also to win around a fandom Elgar (AtticSecrets) that was wary and hostile . https://www.facebook.com/ With charm, honesty and com- SeeEmOnStage/ plete candidness, not only did Http:// Christopher patiently explain his atticsecrets1979.wordpress.com/ vision, but he listened to the fandom; explaining he was a fan himself. No one else could have poured their heart and soul into Page 21 Volum e 1, I ssue 1 Lost Angels of VCA‘s Jessica Zinder On The Move Look closely at the white heart creamer … Can you see it ? Manip by Neisha Chetty. Here‘s Jessica outside the Old Marquer Theatre in New Orleans (yup Ruby Country) which hosted the first ever stage production of ‗Flowers in the attic‖. Jessica is pictured here with a copy of ―Gods of Green Mountain‖. Teatime with ―Uncle Andrew‖ Pictured here is Carmen Carreras (VC Andrews Movies FanPage) and Lorraine Elgar (AtticSecrets) having tea with their uncle Andrew during the premier of My Sweet Audrina. These girls definitely had some fun V.C.A Fans get out and about or just have fun staying in … if you‟ve got something for our next issue please send it to vcasuperfanboard@yah oo.com Salome Meyer -Lowrens from Woodhurst Library, Durban South Africa As a worldwide challenge to fellow V.C.A fans, I recently donated two books carrying messages to other V.C.A fans. I‘d like to thank our favourite ghostwriter, Andrew Neiderman who wrote a special message to fans in South Africa and AtticSecrets‘ Lorraine Elgar for her lovely message as well. Remember fans keep the passion and love alive by connecting with other fellow fans. It‘s the little things like this that can make someone‘s day. Neisha Chetty (head of the SuperFan Board). Your next diary appointment is …. Manip by Neisha chetty. Page 22 N ew s le tt er T i t l e More Fan News The Purple Grass…. Yes, we are still trying to find it…. The book keeps eluding us. So we‘re asking fans out there… if you come across the book written by T.M Ellis about star-crossed lovers, Lily and Raymond, please send us an e-mail and put us out of our misery. [email protected] When the V.C. Andrews fans get together it‟s always a major event …Fans keep the dream alive by expressing their passion. V.C. Andrews fan, Rachel Swanson posted her copy of V.C. Andrews : A Reader‟s Checklist and Reference Guide, on our Facebook page. Thank you for sharing this with us, Rachel. I‘m sure many V.C. Andrews fans will be ordering it now ! -Neisha Chetty https://www.facebook.com/VC -Andrews-SuperFan-Board588793504602906/ Page 23 Volum e 1, I ssue 1 The Best Audrina Movie Poster Best Audrina movie poster has to go to V.C.Andrews SuperFan Julianne (Jules) Hannes. Notice the shadowy shape of Vera ! That ought to keep our Rachel Kapila happy Follow Jules on instagram https:// www.instagram.com/ corrinefoxworth/ One fan asked for “Vera, Vera, Vera. Lorraine Elgar created the Give me more Vera !” vera-tini. Cheers ! Hopefully we‟ve Http:// atticsecrets1979.wordpress.com / granted her wish... Page 24 V. C . A n d rews Sup er Fa n M ag a z in e Andrew Neiderman Interviewed by Nehal Khan Andrew Neiderman had his st Warner Bros. television for a 71 V.C. Andrews publication, television series. Neiderman has The Unwelcomed Child, pub- two novels in predevelopment as lished in January, 2014. It feature films, I am also working on went immediately to the Pub- a new Neiderman novel and finish- lisher’s Weekly bestseller list ing a three-book series for V.C. and remained for there for Andrews that begins next fall with three weeks. Most of the nov- The Mirror Sisters. That's followed els Mr. Neiderman has writ- with Broken Glass and then Shat- ten as V.C. Andrews have tered Memories. been on the New York Times best sellers list. In September, When did you start writing as the 70thV.C. Andrews novel, a profession? How did you Roxy’s Story was on the NY start writing for V.C. An- Times list. Capturing Angels was published in hard cover in drews? AN: In 1987, I left teaching high What was the hardest part of writing Terrorist's Holiday and the UK. It was published in school English and began living on Christopher's Diary? paperback in the UK in Au- my writing income only. I began gust. Neiderman continued to writing V.C. Andrews because we The Global Appeal of make publishing history with had the same agent and editor at V.C. Andrews is his latest projects Sages Eyes by V.C. Andrews released in the time she was losing her battle with cancer and I completed Gar- evident when Superfan January 2016 along with Lost den of Shadows and have continued in His Eyes by Andrew Neider- it for over 28 years. and VCA Book man. Collector Nehal Khan Andrew Neiderman released a that you wrote and your fa- got a chance to review romantic thriller in the style of a Hitchcockian movie, that was vorite character. AN: PIN, because it started my released in the UK on August 28, career and was adapted into a 2015 and in the U.S. December 1, feature film. Picture courtesy of Nehal Khan Andrew Neiderman. Name your favorite novel 2015 (Lost in His Eyes, Severn House publishers). This will follow with a Picture courtesy of Nehal Khan [and your favorite character.] film and a classic tale. AN: The hardest part of any novel is keeping the characters real and the story moving along so the reader is not bored or distracted. These are two completely different types of fiction. The Terrorist's Holiday gives a complex view of the "bad" guys and even has some humor in it. Christopher's Diary, two volumes followed by Secret Brother had to be loyal to the Dollanganger series and yet introduce new characters, ideas, and plot. Tell us about Sister, Sister and Terrorist's Holiday.What's the second title, The Incident, to be released on 1 July 2016, a roman- AN : Leon in PIN. tic thriller about a young woman How would you describe The AN: Sister, Sister is a unique tale who was physically attacked as a Devil's Advocate to someone about conjoined twins, one of teenager and begins to wonder who has not read any of your whom has special powers. It re- about the man with whom she has previous novels? lates to multi-personality themes now fall in love. Currently, An- AN: This is a novel about a law and in the part of their tutor, a drew Neiderman's novel, Judge- firm that represents ONLY guilty narrator who makes the discov- ment Day, the prequel to The people and never loses. It's a ery. The Terrorist's Holiday is about Devil's Advocate, the novel turned thriller with supernatural under- a plot to blow up a major Catskill into a successful film starring Al pinnings and today is consider a Mountain resort in upstate New Pacino, Keanu Reeves and Char- morality play, a battle between York in order to kill an important lize Theron, is in development at good and evil. It's become a classic Israeli general and financial idea behind these? Page 25 Volum e 1, I ssue 1 Andrew Neiderman Interviewed by Nehal Khan cont... supporters of Israel, but it pre- regrets it, is drawn to the same have been adapted for screen- sents the terrorists as human and situation. As a remake film, it play? In which countries? driven by conflicting emotions. broke Lifetime Network's viewer How different is your own writing style from V.C Andrews? AN: Very different. My novels are far more graphic, violent, alluring. V.C. Andrews is a very special record at 6.1 million in one night. What are you reading right now? Are there any authors (living or dead) that you would name as influences? AN: Seven. Adapted in the U.S, but seen in all of the UK, France, German, Italy...over 25 countries. What else do you want your readers to know? Consider point of view with family problems AN: I am reading two novels at here your likes and dislikes, and character development in a once, which is what I often do...my your interests and hobbies, special setting. The syntax, vo- reading interest is varied, as I like your favorite ways to unwind cabulary and dialogue are much to see different styles and themes. ― whatever comes to mind. different. My favorite American author right Which part of researching The Christopher's Diary, was the most personally interesting to you? Were there any facts, symbols, or themes that you would have liked to include, but they just didn't make into the story? now is James Lee Burke who writes about the Cajun world outside of New Orleans. Name 1 book from a different writer, you wished you had written. AN: Huckleberry Finn, but a the spirit of The Dollanganger se- What are the things you feel ries, Flowers in the Attic, but the lacking from the novels these most interesting thing was how days? Christopher (the point of view of the boy) viewed what was happen- AN: Character study...most nov- ing to them and why he tolerated so much. Dollanganger series includes an unusual graphical element, what can you tell us about that? AN: This is different, but it has been depicted in novels, just not as sensitively as in Flowers in the Attic because it shows us a young girl's emotional, physical, and mental development and how the only outlet for it was incestuous...her brother is also going through maturity and although he AN: I am a physical exercise freak. It's important to do something physical when you are working with your mind so much. I love reading, seeing good television and film, and enjoying good food. I love to travel and have been to AN: “I am a physical many beautiful places in the world and met interesting people. exercise freak. It's Message to your readers? something physical modern American version. AN: It was important to keep to Picture courtesy of Nehal Khan AN: If you want to be a writer, read. And remember, writing is rewriting...nothing is finished ever. els are two flippant when it comes to their characters. They deal Don‘t forget to visit Andrew Nei- mainly with plot. derman facebook pages :- What are the common myths https://www.facebook.com/ OfficialVCAndrews important to do when you are working with your mind so much” about being a successful screenwriter in Hollywood? AN: That once you succeed in https://www.facebook.com/ AndrewNeidermanAuthor getting something done, you'll never have to worry. It's hard every time and nothing is until it is. And it changes so much that what works today might not work next week. How many novels of yours The cover for the new Andrew Neiderman novel, The Incident V. C . A n d rews Sup er Fa n M ag a z in e Page 26 Andrew Neiderman Receives The Golden Raintree Award Lorraine Elgar designed the first authors because he is more con- the modern VCA works, I guess ever award we handed out as nected to the fans. for me, Andrew Neiderman is ―The V.C. Andrews SuperFan Board‖. We called it “The Golden Raintree Award”. the Golden Raintree is a complex one. At that time, I‘d been writing Andrew Neiderman has been a an essay to explain ―What the prolific writer. He is probably the Golden Raintree Symbolised‖ to most successful ghost-writer in SuperFan Candace Marie Butler. history, having written over seventy titles under the V.C. Andrews name. At times he is heavily criticised and times he is highly Picture courtesy of Nehal Khan The explanation as to why I chose praised but there is no doubt that It‘s a lengthy essay, Perhaps the lyrics from this Nat King Cole song from the movie Raintree County will explain it better:- his contribution towards continu- ―They say in Raintree County ing the V.C. Andrews legacy is extremely valuable. there‘s a tree bright with blos- He is an extremely approachable individual, always willing to help us constantly challenging us to open our minds, and sometimes many of us resist, but maybe if we do and consider other possibilities, another dream may unfold. I just want to thank Andrew Neiderman on behalf of The VCA SuperFan Board and so many of his fans out there for keeping the dream alive. soms of gold, But you will find the Raintree‘s a state of the mind, or a dream to unfold.‖ fans and answer our questions. It Although I do not see eye to eye truly sets him apart from other with some of the new aspects of The Golden Raintree Award created byLorraine Elgar -Neisha Chetty Page 27 Volum e 1, I ssue 1 Coming Soon : WhiteFern by V. C. Andrews We‘ve had a long wait. THIRTY- will reveals that Audrina herself FOURS YEARS LATER ! In typical will control fifty-one percent of Audrina style, it‘s only been seven. the family brokerage—the halls of -Neisha Chetty Whitefern again don't feel safe. ―Whitefern swallowed Audrina’s childhood—and now the sprawling Victorian mansion threatens her adult life too… frantic, nearly violent. And while 2016 Audrina didn't anticipate running Don‘t forget to pre-order your copy from :- the family business, she's curious to do so. And she can't help but wonder what had made her father change his will at the last minute? What did he know about Arden young man with a heart filled with that she didn't? this cruel. But then, the death of Audrina's father changed a great many things. When the reading of her father's website Whitefern release date : 26 July when her husband, Arden, was a to be this ambitious, expansive... Synopsis from The Complete VCA Arden's protestations become Audrina remembers a better time, devotion for her. He didn't used Whitefern may have returned…‖ http://www.completevca.com/ lib_adare_whitefern.shtml Trapped in the middle of it all: her fragile, simple sister—the beautiful, trusting Sylvia. Audrina promised her father she'd watch over the young woman. But after years of relative quiet, the dark days of “Whitefern swallowed Audrina‟s childhood— The Incident by Andrew Neideman Synopsis hometown to confront her trou- Not everyone is happy about Vic- bled past in this absorbing novel of toria and Brad's developing rela- romantic suspense. Six years after 'the incident' that no one will talk tionship -and what is it that Brad is keeping from Victoria? Is she still about, Victoria Myers returns to in danger? her small hometown in the Catskill Mountains. After years in therapy, she is determined to start living life to the full once again particularly when she starts dating handsome Bart Stonefield, son of a wealthy local businessman. But the past has not yet been laid to rest. No one has ever been brought to justice for the crime committed against the teenage Victoria - and at least one person within the community is concealing the truth A young woman returns to her and now the sprawling about what happened that night. Release date : 1 July 2016. You can pre-order your copy now from http://www.amazon.com/The -Incident-Andrew-Neiderman/ dp/0727886096 Victorian mansion threatens her adult life too…” Page 28 V. C . A n d rews Sup er Fa n M ag a z in e E.Van Lowe : Advice for Aspiring Writers If you‟ve read Nehal Khan‟s interview cently that in J. R. R. Tolkien‘s The (his conundrum) eats at him until with Andrew Neiderman, you'd learn Lord of The Rings, it isn‘t elves, it finally brings him down. Yes, that Neiderman stresses the impor- and orcs and ring wraiths that Danny‘s ability to see ghosts who tance of character development. make the story so engaging—it‘s might harm him scares the hell out Here‟s author E. Van Lowe explaining Frodo‘s moral dilemma, or what I of us, but it‘s his father‘s moral to us why we should pay more atten- call his moral conundrum that conundrum that propels the story tion to character development. propels the story forward. When along. - Neisha Chetty E. Van Lowe and The Creature. Taken at the past fall’s Horror Book Fest, Hesperia, California. E was the guest speaker. with the ring, he doesn‘t want published novels that proliferate it. It‘s the weight of this and how today‘s literary landscape, one he handles this and other respon- glaring flaw that jumps out at me is sibilities that really moves the the lack of character develop- story along. It‘s not the plot, but ment. Many newbie authors the characters choices that makes The Lord of The Rings so engag- spend much of their time on the plot not realizing that plot should ter. Plot, to me, is like a car, substitute as a Mentor to aspiring authors merely because he is... a character ! sponsibility he‘s been entrusted When I read many of the self- always be secondary to charac- We got this guy to Frodo comes to realize the re- while character is the driver. You need the driver to get the car where you want it to go--where you want to go. It‘s the driver‘s choices that make the trip pleasurable or harrowing. The car is just the vehicle. ing. a seasoned vet who may have forgotten, characters and their choices are the key to creating engaging work. It‘s great having a Ferrari (plot) but without a good driver (character) it‘s just another car. http://evanlowe.com/ In Stephen King‘s The Shining, Jack Torrance surmises his family (wife, Wendy and son, Danny) are the reason he‘s in the position he‘s in—a broke, struggling, alcoholic writer. Taking the job at the Overlook is Jack‘s desire to fix his life, but his secret belief that his family is the reason for his woes I noted for a fantasy writer re- About E. Van Lowe vision writer/producer who has worked on such TV shows as "The Cosby Show," "Even Stevens," “Knight Rider,” and "Homeboys In Outer Space." He has been nominated for both an Emmy and an E with his pet, Godzilla, his pet E. Van Lowe at the 2012 pre-Emmy party. If you‘re a newbie writer, or even who sits in his office while he works. E. Van Lowe is an author, and tele- the four books of the Falling An gels Saga. The Beautiful Creatures of Beverly Hills is his latest series creation. The first book is “Moondancers.” Academy Award. His first YA E is also horror author Sal Conte, Paranormal novel, "Never Slow dubbed by readers ―The modern Dance With A Zombie," was a selection of The Scholastic Book master of the surprise ending.‖ Club, and a nominee for an with his spouse, a werewolf, God- American Library Association Award. His Amazon #1 Teen Horror novel “Boyfriend From Hell,” along with “Earth Angel,” “Heaven Sent,” and “Falling” are E lives in Beverly Hills California zilla, several zombies, and a fairy godmother who grants him wishes from time-to-time. Page 29 Volum e 1, I ssue 1 Synopsis of Moondancers by E.Van Lowe (The Beautiful Creatures of Beverley Hills :Book One ) ent from all the summers that have come before. That summer Josh will meet his one true love. That summer there will be an amazing and romantic adventure That summer one of them is going die. Amazon #1 Teen Horror novel ―Boyfriend From Hell” cover. That summer the girl of Josh Butters‘ dreams is right before his eyes. But the price for loving her may be far too high. Do you believe in soulmates ? Josh Butters didn‘t until the summer of his sixteenth birthday. That summer a creature began haunting the pools of Beverly Hills, and a beautiful girl moved next door. Does Josh see a secret connection between the girl and the creature? The summer of Josh Butters‘ sixteenth birthday will be very differ- From the author of #1 Teen Horror novel Boyfriend From Hell and The Falling Angels Saga comes a new paranormal series that asks the question ―Do you believe in soulmates?‖ Links: http://www.amazon.com/ Moondancers-Beautiful-CreaturesBeverly-Hills-ebook/dp/ B01BPKEPK4 Book 2 : Frostfellows– Coming soon ! You can pre-order Frostfellows from here : http://www.amazon.com/ Frostfellows-Beautiful-CreaturesBeverly-Hills-ebook/dp/ B01BU7B0AU some of the most Our Challenge to V.C. Andrews Fan Fiction Writers ―Here‘s a list of all the characters Adare, sister of Sylvia and half- in My Sweet Audrina from the sister of Vera, wife of Arden Lowe Complete VCA website. Next to each character describe how unique they are (character traits) Aunt Mercy Marie - aunt of Lucietta and Ellsbeth Whitefern and how Virginia Andrews used Billie Lowe - mother of Arden these characters to steer her plot. Lowe I‘ve included the My Sweet Audrina Curtis Shay - one of the boys who family tree which will come in handy for your next exercise develop NEW characters for a Whitefern sequel. Have fun!‖ Neisha Chetty Characters in My Sweet Audrina: Arden Nelson Lowe - son of Billie Lowe and an unknown father, husband of Audrina Audrina Adelle Adare Lowe daughter of Damian and Lucietta raped Audrina Damian Jonathan Adare - husband Lamar Rensdale - Vera's lover Lucietta "Lucky" Whitefern Adare Billie and Arden's cottage Spencer Longtree - one of the boys who raped Audrina and Lucietta Adare, sister of who raped Audrina Ingmar Johanson - Lucietta's piano teacher can too ! Mr. Willis - former resident of Sylvia Adare - daughter of Damian Hank Barnes - one of the boys characters. And you Audrina and Sylvia Audrina, Vera, and Sylvia Lucietta Adare, mother of Vera memorable - sister of Ellsbeth Whitefern, wife of Damian Adare, mother of of Lucietta Adare, father of Ellsbeth Whitefern - sister of V.C. Andrews created Audrina and half-sister of Vera Vera Adare - illegitimate daughter of Ellsbeth Whitefern and Damian Adare, half-sister of Audrina and Sylvia http://www.completevca.com/ lib_adare_tree.shtml The WhiteFern-Adare Family Tree from The Complete VCA Website Page 30 V. C . A n d rews Sup er Fa n M ag a z in e Jennifer The Complete VCA Interviewed by Lorraine Elgar Since 1995, The Complete V.C. "young adult" audience (Virginia's ground and the graphic titles, mak- Andrews website has been the original books--Dollanganger, ing the website more functional one stop shop for any Virginia Casteel, and My Sweet Audrina-- on portable devices and printers. Andrews fan wanting to know were written for adults). I found I've simplified by trimming the more. If there‘s anything Jennifer, myself simply outgrowing the new number of pages, I consolidated the webmistress and queen of books. With that said, I'm a loyal content, and re-organized. I've VCA, doesn‘t know then it isn‘t fan of Virginia Andrews herself, gone through every page and did worth knowing! and the books she wrote. She some editing--I added new info, was an amazingly talented woman, deleted outdated info, and re- and I created The Complete V.C. worked layout. There are still a Andrews website to honor her. few things that need to be done, Hey Jennifer, again, thanks so much for agreeing to this interview. Jennifer: Thanks for asking! This is a picture of Virginia (born Cleo Virginia Andrews), in her early 30's (source the Complete VCA Website) “They were my teenage girl escape. I was Firstly, Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and how you Your site was first published in 1995. What inspired you to create it? like the international cover galleries. That's a huge project that, unfortunately, keeps getting put off. I also need to re-do the family trees and do some other fixes discovered V C Andrews? Jennifer : in the early 90's, the Internet was still fairly new. At Jennifer: Well, my name is Jenni- that time, I had been "modeming" fer and I turned 40 last December it all done by the end of summer. and participating in online bulletin (yikes!). I live in a small resort I hope my visitors enjoy the boards--a very early form of town in the Wasatch Mountains of changes, and I always welcome online chatting--for a few years. Utah. I've been a junior high Then the World Wide Web appeared and I had to be part of it! here and there. My goal is to have As previously mentioned, it is a hugely vast and respected site hooked all the way school secretary for 10 years. Before that, I was a busi- through the Landry ness manager and gemologist until author, and I wanted to create a the U.S. economy tanked. fan website devoted to her and I've been married for 13 years-- her books. I taught myself HTML How did your contacts come my husband is a talented musician code and the rest is history. For a about? Through your extensive by night, and a tech nerd and British car enthusiast by day. We long time, people thought The Complete V.C. Andrews was an research or did they contact you? don't have any kids of our own, official website, which was super but I do have four beautiful nieces. flattering! Twenty years later, my I started reading V.C. Andrews in website is still free of ads, and I series. But then I started to lose interest during the Logan series...” the mid 80's, when I was about 12. don't receive any payment to run My friend told me about it. I do get a teeny tiny commis- "Grandmother's rules," and I was hooked. For the longest time, her website via Amazon Associates, books were the only ones I would read... and I'd read them over and over and over again. They were Photo credit : The Complete VCA Facebook page. V.C. Andrews was my favorite sion from selling books on my and that helps pay for the web hosting and domain fees. When it comes down to it, The Complete all through the fandom but also from people close to Virginia and in the publishing world. My goal has always been to be respectful of the Andrews family. I respected their privacy and I worked really hard to keep the site factual, so as to not upset them or the publisher. I didn't actively look for contacts, they all found me. Whether it be to correct something on my website, to offer new information, or to help my teenage girl escape. I was VCA is my hobby and I do it sim- hooked all the way through the Landry series. But then I started ply for the VCA fans' (and my own) enjoyment. to lose interest during the Logan I'm getting ready to unveil a huge who used to work with Virginia, series. That's when the books update of The Complete V.C. suggestions and comments and of seemed to change to a more Andrews. Gone is the black back- course, Andrew Neiderman. promote the books. I've heard from Andrews family members, Simon & Schuster contacts, people Page 31 Volum e 1, I ssue 1 Jennifer The Complete VCA Interviewed by AtticSecrets Lorraine Elgar cont... Not to mention lots of fellow bies is to read the books in publi- that I was putting way too much VCA fans who have provided my cation order, starting with Flowers effort into policing other people's website with tons of great infor- in the Attic. Start with HER websites, into being the first and mation. I am so grateful to every- books, then move on from there. best. I wasn't spending enough one who has contributed Does that make me a VCA snob? time making my website a place Probably. where all VCA fans could come How do you feel about the resurgence of interest in Virginia's You’re known to be incredibly work? supportive to other fans and Jennifer : When I first started reading V.C. Andrews, the books were very taboo. I was very care- also new groups appearing online – how do you feel about these new groups and forums? ful to not let my mom know what Jennifer: With social media, fans all the books were really about (even across the globe are getting to- though she was an avid Stephen gether to discuss all things VCA. King reader). V.C. Andrews seemed like my own little secret. And that's wonderful! Sadly, with new fans and new groups comes But now with over 70 books in competition. Everyone wants to the "franchise" (I hate that word) be the first to post something, to and an increasing number of mov- have the most Likes, the most ies, the secret is definitely out! members, etc. For the most part, it's great. But to be honest, I do have mixed feelings. Being part of the "old school" fandom, I worry that new readers who are discovering her through the ghostwritten books and the Lifetime movies aren't getting the full V.C. Andrews Experience. My one word of advice for new- I admit, in the early days, I was very possessive of the information and pictures on my website. If I saw them used on another site, I wrote passive-aggressive emails and posted messages on my website about stealing. It was so frus- for information and to share. Sure, I still get frustrated when I see my stuff out there, but I'm more relaxed now. A look at the VCA Trivia Section on the Complete VCA website. It's all about respecting others and their opinions, about citing sources and giving credit where credit is due. There shouldn't be any competition when it comes to V.C. Andrews fans. At the end of the day, all VCA fans are important, they all serve a purpose... to promote our favorite author. We all love the late, great Virginia Andrews and her unparalleled legacy of novels. And that is “With social media, fans all across the globe are something we can all share. getting together to Links : http:// discuss all things VCA. www.completevca.com/ and http://www.facebook.com/ CompleteVCA trating to see my hard work out And that's wonderful! Sadly, with new fans and new groups comes there with other people's names competition…” on it. Then, one day, I realized SuperFan Awards : Lifetime Achievement and First Hall of Fame Inductee Jennifer the Complete VCA is the shop for everything VCA. In fact, award our SuperFan Board can first SuperFan to be inducted into most journalists, bloggers and offer a SuperFan: The VCA Life- the Hall of Fame. It was her pioneering work over twenty years researches often list The Complete VCA as their source. I just time Achievement Award. ago that has laid the foundations want to mention to Jennifer how for fellow SuperFans to continue proud and truly honoured we are to research and discover more to have you in our fandom, and about the enigmatic Virginia An- we truly appreciate all the hard drews. For me personally, I reference the site a lot especially dur- work and effort you put in to ensure that the V.C. Andrews ing debates and theory discus- legacy is preserved. This is why sions. It is as I call it, my one stop you should receive the highest Please accept this Lifetime achievement Award as well as This Hall Of Fame Star. It‘s a small token of our appreciation Jennifer The Complete VCA Page 32 V. C . A n d rews Sup er Fa n M ag a z in e Page 33 Volum e 1, I ssue 1 Super Collector : Nehal Khan shares his passion for V.C Andrews other things I had bought. When the package arrived, There was a book named "Flowers in the attic" by V.C Andrews. I was to- about yourself? Where you're from ? I have a total of 70-75 books including couple of doubles and triples tally new to the author and had no 4. Where can fans get VCA knowledge about her writings. I books from in Pakistan. finished reading the book within a 1. Hi, Nehal, tell us a bit except for the most recent ones.. week and fell in love with the writing style and the imagination, the author has created.. The story clicked me so much that i felt In Pakistan, most of the books i bought were from Sunday markets that sells variety of books from around the world. Sometimes, I find them on online shops and My name is Nehal, I am student compelled to search for other majoring in business and econom- sequels of the story.. That was the ics and I was born and raised in beginning of me being V.C An- Nehal Khan is our first recipient of Pakistan. drews fan.. Now I have almost all the series of V.C Andrews. the V.C. Andrews‟ SuperCollectors became a fan of V.C. An- 3. Tell us a little bit about If you‟d lik to be recognized as a VCA drews ? your collection. SuperCollector by the VCA Superfan I remember back in 2013, I con- Well, my collection keeps getting tacted a girl from craigslist for bigger, every time I go to the buying old text books and magazines, She told me she also has book shop and find first edition of V.C. Andrews books. 2. Can you tell us how you novels that she could sell for cheap prices.. She randomly sent me the novels along with the Some of Nehal’s incredible collection. book shop in the nearby areas.. Award. Board, please send us an e-mail with “When the package arrived, a little bit of yourself, a selfie and There was a book named pictures of your collection to [email protected] "Flowers in the attic" by V.C Andrews. I was totally new to the I started off with just 2 series author and had no knowledge (Dollanganger and Casteel) back in about her writings. I finished 2013. But now I have all the series reading the book within a week and fell in love with the writing style and the imagination, the author has created.” More of Nehal’s prized possesions Page 34 V. C . A n d rews Sup er Fa n M ag a z in e One to One with Richard Maurer by Neisha Chetty Most fans are aware of the recent resurgence of Virginia Andrews first in the novels being turned in the lifetime movies and recently Lifetime has green lit My Sweet I'm glad my path crossed with that ended rather abruptly. Richard Maurer‘s. I had planned Damian. Now, every teen whose small industrial town of Portsmouth, life was touched by Virginia An- Va. drews is going back to reading She was writing her first book which ies. Everyone is re-reading My Sweet Audrina…. If you‘ve just happen to diligently “When I first met her ―Acknowledgement to Richard W. (Virginia Andrews) she Maurer, who dauntlessly supplies lived in a little me with lists of misdemeanours concerning stock market activities, bungalow with her herein committed by Damian mother in the small Jonathan Adare. industrial town of Neisha Chetty has another AtticSecrets exclusive and t he immense please of communicating with Mr. Maurer and chatting to him about Virginia. Richard W. Maurer Financial Advisor , Vice President, Wealth Management Morgan Stanley Smith Barney ment Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC young and talented had a brief life little bungalow with her mother in the Maurer. Credit Wealth Manage- Neisha states : (Audrina) and Jonathan Tupper as name mentioned. Richard W. Richard Maurer : Photo It truly was a shame that someone When I first met her she lived in a read the dedication page of My Sweet Audrina, you‘ll notice a Portsmouth, Va.” track of her.” Audrina starring India Eisley those old tattered and torn copThe dedication that appears in the My Sweet Audrina novel. (Photo Credit : Lorraine Elgar) stages of my investment career. she knew would become very successful, even though at that time no one had ever heard of V. C. Andrews. Because of degenerative arthritis, Virginia was confined to a wheelchair, but she was very disciplined about setting aside a portion of every day to write. As I said, she anticipated that her manuscript would be accepted and serious works that will help improve humanity and raise the human conscious through the written word. After chatting with Richard Maurer, I reconsidered. I felt that I could do both, guide Lorraine here on the forum and still pursue my own individual yearning. Of course it would mean less time in the VC Andrews fandom but I will still be around. After all VC Andrews is still telling Simon & Schuster Publishing in N.Y. agreed to publish her first book. the human interest story and humanity is what I‘m interested in. She quickly sold the bungalow in Neisha Chetty went on to form Portsmouth and moved to a far more the V.C. Andrews‘ Superfan Board spacious home on the water in Vir- which celebrates the achievements ginia Beach. of V.C. Andrews Fans all over the Being in my early 30‟s at that time, and still single, I used to go to her house some evenings to play chess and look out at the waterfront view. She was a very interesting person to talk with, as her mind didn‟t function Here‘s what he had to say and share for you , her fans :- about writing romance novels but she would always correct me and refer to “She would be very pleased with your them as human interest stories. interest in her writing. Her mother took care of her and the She always said her books were two were very devoted to each other. human interest stories. After Virginia died I believe her years ago, this was during the early months time to take on more wasn‟t in the least bit surprised when LLC Since she passed away almost 30 on leaving the fandom in a few like most people. I used to kid her mother, who by then was in her 80‟s, moved to Florida to be near her two sons(Virginia‟s brothers) and I lost world citing ―it‘s the fans that play an instrumental part in preserving the V.C. Andrews legacy.‖ Page 35 Volum e 1, I ssue 1 In our Next Issue …. FITA : A STAGE PLAY Connecting the V.C. Andrews‘ Fans as One Family V.C. Andrews SuperFan Board The V.C. Andrews SuperFan Magazine is a free publication. It brings together fans all over the world, showcasing the talents and achievements of fans. It includes theories, discussions, fan art. fanfiction, movies news and reviews, book features and reviews, inspiration from authors, Superfan and Super Collector Awards, as well as fan news. If you‘d like your work to be included in our magazine, please send us an e-mail: vcasuperfan- V.C. Andrews [email protected] SuperFan Board Members Neisha Chetty (head and creator) Jennifer The Complete VCA Christopher Bentivegna the Director of the first ever FITA: A Stage Play http://www.completevca.com/ and http://www.facebook.com/ CompleteVCA Lorraine Elgar - timelines, artwork and blogger Laura Jane Jones & Jessica Zinder from Lost Angels of VCA Carmen Carreras from V.C Andrews movies Ryan Michael Coe from V.C Andrews movies & V.C. Andrews House Of https://m.facebook.com/VCFlowers Andrews-MoviesJennifer Clark from At- 525062257591212/ s3.setaboards.com/angelsof VC/site V.C.ANDREWS SUPERFAN BOARD Http:// atticsecrets1979.wordpress.com/ https://www.facebook.com/ VC-Andrews-House-OfFlowers-page1144215788928883/ ticSecrets Amanda Jensen & Candace Marie Butler from Whispered Dreams Theatre Roleplay Tabatha Williams from V.C.A Roleplay https://www.facebook.com/ VC-Andrews-SuperFanBoard-588793504602906/ https://www.facebook.com/ groups/ whisperedreamstheatre/ https://www.facebook.com/ SeeEmOnStage/ https://www.facebook.com/ groups/1615357672055463/