Following a bout of health issues over the last few months, Vampire Chronicles author Anne Rice has confirmed that she is back to work on Blood Paradise, her sequel to Prince Lestat. Bouncing back with characteristic positivity and determination, Rice is also talking about her next book, as well as Universal’s much-talked-about Lestat film.
Early last week, Rice posted an update on her Facebook page in which she said: “Today was almost like a normal day, pounding out over 27 pages in this new Lestat novel, wanting to know what is going to happen next. I’m still under the weather, recovering from the battle with Shingles and Bells Palsy, but I’m coming back. Lestat’s talking to me, and as always when he starts talking, he won’t stop.”
Then at the end of the week came another post, in which Anne gets ahead of herself, mulling over what to write when the new Lestat book is done.
“I am healing… and catching up on work, with Lestat whispering and shouting at me day and night as I pound away on this new novel,” she wrote. “The Prince is really struggling with being the Prince! Thanks for all your good wishes. I do hope to return eventually to Reuben and the wolves, but this Lestat book must be finished first. There is nothing new (officially) on the Lestat movie at Universal Studios. But the script is being written as the world knows by Josh Boone. I hope eventually to get back to my ‘Angel Time’ books and produce a third. What do you guys think? When I finish this Lestat opus, do I return to the angels, or to the wolves? Or do I write something wholly new? I have too many new ideas! Ah, thank you, whatever gods may be, for the gift of life, for the gift of consciousness, for the gift of poetry, for the gift of imagination, for the gift of being a writer, for the gift of living in a world so filled with love and encouragement, for the gift of being able to work at the age of 74!”
Following that rather beautiful sign-off, we will await further news. We at Scream wish Anne a speedy recovery. It’s great to know that the continued adventures of Lestat are on their way.
Words: Kevan Farrow (@KevanX)
