Drawing: Anne Rice in Saratoga
Drawing's closed! Winners have been emailed!
Anne Rice -- the popular author famous for her novels about vampires and werewolves -- will be in Saratoga Springs October 17 for an "authors in conversation" event, organized by the Northshire Bookstore. Rice has a new book: The Wolves of Midwinter. We have two pairs of tickets to the event -- and we're giving them away.
To enter the drawing, please answer this question in the comments:
If you were writing a gothic/fantasy/horror novel, what location in the Capital Region would you use in the book as a setting?
Non-redeemable bonus point for a short explanation of why that location would work well. We'll draw two winners at random -- each person will get a pair of tickets.
The Anne Rice event is at the Saratoga Hilton October 17 (a Thursday) at 7 pm. Rice will be interviewed by WAMC's Joe Donahue on stage. Rice will also be signing books. And Rice's son, author Christopher Rice, will be making an appearance. Tickets are $30 each (includes one copy of The Wolves of Midwinter), or $37.50 for two seats (and one book). The books will also be on sale at a 20 percent discount.
Important: All comments must be submitted by 11 pm on Tuesday, October 8, 2013 to be entered in the drawing. You must answer the question to be part of the drawing. (Normal commenting guidelines apply.) One entry per person, please. You must enter a valid email address (that you check regularly) with your comment. The winner will be notified via email by noon on Wednesday and must respond by noon am on Thursday, October 10. The tickets from this drawing do not include a copy of the book.
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Comments
Cherry Hill...built in 1787!
... said Morgan on Oct 7, 2013 at 11:48 AM | link
I find it amusing that Anne Rice will be in Saratoga the same night Max Brooks will be in Troy!
... said Jessica R on Oct 7, 2013 at 11:52 AM | link
Saratoga Battlefield...because of the history and how many people have died at that location.
... said Ron on Oct 7, 2013 at 12:00 PM | link
Well, it's obvious -- the mummies at the Albany Institute are just crying out for the Anne Rice treatment.
... said chrisck on Oct 7, 2013 at 12:15 PM | link
Albany Pine Bush. If we're talking horror/fantasy I'm sure there would be some pseudo-scientific argument for the pine barrens being particularly hospitable to werewolves/vampires/some other supernatural stuffs. Also, said beings would be given a good reason to be grumpy about the shrinking of their (super)natural habitat.
... said Stef on Oct 7, 2013 at 12:31 PM | link
Center Square/Washington Park area... cobblestone streets and old brownstones make a perfect setting
... said Colleen on Oct 7, 2013 at 12:34 PM | link
Emma Willard School
or
Oakwood Cemetery
... said colleen on Oct 7, 2013 at 1:21 PM | link
The Albany Rural Cemetary — It is mysterious, gothic and creepy.
... said Dana Fournier on Oct 7, 2013 at 1:24 PM | link
Troy - plenty of beautiful old places for menace and mayhem.
... said DV on Oct 7, 2013 at 1:40 PM | link
Washington Park
... said James on Oct 7, 2013 at 1:48 PM | link
St Paul's in Troy would be a fabulous setting for Anne Rice. The Tiffany glass is stunning and the acoustics are perfect for bloody screams.
(Photos here: http://tinyurl.com/mrgxeho)
... said abby on Oct 7, 2013 at 1:56 PM | link
I would use Yaddo as a setting.
... said Andrew Gregory on Oct 7, 2013 at 1:59 PM | link
I would use the Pinewoods cemetery in Troy. Its overgrown and run down, off limits to the public and the perfect place for a good vampire or witch coven to gather. Add in the creepy stones and statues that are missing limbs, its the perfect place for Anne's type of characters.
... said Christine on Oct 7, 2013 at 3:07 PM | link
Railroad Avenue's abandoned warehouses!
... said Matte on Oct 7, 2013 at 3:31 PM | link
Howe Caverns ...it's obviously the best setting !
... said Brenda on Oct 7, 2013 at 5:36 PM | link
RPI because of their Biotechtechnology/ Genetic Engineering programs.
... said Bernice Gabrus Squiers on Oct 7, 2013 at 5:47 PM | link
How about the place beyond the pines?
... said rob on Oct 7, 2013 at 6:09 PM | link
Saratoga Springs, for sure!!! The town is so classic and beautiful with a rich history. The nearby historic battlefield, and the city center of Saratoga with it's bustling night life would be a very interesting backdrop.
... said Stacey on Oct 7, 2013 at 6:17 PM | link
Am not sure which capital region you want. If the national one...
The eternal flame at JFK memorial. A battle over eternally dousing this flame in the cemetery known to be "Where Valor Sleeps".
Crises center about when it is put out or nearly so. When the flame is threatened then the horrors of any or all who are buried there can escape through the underground portal normally protected and cleansed by this flame. Depending on their strength these PTS memories of warriors and the fallen come into public consciousness to be experienced in very subtle or very dramatic means. As a person preferring nonviolence and non horror I suppose my hope eternally by the end of the process is that this breach of the barrier between the worlds on the stories that past veterans took silently to their graves would ultimately sicken us so thoroughly of war that a credible peace becomes an imperative.
http://www.arlingtoncemetery.net/eternalflame.htm
... said Anonymous on Oct 7, 2013 at 6:17 PM | link
The United Waste Manufacturing Company building, which is that castle like brick building one sees on the edge of the Hudson in Troy when one looks at Troy from the 787 in Watervliet. Last I heard some antique dealers from NY were going to move up here and live in it. The building was originally used to make fabric for uniforms and blankets for the Civil War. The way it sits all alone in that wasteland down there is just ripe for some kind of horror. Take a look at it here: http://photos.wikimapia.org/p/00/02/92/23/53_full.jpg
... said Big 'Vic' Proton on Oct 7, 2013 at 6:20 PM | link
I've lived in Troy, NY for most of my life and I can attest to it's haunting beauty. There are bad streets and good. Scary and breathtaking. The historic buildings and winding streets, alongside the dark and dank Hudson River would make an excellent prowling ground. There are enough parties to go around, enough crime to satisfy a bloodlust, and enough culture to fulfill an emptiness. Troy is where my vampires are going.
... said Rhiannon on Oct 7, 2013 at 6:38 PM | link
The Burden Iron Works Museum in Troy, NY. Imagine what you could do with the ladle cars.
http://www.renscotourism.com/Details.aspx?sid=b7de20e5-4e75-4f27-b458-8929f7e2483f
... said Joan on Oct 7, 2013 at 6:47 PM | link
Well, I mean, I may be a bit bias but I would totally use my hometown (Voorheesville) slash The Overlook and Indian Ladder Trail at Thatcher park. Firstly because that's my childhood haha but I think it would be an excellent horror location. Like the abandoned railroads, all the railroads everywhere anytime in the fall or winter or anytime its gloomy or dark. And the Thatcher Park stuff? so PERFECT. There are caves! It's dangerous if you are stupid and slip off. Maybe this will be part of my book.... :-)
... said Kelly on Oct 7, 2013 at 6:57 PM | link
I would use the SUNY admin. building in downtown Albany. It was built in 1914, so I'm sure it has some amazing history as well as beautiful architecture. It could be a mansion or hotel since it is so huge.
... said tracy on Oct 7, 2013 at 7:04 PM | link
The old Phillip Livingston School on Livingston Avenue in Albany. It is big...creepy and there are probable already a few bodies buried there.....
... said Cynthia Clo on Oct 7, 2013 at 7:23 PM | link
The old Holy Names Academy. Madison on Washington Park.
... said Deb Britt on Oct 7, 2013 at 7:54 PM | link
Burden Iron Works was my immediate thought, but Joan beat me to it. So how about haunting's from the torn down St Patrick's church put upon those constructing the new Price Chopper in Watervliet.
... said Dan on Oct 7, 2013 at 9:54 PM | link
Beardslee Castle
http://beardsleecastle.com/
Built by Augustus Beardslee in 1860 with the craftsmanship of masons from Ireland and Switzerland, the limestone building is modeled in the style of an Irish castle. The building has suffered two major fires, the first in 1919 nearly destroyed the building and much of the stonework needed to be reworked. The oak paneled floors and ceilings were completely redone as nothing was left but the stone shell. A fire in 1989 gutted the kitchen areas and the building was left vacant for 3 years. After a two year restoration the restaurant reopened in 1994 under the present ownership
... said Richard Spratt on Oct 8, 2013 at 12:23 AM | link
Not only did I major in Gothic literature but I make an October living on ghost tours. This contest question is my life.
Ten Broeck Mansion is the perfect setting for an Albany 'Turn of the Screw.'
... said Maeve on Oct 8, 2013 at 9:26 AM | link
Definitely City beer hall/speakeasy area and downtown Troy. I would use our ripe history during the 20's and prohibition to make a haunting vampire story of gangster/vampires who prey on passerby's, and people who get mixed into the mob.
... said Melissa on Oct 8, 2013 at 9:41 AM | link
Saratoga Springs, maybe starting with a good old fashioned drowning at the Spirit of Life sculpture/pool in Congress Park.
... said jen on Oct 8, 2013 at 10:01 AM | link
I think Olana would be a great location. It has history, plenty of space, and some really unique features.
... said Deirdre on Oct 8, 2013 at 10:15 AM | link
I'm thinking the Armory in Albany. To me, there's just something creepy about it.
... said innae on Oct 8, 2013 at 10:20 AM | link
I think the streets of Troy would work, and also any old abandoned buildings.
... said Josh on Oct 8, 2013 at 10:20 AM | link
Oakwood Cemetery in Troy. It is large and has really cool eerie bldgs. and very old tombstones. Plus lovely views too.
... said Debra on Oct 8, 2013 at 10:43 AM | link
The Canfield Casino in Saratoga Springs. In this 141-year-old building founded by boxer and U.S. Congressman/NY State Senator, John Morrisey, the first supernatural occurrences began in the mid-1990s, when a visitor saw an apparition of a woman dressed in Victorian era clothing. In 2004, the Casino’s Museum Executive Director, Jamie Parillo experienced a freezing drop in temperature and hostile energy shortly after a permanent exhibit of clothing and furniture from one of Saratoga’s most prominent families, The Walworths, moved into the space. While the Walworths are remembered for their prominence, history also remembers the family for sad stories of spousal abuse and the murder of Mansfield Walworth, by his eldest son, Frank.
After Parillo’s experience, the spooky incidents began to accelerate. In 2007, a full body apparition asked a museum volunteer a question and vanished, and in 2009, a visitor had a glass slapped from her hand by an unseen presence. Objects like big rolled rugs have been pushed up against doors in locked rooms and sometimes empty rooms will smell as if someone is smoking a cigar. Last year, the SyFy Channel’s “Ghost Hunters†investigated the Casino’s haunted claims. Maybe they were just trying to make for good TV, but during their visit the crew experienced a lot of activity, and if you’ve seen the show, they like to debunk myths. The most activity was encountered near the Walworth exhibit, with a male voice and conversation being recorded, as well as all of the investigators personally experiencing tapping touches on their shoulders, hair and necks.
... said Julie Marks on Oct 8, 2013 at 2:39 PM | link
The Leonard Hospital on New Turnpike Road -- Pleasantdale--drove by there the other day and it creeped me out.
... said LB on Oct 8, 2013 at 3:41 PM | link
Inside the old Wellington Hotel. Just because I was always fascinated by it, and used to have big dreams of bringing it back to life.
... said RMH on Oct 8, 2013 at 3:49 PM | link
The Capitol Building in Albany, NY. If I have learned anything from reading Anne Rice, it is to forever appreciate the beauty and character that exists in a historic building. Imagining detailed architecture, such as this building's "million dollar staircase," creates a setting so vivid that it becomes difficult to distinguish from reality. My first visit to the Capitol Building was for a "hauntings tour," in which the topics and structural aspects discussed were intensely intriguing, and left the audience with a preternatural sense of being involved. The interesting and unique history of the Capitol Building is an enthralling story waiting to be told, with endless opportunities for elaboration.
... said Callie on Oct 15, 2013 at 3:36 PM | link