David A. Wilson,

a lifelong Grantville resident, seems to fit all the criteria of a good

horror author/playwright.

An imposing

figure with a shaved head but a gentle southern accent, Wilson writes

every day in a home he shares with his mother. The home was built during

the Civil War and a Civil-War era cannon ball lies in the front yard,

surrounded by aromatic bushes and flowers. Inside his home Wilson has

displayed a mixture of Civil War memorabilia and classic monster movies

collectibles. It is said that a good writer writes about what he knows

and Wilson knows a lot about both the Civil War and classic horror tales.

"Growing

up in the 1960s, I was a fan of films that starred Bela Lugosi, Boris

Karloff and Lon Chaney," said Wilson. "I also read every issue

of Famous Monsters of Filmland magazine, which was an homage to the great

monsters of film."

Wilson has

taken his love of these characters and classic horror stories and has

written several plays, a number of short stories and his first novel,

"Curse of the Vampire," which was recently published and is

currently on sale. "Curse of the Vampire" is about a vampire

who comes to America during the Civil War, seeking revenge on a family

who he feels has wronged him. During his search, he feeds indiscriminately

on both Union and Confederate soldiers and it is up to two doctors, one

from either side, to cast aside their differences and work together to

eliminate the vampire.

Wilson describes

himself as an old fashioned horror fan and his work reflects that. "You

won't catch me at 'Freddy vs. Jason,'" he said. "To me, that

is not horror. It is just gross."

Among his literary

influences, Wilson cites Bram Stoker, who penned the classic tale of "Dracula,"

and Anne Rice, whose vampire novels revolutionized the industry. Years

ago, before "Curse of the Vampire" was even close to completion,

Wilson sent Rice a letter, asking for publishing advice. Rice responded

with a two-page letter, offering encouragement and advice, even stating

that "Interview with a Vampire" had been rejected a number of

times before it got published.

Wilson has

hung on to the letter and it has been preserved in a scrapbook with other

mementos of his career. Since "Curse of the Vampire's" publication,

he has sent her an autographed copy, thanking her for her support.

While "Curse

of the Vampire" is starting to find its audience, his Barbara Nolan

plays have already found an audience that looks forward to the weekend

before Halloween each year, when Wilson presents his comedic plays at

the Grantville Auditorium. His first play, "Barbara Nolan Meets the

Vampire," deals with vampire author Nolan, who is also a vampire

herself, meeting a vampire who wishes her to write his tale. He does not

know she is a vampire but soon finds out. They become fast friends but

find themselves on the run from two fearless vampire hunters in the sequel

"Barbara Nolan Writes Again."

Last year's

play, "Barbara Nolan Meets the Werewolf," was perhaps the best-received

play yet. The Nolan books are being banned by the city council and the

Rev. Terry Smallwell, who harbors a "hairy" secret. Wilson took

the stage to play Smallwell last year but will have a much smaller part

in this year's Nolan play, "Barbara Nolan Meets The Mummy."

The Nolan plays

are a way to raise money for the Grantville Auditorium, a venue dear to

Wilson's heart. This year may be the last Nolan play for awhile but Wilson

promises that there will be a play at the auditorium every Halloween.

While the majority

of people enjoy the Nolan plays, which are family-friendly and more humorous

than horrific, Wilson has encountered some criticism. Answering his critics,

Wilson said, "I don't mean any harm and I am deeply religious myself.

These plays and stories are meant to entertain and good always triumphs

over evil."

As Wilson has

continued writing, he has become more comfortable in his ability. He cites

the support of the Coweta Writers Group, of which he is the co-founder,

as one thing that has helped him grow as a writer.

"I was

once told that good things happen at writers workshops and I have found

that to be true," said Wilson. The Newnan-Coweta Writers Group meets

the second Thursday of every month at the Newnan-Coweta library and is

open to the public.

Wilson is very

grateful to everyone who has helped him get "Curse of the Vampire"

published, offering thanks to Angie at the Grantville library, where he

used their computer; Steve Roberson, who helped edit the book for him;

the Coweta Writers Group for their help; Publish America, who published

the book; and Scott's Bookstore, who has sold the book and held a signing

for him. He also believes his faith in God and his support from his mother,

Emily Gene Smith Wilson, have been extremely helpful.

Now that one

book is on the shelves, Wilson is re-examining his earlier attempts and

is trying to get them ready for publishing.

As for advice

for other writers, Wilson suggests persistence. He has written every day

for 12 years, only missing one day in that time. He plans on keeping to

that schedule, despite having rehearsals and a show to put on in a little

over two months.

"Curse

of the Vampire" is available at Amazon.com and BarnesandNoble.com,

as well as through Wilson's Web site, www.david-a-wilson.com. It can also

be purchased at Scott's Bookstore in Newnan and may be in other stores

soon.

"Barbara

Nolan Meets The Mummy" will be presented at the Grantville Auditorium

Saturday, Oct. 25. Tickets are $3 for adults, $2 for kids and free for

children coming to the show in costume.

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