I am still using Twitter as the parts fall off of it (including cross-posting, which is why this hasn't been active). But I've claimed mikechenwriter here, Post, and Bluesky just to have. Whoever wins the "social media via short texts" competition, I'll be there.

I am very happy to share VAMPIRE WEEKEND's release day with excellent author pals! @CassRMorris@twitter.com trilogy capper THE BLOODSTAINED SHADE and @Annaleen@twitter.com's epic THE TERRAFORMERS! Happy pub day, book twinsies!

VAMPIRE WEEKEND is a celebration of punk and indie rock, a loving nod to vampire tropes, and an exploration of identity and belonging. Plus my love of dogs.

I honestly can't believe @MargotM7@twitter.com bought this "wholesome punk vampire" pitch but I am, um, eternally grateful. /end

I wanted to write a story that captured all of that -- the emotion of music, my obsession with vampires, and the struggles of being caught between worlds when you're a child of immigrants.

And San Francisco. This is SUCH a SF book, and all the geography is accurate! https://t.co/OHMETC9ACs

As a child of Asian immigrants, my parents lacked the communication tools to express emotion. I understand now why music and vampires meant so much to me in my teens. These subcultures gave me a place to be, to process. It about a decade of therapy for me to realize that.

Our friend, who was a college radio DJ at this point, gently explained that for people like us, we feel joy when we listen to sad music. It's a subculture of expression and emotion. I can't enjoy pure frivolous music, it needs real emotion in the lyrics for me. (Snobby, I know)

It really started as a teen, I discovered two things that would shape my life: indie rock and Anne Rice. My best friend is a sunny sports-loving extrovert who has never understood this. He once told a mutual pal /music nerd that he was worried about how much I loved The Smiths.

I didn't expect it to become so personal tho. So personal that i hope my parents don't read it!

I don't talk about it as much on here but music is so critical to who I am. Playing in bands, playing piano as a kid, DJing in my 20s, going to clubs every weekend in my 20s.

But I'd been really wanting to write a book about music. Not just easter egging it like in A BEGINNING AT THE END (where names were all pulled from 90s indie rockers), but an ode to music itself. I took that idea and put it in the vampire idea. In 2 weeks, I had a proposal ready.

In 2020, I noticed that several SFF pals announced vampire projects and I texted @ericsmithrocks@twitter.com with "ARE VAMPIRES BACK? CAN I PITCH YOU A VAMPIRE BOOK?"

He humored me and said yes. And my mind got cranking, even thinking about that old FEVER PITCH-esque idea.

So part of the book's genesis came from Nick Hornby's FEVER PITCH, where he related big moments of his life to his Arsenal fandom. I had an idea YEARS ago to do something like that but with an NHL team and vampires. (Remember I used to be an NHL writer) https://ca.sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nhl-puck-daddy/mike-chen-fox-sports-5-ways-id-change--nhl.html

It's finally here! VAMPIRE WEEKEND, my ode to vampires, punk rock, and messy families, is out today. This book may be the most personal thing I've ever written and I'll explain why.

But first, catch me and @AndreaGStewart@twitter.com tonight at @BooksIncStores@twitter.com! https://www.booksinc.net/event/mike-chen-books-inc-palo-alto-0

If you know you know #MANOS

RT @memilies@twitter.com

I have made........a fashion choice

🐦🔗: https://twitter.com/memilies/status/1619762063362097154

Today during kiddo's homeroom sharing time to answer "what did you do this weekend" she spent a few minutes trying to explain how awesome #StarTrekProdigy is without spoiling the finale for everyone. (Plus the co-op Nintendo Switch game we started yesterday) https://t.co/ZZaSzQTyF9

Tomorrow night! Come get signed books from me and @AndreaGStewart@twitter.com as we celebrate the release of VAMPIRE WEEKEND at @BooksIncStores@twitter.com Palo Alto.

More importantly, CHECK OUT OUR MATCHING MASS EFFECT HOODIES. https://www.booksinc.net/event/mike-chen-books-inc-palo-alto-0

VAMPIRE WEEKEND shows how significant moments in Louise's life play out at specific concerts over the decades. A key turning point in her vampire history takes place at an Iggy Pop show in the late 1970s, with Lust For Life getting an appropriate beat. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jQvUBf5l7Vw

Tomorrow is the VAMPIRE WEEKEND launch but @BooksIncStores@twitter.com will be stocking STAR WARS BROTHERHOOD in case anyone wants a signed copy. Order below and put your signature request in the notes, they ship to North America. I'll sign all orders tomorrow! https://www.booksinc.net/event/mike-chen-books-inc-palo-alto-0

One of the book's most prominent songs is Blondie's One Way or Another. It features at several points in the book. All I'm saying is that if there's ever a movie version, it's gonna play under a kick-ass scene in act 3. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_zBwRDEFMRY

How does Louise stay safe from the sun when she does need to step out? Head-to-toe coverings, including a Guy-Manuel helmet from Daft Punk. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CqZgd6-xQl8

The very distinct opening drums of Joy Division's Transmission becomes a minor plot point throughout the book. IRL comparison -- using the toms in my then-toddler's Mickey Mouse drum kit. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6dBt3mJtgJc