November 2008, I was attending college (as a mature student, lest you mistake me for a young thing) and one of the girls I met in my classes who WAS a young thing of 21, would not stop talking about some movie called Twilight. I had seen the trailer on TV, and a certain actor *cough Rob cough* had piqued my interest. Hearing the word “vampire” from the lips of the then-unknown-to-me Bella, and I knew I would be watching it. What I didn’t realize, was that it was based on a book until I saw Twilight on the shelf at the bookstore.
I brought it home and in true form, my sister nabbed it and read it before I could. She finished it in two or three days and promptly asked me upon finishing…”Where is the next one?” The next one what? There was a next one? News to me. When I went back to the bookstore, I couldn’t believe I had missed it the first time. The display, did indeed have all four books. I bought New Moon and Eclipse, leaving the hardcover of Breaking Dawn on the shelf until I had a chance to read the other books and decide whether I deemed it worth the $40 it was going to cost me.
I read them in less than a week. Right before Christmas. During exams at school. I was at home when I finished Eclipse and called my sister, telling her not to cross the threshold without Breaking Dawn in her hands on pain of death. I was only partially kidding. Not since reading Jane Austen’s works had I fallen that hard for book characters. I wanted more. I read them again. And again. I watched the movie a few dozen times. Still I wanted more. How could I get more? Through my new-found Robsession and love of Twilight, I came across a few blogs that fed my addiction. Namely, Robsessed and our beloved RAoR (Random Acts of Rob). There I had some amazing discussions about Rob and Twilight, and I was introduced to Twilight fan fiction. A whole new way to feed my addiction to Edward. Eventually I was introduced to Twitter, but I didn’t really get the point of it. In fact, I didn’t really get on board with the Twitter thing until April of 2011, even though I had had the account for two years.
Why am I giving you a personal history of my Twilight addiction? I’m getting to that…as well as the BDB. So please, join me and my ramblings (which will lead to a point, I promise) after the jump.
The first fiction fandom actually appeared with the character Sherlock Holmes in 1887…including the advent of fan fiction. According to Wikipedia, fans went as far as publicly mourning the death of Holmes in public demonstrations when his character was killed off in 1893. Can you imagine? Actually, if it had been Edward…YES! Since then, there have been many different fandoms…sci-fi fandoms being the most prevalent. I enjoy reading sci-fi and fantasy, but I had never before read anything that I couldn’t leave behind with only a fond memory. Chance led me to a different kind of fandom, one I never expected to find.
So, here I was, a thirty-something mom who was perfectly enamored of a 107 year old vampire in a 17 year old’s body, written for the young adult demographic. The best part? I was not alone. I found a place to perv freely over Edward AND Rob. Finding those blogs led me to meeting some wonderful women…some of whom have become life-long friends, both near and far. They get why I own two copies of the Twilight series (books and DVD’s) one to watch, and one to save…as well as a pocket Edward who likes to join our outings and get up to some crazy shenanigan’s. Whether it’s a conversation on Twitter or one of our various outings, it is always a hoot. The Twilight fandom even led me to Tamie and this fantastic blog that I am proud to be a part of. Couldn’t get any better, right?
Well, last fall, it did. A friend of mine introduced me to another vampire series, the Black Dagger Brotherhood. If you are unfamiliar with these books, you can read all about them under the Reviews link over to your left. These books are definitely NOT for the young adult demographic. Oh yeah, baby…lotsa smut. There were nine books in the series when I began reading them last October (there are now 10). I was finished in less than 2 weeks, I couldn’t put them down. I LOVED the characters, and the world that J.R. Ward had created. Again, I wanted more. This time, however, I didn’t find more where I expected. There are no movies for this series as of yet, and limited fan fiction as Ward is not an advocate of it. This time, I found more of what I wanted on Twitter. My friend who had introduced the books to me, @’d her favourite character Wrath, on the timeline, during one of our conversations. She explained about the role-playing group, Behind The Mhis, and that they came onto the timeline four nights a week to re-enact the books. That was my first introduction to the world of role-playing on Twitter, which I have since learned is comprised of many BDB groups, as well as other genres. I was fortunate enough to find the best of the best for my first experience. They are a canon group, which means that each character is played just as they are in the books. They have a fantastic rapport with the followers, as well as being highly entertaining. They have had me laughing so hard on occasion, as to be incapable of breathing and/or left me in fear of an incontinence problem. Check them out if you haven’t yet. You can find more information in a previous post I wrote about them, plus an interview with Vishous, Zsadist and Rehv, here. There’s also a link on your left which will take you directly to their site.
My favourite book in the series, about a mohawk-rockin, tatted, bad-ass vampire/symphath…Rehvenge. I love him. *le sigh* Behind the Mhis will be starting Lover Avenged in a few weeks, upon the completion of Phury’s book, Lover Enshrined, which is almost completed.
If you are familiar with Twitter, you know that a common interest is the easiest way to find like-minded people. I began following women who were also fans of the BDB. Just as what happened with Twilight, I found some amazing women, from all over. Here in Ontario, New York, California, and even Brazil. I have since met a few of them and hope to meet up with more in the future. These wonderful women are funny, witty, supportive to one another…and my days wouldn’t be the same without them. Even when life gets busy and all I can do is lurk on Twitter on occasion, they never fail to lift my spirits.
I cannot WAIT for this one…due March 2013. Qhuinn and Blay. *lick*
Why did I write about this, do you wonder? Well, I was pondering my social life before Twilight and BDB, compared to after. I’m a single mom, my daughter was 2 years old when I first began this journey. First with school, then working full time, I have limited time to spend with my daughter in the evenings before she is in bed. For the remainder of the evening, I’m housebound, yet, my social life is richer than it has ever been. At any given time, I can find someone when I need a laugh, or an ear… which I can offer in return. It’s nearly impossible to miss out on any event that is going on in either fandom. For instance, I’m currently getting a play-by-play on Twitter about ComicCon, which I was unable to attend. Still, I will enjoy it vicariously through some lovely women I know, who are attending the BD2 panel. I always have some sort of get-together to look forward to and I continually meet and make new friends and acquaintances.
Regardless of our situations, each of us have found something here we didn’t even know we could have. Whether it be the books that have enriched our lives or the fantastic people we have met as a result. I have heard so many great stories and examples of how these fandoms have changed people’s lives for the better. I know, unequivocally, that these fandoms are the best thing that has ever happened to me, and I feel so very fortunate to be a part of them.
I would love to hear your thoughts and stories about your experiences as a result of a fandom. Share the love!
Gina
She will probably suprass. J.K. Rowling in a couple of years
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Oh sweetie, I too have been forever changed by these books that I just happened upon, all on my own, in Feb 2009. I honestly don’t know where I would be right now. The experiences I’ve had and the people I’ve met, because of one Edward Cullen, have made my life so much better.
Thank you so much for sharing your feelings about this amazing phenomenon that is Twilight.
I didn’t get caught up in the fandom of Twilight, but I did love and re-read the books. Your timeline as far as blogging and tweeting and finding the BDB pretty much coincides with mine. I too had my twitter account for ages before I actually used it. Now look at us! Yikes. I feel lost if I don’t ‘talk’ to someone on twitter every day. And the BDB boys *sigh* Even if I don’t catch story time as it happens, I always go back to see what I’ve missed. I can’t believe that just over a year ago I didn’t even know that they existed. Yikes! Your favorite mutual mohawk loving blogger, Kelly is the person responsible for getting me hooked. I still don’t have a favorite. I love them all and can’t wait for Qhuinn and Blay’s book! Great post, thanks for sharing
Wow. I love the post today. Twilight and BDB, my two favorite things. And funny how I feel in love with both. Needing a book to read at the pool in Vegas, I bought Twilight in July 2009. The rest is history, and my story mirrors yours. Robsessed, RAoR, Fanfiction – where I’m still sucked into the vortex never to come out! Then in April 2012 I needed a book for the pool in Vegas again, and I started the first BDB. Between ff and BDB, I’ve read the first 6 and am going this weekend to get the rest of the books And so excited to see a 10th book! Sorry to hear Ward does not like Fanfiction. Does that mean she can stop people from writing it? I guess I should look on ff.net.
I understand what you mean about these fandoms. I’m an empty nester, work full time but I do have a lot of free time on my hands. I read every night ( much to my DH’s chagrin) and get on my FB groups and talk to women ( and a couple of men!) the world over! I’ve met a few and feel I have made lifelong friends. I feel fufilled!
I haven’t gotten into the Twitter thing, and I’m not sure I understand how the role playing works. *scratches head*. I’m on Twitter, so I’ll check out the links.
Question: are there FB groups for BDB, and if so can I get an invite?
If you want to check out Behind the Mhis on Twitter, you can find me @Notebookgirl72, and I’ll be more than happy to help you out. You won’t regret it!
There are some BDB groups on FB, here is a link to one that I found to be pretty good. http://www.facebook.com/groups/OriginalBDBfanpage/
Here is a list of all of the accounts you can friend for their group. http://www.facebook.com/groups/OriginalBDBfanpage/doc/306739189367984/
Hope to see you on Twitter! *grins*
Thanks!!
Btw, Vishous is my favorite Brother..I have a thing for goatees…a certain Robert Downey, jr comes to mind!
Oh yeah….I lurve Robert Downey Jr….. *bites fist*
I love this post Gina!!!! You and I met because of Twilight/Rob! I agree with you. I have met so many lovely people that I am now happy to call friends. It really is amazing how Twitter and Facebook make the world a much smaller place.
I have a goatee…just sayin’.
But seriously, I owe my newly freed novelist to the Twilight fandom and I revere the opportunities that such a forum continues to give so many writers. (Listening to Twilight soundtrack on vinyl at the moment).
I only heard about the BDB and am so happy to read such a rousing review! Thanks Gina! I’ll check it out.
MOG
MOG!!!!!!!!
I’ll be so curious as to what you think if you read the BDB books!
Love and hugs!
Loved this post! I have been a GINORMOUS fan of the BDB for many, many years. I have actually lost count of how many times I have read the books
I even got my mom hooked on this series and if my nefarious plan works out, my husband is going to be a fan as well. It’s good to know there are others out there who are just as addicted to this series as I am.
Cheers!
OMG I am so wiaring for the Qhuinn and Blay!!! From the first hint of them.. I love them both and to watch the angst and suffering from them both!!! I Have been in Love with BOB from book one.. But these two boys.. young men .. so glad to see the issue addressed and that there will be a book…Just for them.. So look forward to this..
Really looking forward to the Q/B book as well!
Great post. You mentioned the role-play stuff… hadn’t heard of that before. I’ve actually had the first book for over a year, but have been hesitant to start reading a JR Ward book. One day I will start, I am sure.
Regarding Twilight, it has certainly changed my life in many ways. It led me to fan fiction, which led to me attempting to write, which lead to so much more.
Thanks for posting.
Omg! What the hell are you waiting for. Read tbe damn book now! Lol
Great piece Gina. I have found some of the dearest friends I have ever had in my life thanks to Twilight and Rob. I am forever grateful.
Oh Gina and the rest of the group, this post makes me feel a little nostalgic. The years have been filled with a lot of oooooooo and ahhhhhhhh moments, giggles, perving, sad and tender moments, and one huge long party. I was a little late, since it was New Moon before I had a clue and became Robsessed. Watched Twilight and New Moon on DVD the day New Moon came out. Ordered next day air the entire series of books. I consumed all the Twilight series in one week while working 12-14 hrs a day. I am not sure I slept.
You see, all my life (and I am no young thing) I have hated reading, It didn’t matter what genre, method, or subject, I didn’t read newspapers, nor even magazines. Reading was just……YUCK. I would have done anything other than read. Now? Well it is all I do.
Years later, I am still in the same routine. I am up until late at night getting caught up with all the news of the day and off to read fanfictions, It is nothing for me to now have a dozen or so Wips going at once and while I wait for updates, I read a book or a completed ff.
As one of our fav ff states…. je ne regrette rien. I regret nothing. How could I? I feel I have met friends for life, People who share the same interests as me, people who get me. We are one big family and that could never be regretted.
I am glad I have been apart of it. It has FOREVER changed my life.
It made me feel really nostalgic as well. (mad love to Gina for writing such a wonderful piece)
I have made so many friends because of twitter and a shared love of books…Twilight, GI, Fever, Fifty…I’ve been lucky enough to meet some of these wonderful and dear friends.
I would have to agree that my life has been changed forever by it as well.
I would never have started this blog if it weren’t for JAG.
Hugs y’all
Oh honey, you are most def not alone. I think every one of robs fans over the age of 30 has an amazing story on their twilight love which leads them to the Brothers. Lol im just glad im not the only one in love with fictional characters.
O good heavens Shay…I have many fictional characters that I’m in love with. You’re definitely not alone in that respect!
I don’t go all *squee*ing fangirl over much… except for BDB. Gawd, I LOVE those Brothers! (C’mon, March 2013!!!)
Music Wifey! I hope I’m part of that Cali constituent. My own story mirrors yours in so many ways. I was extremely hesitant to read Twilight and didn’t even pick up the series until after the first movie was released on DVD. My mom was reading it, insisted I do the same and so I did. I think what speaks to every girl, woman and the occasional guy about the books is the love story – it’s a classic wrapped up with fangs and a little adventure. It wasn’t the same old chic-lit or vampire tale, it was some sort of hybrid between the two.
Onto Black Dagger Brotherhood….I first heard of these books while at a bar. Yes, a bar. Someone overheard a friend and I discussing Twi and she inserted herself into the conversation. She said if we liked those books we should read the BDB. I wrote it down in my check book register and forgot about it – until another friend I blogged with told me about it. I posed the question House of Night or BDB. She told me BDB, hands down, a world you will want to live in. I ordered the first three, still never touched HoN. I lost sleep to get through these books. I knew my brother from Lover Eternal. I’m a hopeless V girl. His arrival on Twitter (the Behind the Mhis group) made me weak in the knees. He showed up there around the same time as I did, he was the 28th person I followed. Yes, I counted. As their popularity grew, it was a little difficult to get a word in edgewise but I think they do an amazing job at making every follower feel a part of their world. (Remember what my friend said?)
I love the way you write Gina! Your experience is relatable in so many ways and it’s so kind of you to share it with all of us!
xoxoxo
You were the reason I mentioned Cali, my music wifey! I never imagined that I would find the people that I have on Twitter. I found so many more great followers when I began following Behind the Mhis…you included. It’s strange, but my favourite Brothers kind of got shuffled around when I began following them. They brought the characters to life for me in ways I didn’t see when I read the books. They really are a fantastic group, and we are so lucky to have them. I’m sad that I was so late getting on board, they had already started V’s book when I started following. However, I will be along for the ride until the last gasp.
Thank you!
*hugs and smooches*