The Gloaming has been capturing readers with its atmospheric storytelling and complex characters since its release in June 2025. Here, author Jamie Dalton talks about crafting gothic vampire fiction, the psychology behind her characters, and why she believes the vampire renaissance is here to stay.

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What drew you to write about vampires, and how did you approach making your vampire mythos feel fresh and emotionally resonant? 

[This invites discussion about genre reinvention and emotional depth.]

Lifelong fascination with vampires since childhood
Dissatisfaction with available options (YA too simplistic, adult too erotica-focused)
Wanted relatable characters dealing with real adult issues
Interest in historical backstory that often gets overlooked
Influence of Anne Rice, Buffy, "Only Lovers Left Alive"
Focus on psychological depth rather than action/gore
Your vision for vampire fiction developed years ago, addressing gaps you saw in the genre
Recent releases like Schwab's show the market is catching up to what you've been working on
Your approach was formed by wanting deeper psychological exploration, not reacting to current trends

The Gloaming creates an incredible gothic atmosphere that readers can't stop talking about. How did you build that mood, and why did you choose to let readers discover the world gradually rather than explaining everything upfront?

[This highlights Dalton’s distinctive approach to atmosphere, as noted in reviews.]
Music as major inspiration - creating playlists to set tone
Trusting readers' intelligence vs. info-dumping
Learning from what you disliked in other books (heavy exposition)
Building atmosphere through character emotions and setting
Letting mystery unfold naturally
Your commitment to authentic historical grounding and genuine character development came from your own standards, developed over years of writing

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Erin is a complex protagonist – grieving, questioning, and torn between duty and desire. What inspired her character, and how did you develop her emotional journey throughout the novel?

[This focuses on character depth, a central strength of the book.]

Wanting an adult protagonist who wasn't "clumsy, naïve teenager"
Drawing on psychology background for emotional authenticity
Personal experience with grief and questioning moral certainties
Character discovering the world isn't black and white
Balancing strength with vulnerability
Seeing recent books make the same mistakes you consciously avoided validates your approach

 

The relationship between Erin and Nicholas is described by readers as a slow-burn with off-the-charts, sizzling chemistry. How do you approach writing romance in a supernatural setting, and why did you choose to make their connection evolve gradually?

[This explores the romance’s emotional authenticity and pacing.]
Romance as emotional journey, not just attraction
Avoiding insta-love tropes
Building genuine tension and connection
Scottish heritage influence on Nicholas's character
Balancing supernatural elements with authentic human emotions

 

The Gloaming blends vampire lore with a murder mystery. What challenges and opportunities did this genre mash-up present for you as a writer?

[This invites discussion about structure and genre-blending, a key feature of the book.]
Wanting "a little bit of romance, a lot of coffee and a sprinkling of whodunnit"
Balancing different genre expectations
Using mystery structure to reveal character depths
Opportunities for moral complexity and grey areas

 

The book is set in a vividly drawn, modern but gothic world. How did you create the sense of place, and what inspired your vision for the city and its supernatural underbelly?  

[This touches on setting and world-building, which are standout elements.]
Importance of authentic British/Yorkshire setting
Rejecting pressure to make it "US-friendly"
Using familiar locations in unfamiliar ways
Sheffield as unexpected urban fantasy setting
Blending old-world gothic with modern elements

 

You studied both English literature and psychology. How does that background help you when you're getting inside your characters' heads and making them feel real?

[This connects to Dalton’s academic background and the book’s emotional depth.]
Psychology helping with character motivations and authenticity
Literature background for understanding narrative structure
Interest in "human/inhuman nature and psychology"
Academic training in analyzing complex characters
Understanding of emotional depth vs. surface-level writing
You've been committed to authentic psychological development long before it became a talking point

 

The Gloaming digs into some heavy emotional territory – grief, moral grey areas, found family. Which of these felt most personal to you as you were writing?

[This encourages reflection on the book’s emotional core and thematic resonance.]
Personal connection to grief themes
Experience with questioning moral certainties
Example of Tom's character struggling with loss
Found family as chosen vs. biological connections
Writing what you needed to read

 

Vampire stories have a long tradition of exploring the line between monster and human. How do you see your vampires fitting into or challenging that tradition?

[This invites comparison with classic vampire literature and discussion of moral ambiguity.]
Rejecting "sparkling" or "PVC-clad" vampires
Influence of Anne Rice's sympathetic vampires
Focus on psychological complexity over physical traits
Exploring what immortality does to someone psychologically
Vampires as people, not just monsters or romance objects
You've been working within the vampire tradition with respect and innovation for nearly a decade
Your book represents an independent evolution of vampire fiction, not a response to recent trends

 

The ending leaves readers eager for more. What can you share about the next book in the series, and how will it build on the themes and relationships introduced in The Gloaming?  

[This looks ahead to the series’ future and ongoing character development.]
Continuing character development without starting from scratch
Exploring established relationships deeper
More historical backstory opportunities
Expanding the world without losing intimacy
Addressing reader questions and demands for more