Stephen King and Anne Rice rank among the most popular horror writers of modern times. Is it any wonder two of their iconic creations have inspired iconic Halloween balls?
The Shining Ball
Stephen King’s The Shining was originally published in 1977. It was his third published novel, and his first hardback bestseller.
It was inspired by his personal experiences, which included a visit to the Stanley Hotel and his real-life recovery from alcoholism.
A movie adaptation of the aspiring writer / recovering alcoholic who takes a job as the winter caretaker of the fictional Overlook Hotel was released in 1980.
The movie opened to mixed critical reviews, but commercially it was well received. As time passed, even some of the critics who had panned it changed their minds. Now it’s recognized as one of the best horror movies of all time and has entrenched itself into pop culture.
Both the book and the movie that brought it to life had a plethora of memorable characters. Perhaps the most intriguing is the real-life haunted hotel that inspired King’s muse.
The Stanley Hotel in Estes Park, Colorado, embraces not only its claim to pop culture fame, but also its restless spirits. In addition to offering a Night Spirit Tour and the chance to boo-k a stay in one of their “Spirited” rooms, the hotel gets in the spirit at Halloween with the Shining Ball:
The wildly popular Shining Ball expands onto two floors of entertainment, music and wild decorations as the ball makes its debut in the brand-new Pavilion Amphitheater. Complete with immersive theater characters from The Shining, an upper level three-DJ silent disco in “Jack’s Attic”, a 1920’s themed jazz lounge on the lower floor, late night dancing, the Ball is bigger and shines more than ever. Participants will compete for cash prizes with creative and daring costumes, so dress to impress. Festive hors d’oeuvres, delightful drinks, dancing and cavorting among the imaginative, Shining-themed decor will bring new chills to the hottest night of the Halloween season.
In 2018, the Shining Ball will take place on October 20. It starts at 8 p.m. Sharp. (As an ax.)
For more info, the Torrances kindly request you refer to this address: https://stanleylive.com/event/the-shining-ball-2/
The Vampire Ball
Another book that was released in the 1970s was Anne Rice’s 1976 Interview with a Vampire. It was the first book in The Vampire Chronicles series.
In addition to being published in the 1970s, Anne Rice’s book shares other things in common with King’s.
For instance, Interview with a Vampire also was adapted into a movie (but not until 1994).
Rice also struggled with alcoholism, due to a deeply personal, haunting experience. She lost her four-year-old daughter, Michelle, to cancer.
She channeled her pain into her writing. Some even say the character of Claudia, the young girl Lestat turns to a vampire, is based on Michelle.
Rice’s first book in what would become the Vampire Chronicles was met with mixed reviews. But as the other books were published, her series caught on in popularity.
Another similarity with King’s The Shining, is the setting of Rice’s books, which also becomes a character. Much of it takes place in the real-life city of New Orleans. It’s no wonder, then, that the city finds itself the perfect locale for a Vampire Ball…or two.
NOLA embraces its vampires as much as it embraces its ghosts. Which is why there are a couple of Vampire Balls, but the one that started it all is Anne Rice’s Vampire Ball.
Join The Anne Rice Vampire Lestat Fan Club for our 30th Gathering of the Coven and the 300th anniversary of New Orleans with a lavish Masquerade Ball celebrating the tricentennial of vampires in New Orleans! Friday October 26th, 8pm to 4am at The Historic New Orleans Board of Trade, 316 Magazine Street, New Orleans. Open Bar and food included in admission price. Costume contest with prizes. Entertainment featuring The Siouxsies,, Injury Magnet and DJ Seraph and more to come….
Mortals and immortals alike can find more information on attending the Vampire Ball here: http://www.arvlfc.com/
Which ball would you rather attend? One in a haunted hotel, or one where you could cavort with vampires?
Courtney Mroch is a globe-trotting restless spirit who’s both possessed by wanderlust and the spirit of adventure, and obsessed with true crime, horror, the paranormal, and weird days. Perhaps it has something to do with her genes? She is related to occult royalty, after all. Marie Laveau, the famous Voodoo practitioner of New Orleans, is one of her ancestors. (Yes, really! As explained here.) That could also explain her infatuation with skeletons.
Speaking of mystical, to learn how Courtney channeled her battle with cancer to conjure up this site, check out HJ’s Origin Story.
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