Things were never easy for Zabeth, the little vampire. After being been bullied for 3911 years, she has now decided that she will never let herself be intimidated again. That she will stand up for herself, now proud of all her distinctive features and differences.
With her millennia of experience, she can understand, comfort, and advise children who are victimized because they are different. In doing so, she also addresses parents who, as it unfortunately often happens, are unaware of the ordeal their children are going through.
Why a vampire? I wanted to create a character that all children and teenagers who feel different, not “normal,” could identify with, but without any of the physical traits that some of them may have.
Thus, whether the child is taller than the others, shorter, fatter, or thinner; whether they come from a minority group and/or is a victim of racism; whether they’re sick, handicapped, highly sensitive, gifted, has Asperger’s, is autistic, and whatnot… he or she can relate to Zabeth, who can embody all differences combined. Indeed, there is nothing more different or special than a vampire. 🙂
With this character who carries the values of self-confidence, open-mindedness, and empathy, I hope to empower children by inciting them to take pride in their own difference. To acknowledge it as one of their greatest strengths, which, if celebrated, will carry them and help them rise throughout their lives.
