American Ghoul by Michelle McGill-Vargas
Author Michelle McGill-Vargas discusses the process of writing her historical vampire novel American Ghoul, the importance of time and place, and how her home of northwest Indiana inspired the book’s setting.
The setting of a story is just as important as the characters. Settings not only describe where the story takes place, but the time period in which it occurs. A story set in 19th-century New York City will be markedly different than if it were set in 19th-century San Francisco simply due to what was happening historically at that time in those places.
So, why set my debut, American Ghoul, in post-Civil War northwest Indiana where a whole lot of national history wasn’t happening? Surely there are more exciting and historically richer places to set a vampire story! For me, northwest Indiana is not only home, but it adds a few different elements not usually found in typical 19th-century gothic horror.
Just like the slogan, “There’s more than corn in Indiana,” there’s more than steel mills and the Jackson 5 when it comes to the state’s northwest corner. The 1800s saw waves of immigrants settling in the region. Small, close-knit communities of Germans, Swedes, Poles and more brought their folklore, superstitions, and beliefs. In American Ghoul, old-world traditions and new-world progress collide, creating a fascinating backdrop for a newly freed Black woman and her vampire companion. With virtually no Black people in the area at the time (though some research suggests a man might have lived there prior to the Civil War), my main character’s appearance in the area provides some tension — and a bit of humor — as she navigates interacting with diverse nationalities.
American Ghoul showcases northwest Indiana’s picturesque landscapes of dense forests, miles of sand dunes, and the majesty of Lake Michigan. These natural features provide secluded settings where the undead can thrive. The desolation of the place makes it easy for someone, especially a vampire, to hide from Van Helsing wannabes. Some parts of northwest Indiana were a tabula rasa at the time, which coincides with my main character’s desire to not only define herself as a Black woman in 19th-century America, but also manage the unique relationship she has with a vampire.
And then there are personal reasons why I chose northwest Indiana. Remember the Twilight series by Stephenie Meyer? That story was set in the Pacific Northwest — Forks, Washington to be exact. Fans flocked there, eager to experience and occupy the same places as the characters. This concept rings true for me. How amazing would it be if a single novel brought positive attention to northwest Indiana? Fans of the book may take an interest in the places described and journey to see where the characters may have lived or walked in the book. Local residents might be moved to do more exploration and research of the area.
Lastly, I’m a lifelong resident of northwest Indiana. Access to regional archives in libraries and college campuses made research accessible and easy. I’ve followed many a rabbit hole, discovering a treasure trove of information just waiting for a historical novelist to use! It was also fun to get in the car and drive a few minutes to each of the locations mentioned in the book to experience what my characters might have in that same spot. Northwest Indiana’s historical context, natural landscapes, and cultural diversity make it an ideal canvas for a vampire novel. The region’s blend of folklore and hidden corners invite readers to explore the shadows and uncover dark secrets. I hope they find the same in American Ghoul.
