Author: OCD Vampire

I am the OCD Vampire. A certified vampirologist, a medievalist enthusiast, and a Gothic Rapunzel finally unchaining herself from the tower to move to Târgoviște, Romania—the land of shadows, legends, and Vlad Țepeș himself. By moonlight, I run the OCD Vampire Apothecary Shoppe—a gothic boutique offering blood-soaked candles, spell jars, handcrafted oddities, and tarot readings that whisper secrets through the veil. By starlight, I own and operate Gothic Bite Magazine, a digital crypt for folklore, monsters, obscure medical curiosities, and all things macabre. And when the world sleeps, I write. My words are a weapon. Splatterpunk, gothic horror, and the raw intimacy of human darkness are my domains. I’m currently forging a brutal and beautiful pentalogy based on the historical Vlad the Impaler—my lifelong hero, muse, and obsession. I don’t write for the faint of heart. I write for those who crave blood-soaked truth, romantic decay, and the poetry of torment. My stories strip flesh from bone—psychologically, sexually, and spiritually—one twisted page at a time. The darkness is calling. I’m just answering it—professionally.

Experts, Medicality, OCD Vampire

Are The Masochism and Sadomasochism Paraphilia Disorders?

What is it about pain that arouses you the most, giving it or receiving it? Masochism is a word we often read but use in sarcastic situations. We also associate them with BDSM, but are we wrong?

But First: What is A Paraphilia

While the word ‘paraphilia’ is often linked to darker tones of sexuality, there is more to it than meets the eye. In reality, the etymology of the word ‘paraphilia’ comes from ancient Greek, meaning ‘para-beside’ and ‘philia-friendship or love.’ We’re far from the standard kinky sexual fantasies definition we associate with it!

Paraphilia is a term that goes back to the very beginning of 1900. It first described people with atypical social behaviour encompassing sexual interests. Keep in mind that those who judged a person’s normality were those who followed what society dictated as ‘normal.’ We’re talking plain sexual positions, nothing in terms of interactions, in a bedroom at night type of setting. Anything to put people in boxes.

OCD VampireMarch 8, 2024March 8, 2024Leave a comment

Experts, Middle Ages, OCD Vampire

Did You Know That Vlad The Impaler, Cried Tears Of Blood?

Many things are said about the Prince of Wallachia, known as Vlad the Impaler. He was the guy who impaled people. He is the vampire Count Dracula. But have you heard of him crying blood tears?

What Do We Know About Vlad The Impaler?

Vlad the Impaler lived in the 1400s or close to the end of the Middle Ages and the beginning of the Renaissance era. Romania was separated into three principalities: Wallachia, Transylvania and Moldavia. He was the middle child of a family of three sons. His mother was a noblewoman, while his father was Vlad Dracul II, Prince of Wallachia.

Vlad Dracula was a Christian-Orthodox, as was Wallachia, placed between the Roman Catholic Empire and the Islamic Ottoman Empire. Due to political and religious conflict, Wallachia was a vassal state rather than a country in its own right. When Vlad Dracula took over the throne, he put Wallachia on the map and grew its legend.

OCD VampireFebruary 18, 20242 Comments

Books, Experts, OCD Vampire, Reviews

Vlad Dragwlya by Timothy E. Rodrigue: A Review And Overall Thoughts

As an obsessive fan of Vlad Dracula, I find myself often buying books about his life, whether it is historical fiction or purely history. So, here’s my review of the book Vlad Dragwlya by Timothy E. Rodrigue.

Official Summary of Vlad Dragwlya

Here begins a very cruel frightening story about a wild bloodthirsty man Prince Dragwlya… The war-torn principality of Wallachia is a perilous fulcrum, one of the few geographical boundaries that hinders the Ottoman Empire’s march across Europe.

There are those who would gladly bow to the demands of the Turkish if it meant the procurement of their lands and wealth. There are others who would defy the sultans with every last breath. Prince Vlad III, Dragwlya, is of the latter ilk. Eastern Europe is decidedly Machiavellian, and Dragwlya is the epitome of the doctrine.

OCD VampireFebruary 12, 2024February 12, 20241 Comment

Experts, Middle Ages, OCD Vampire

Before Vlad The Impaler There Was His Brother Mircea II

As a medievalist enthusiast and a Vlad the Impaler fan, I learn daily about his life. One brother of his with a horror story is Mircea II of Wallachia.

Why Is Mircea Important To Vlad’s Story

When I hurt my back last week, I was glued to the bed with limited motion. I couldn’t do much, so I decided it was time to read. I was an avid reader from when I learned to read to my twenties. I can’t recall why I stopped.

I discovered Vlad when I was a tween but only started learning about his life as a teenager. My love for the paranormal and folklore won over me, and I wanted to know who the man behind Dracula from Bram Stoker was.

OCD VampireFebruary 7, 20241 Comment

Books, Experts, OCD Vampire, Reviews

Vlad, The Last Confession Is A Historical Fiction Retelling Of A Hero

There are many novels out there, but there is so little time. When I hurt my back and found myself glued to my bed, here is what I read, Vlad, The Last Confession, by C.C. Humphreys and here is my review.

Vlad, The Last Confession – The Official Summary

A superb gothic novel about the real Dracula, Vlad the Impaler – one of history’s greatest psychopaths or a hero of the West? Perhaps both…

‘A chilling masterpiece that weaves fact and fable. Bedtime reading? Only if you don’t need much sleep…’

BEST DRACULA. A name of horror, depravity and the darkest sensuality.

OCD VampireFebruary 5, 2024February 4, 20242 Comments

Experts, Middle Ages, OCD Vampire, Paganism

The Strange And Magickal Origin Of Fays

When thinking about fairies, we often lean toward the little, tiny female entities with charming laughs and small dragonfly types of wings. But what is a fairy, really?

What does Fay Mean And Where Does It Come From?

The word fay saw the light of day in the early Dark Ages. Its spelling varies from fae, fay, fey, and fairy, which all mean the same. We can also see lesser-known variations such as faerie, fairie, fayrye, and feirie.

However, the spelling faerie, adopted in Middle English, later became the word fairy. The word means “enchanted” or anything related to charm. The word itself, borrowed from Old French faerie, came from the same meaning, “realm of the fays.”

OCD VampireJanuary 31, 2024January 30, 20241 Comment

Books, Indie Community, Interviews

GBM Interviews Author Ariel Dawn

At Gothic Bite Magazine we love welcoming new patients to become part of our asylum. We question them and learn about them. It doesn’t matter what creative field they are part of because they’re our patient now. This week, we welcome Ariel Dawn.

Patient Name: Ariel Dawn

Hi! I’m Ariel Dawn! I’m a real-life mermaid. Seriously, ask me about my mermaid tail, cosplayer, fangirl, PA and author!

I grew up as an avid reader and a creative soul. I write primarily plot-driven paranormal romance, urban fantasy, and reverse harem, but I also write in many other genres, including contemporary romance and sci-fi romance.

OCD VampireJanuary 30, 2024January 29, 20241 Comment

Cartomancy, Experts, OCD Vampire

What Is The History Of Cartomancy, And Is Tarot French?

There are many reasons why someone could get enthusiastic about fortune-telling, but what if the reader is the one who finds an obsession with the process? This little OCD Vampire is intrigued by cartomancy and what it means!

What Is Cartomancy And What Does It Really Do?

Cartomancy refers to the divination method of fortune-telling. When the deck of cards started appearing in Europe in the fourteenth century, the practice of cartomancy appeared as it required a deck of cards to proceed. This type of divination is called cartomancers, card readers or readers.

When cartomancy started, the reading would occur with a deck of regular cards called a French-suited playing card deck. It was the most popular way of reading through cards from the Victorian era to the Belle Époque.

OCD VampireJanuary 29, 2024January 28, 20243 Comments

England - Stonehenge - Paganism - Celtic - Druidism

Experts, Middle Ages, OCD Vampire, Paganism, Witch History

The Secret Knowledge Of The Age Of Druidism

In the writing world, we often use folklore and legends. But Druids are not part of the usual characters in novels. Their secrecy might be to blame.

Why Did I Fall Into The Rabbit Hole Of Druidism

Upon research as a medievalist enthusiast, looking for various types of witches, the word Druid popped into my head. Many associate druids with fantasy or games such as Magic The Gathering or Dungeons & Dragons. But there is much more to them.

Druids are not as known as other Celtic folkloric people, such as Leprechauns, Faeries, Elves, and Trolls, to only name a few. The influence of the Celtic culture in fantasy literature is significant and provides solid roots. But druids are different.

OCD VampireJanuary 22, 2024January 21, 20241 Comment

Experts, Indie Community, Interviews, OCD Vampire

GBM Interviews Author Jason O’Hara

At Gothic Bite Magazine we love welcoming new patients to become part of our asylum. We question them and learn about them. It doesn’t matter what creative field they are part of because they’re our patient now. This week, we welcome Jason O’Hara

Patient Name: Jason O’Hara

My name is Jason O’Hara. I write under the name Jaysen True Blood. I have been writing for over thirty years – closer to forty, if you count the first story I wrote for a third-grade class project.

I write every genre possible, but I have an affinity for paranormal and horror. I work a day job but spend my days off writing. My adventure began with publishing my first book, The Price Of Lust, in 2007.

OCD VampireJanuary 17, 2024January 16, 20241 Comment

Apothecary - Books - Magick - Witchcraft

Experts, OCD Vampire, Paganism, Witch History

Witchphobia Is Happening, Leading To Dangerous Hatred Toward Witches

The hate for witches goes back millennia and is still present in our time now, worse than it has been in centuries. Why are people so afraid of witches? Read to find out!

Is It The Fear Of The Unknown Or Something Else?

While I would like to believe it is only the fear of the unknown that drives people to hate witches, it’s more complicated than that. People who hate witches often are also religious.

It’s part of those people’s education growing up to fear and hate witches. Some religious people find witches silly because they don’t know what it is to be a witch. However, others believe they know what a witch is and hate us for it.

OCD VampireJanuary 16, 2024January 17, 20242 Comments

Experts, OCD Vampire, Witch History

A Witch’s Path In The New Year 2024

Being a witch today is more challenging because of all the false information surrounded it. Conspiracy theories and ‘normal’ people are giving birth to a second age of witch hunt.

So Many Different Witch Paths

* This article will not mention or discuss Wicca as a religion. *
* This article does not mention astrologer, psychic, or medium as a path. Not all witches are fortune-tellers or astrologers, which are their own paths. *

Witchcraft comes in many forms and is unique to the witch’s heart. There are main paths such as but not limited to: green, hedge, hereditary, folk, kitchen, house, pagan, Norse, seer, necromancy, druid, solitary, eclectic, academia, and so many more.

Those paths mentioned above can have similarities but also uniqueness to their practice. Many genres submerge as years go by and new skills and specialties grow.

OCD VampireJanuary 15, 2024January 17, 20241 Comment

Paganism

The Celebration Of Yuletide Is More Than A Decorated Tree

Many people love Christmas and for excellent reasons. However, we know it was stolen from pagans who celebrated the winter solstice. Was it? So, what is Yuletide?

An Overall Look Of Yuletide

Jól is the old Norse word for Yule; in Old English, they called it géohol. It signified the hunting season after the harvest time was over. It would happen in December. But Yule itself is an ancient tradition and celebration of the winter solstice going back thousands of years among the Norse and Germanic people.

Yule was stolen during the Christianisation of the Germanic and Norse people. Christmas happens at the heart of Yuletide to ensure that people observe the religious holiday celebrating the birth of their saviour. Christianisation was quite strict back in those times, and appropriating Pagan holidays would solidify a conversion.

OCD VampireDecember 9, 2023December 8, 20231 Comment

Experts, Medicality, OCD Vampire, Vampires

An Introduction To What Does It Mean To Me To Be A Vampire

Most people know little about vampires beyond what Hollywood has portrayed them. But what if I told you that, in many ways, I am a vampire? Come read my story.

Come Peek Into My Vampirish Diary

This article is the first of many I planned to explain and dive into the world of vampires. There are so many fields, categories, genres, and lifestyles related to millennia-old and worldwide known creatures that one article wouldn’t cover it.

However, there is also more to know as to why I wanted to be the one exploring the subject. My passion for vampires goes back to my toddler years, but there is more to it. Not only do I relate to the vampire creature, but I am also a certified vampirologist.

OCD VampireNovember 16, 20231 Comment

Experts, OCD Vampire, Serial Killers & Murders

Béla Kiss Is All About Vampires And Human Pickles

Many murderers kept the attention of the public on high alert or passionate to know more about their history. This killer might not be as famous as others, but it certainly will hold your attention. Here is the story of a vampire who likes pickles!

Who Is Béla Kiss, And Where Is He From?

Let us go to Hungary, where a dangerous man was born in 1877, Béla Kiss. As a child, reports say that Béla was a victim of incest perpetuated by his mother, Verona Varga.

Born in the city of Izaák but lived in Cinkota, which used to be close to Budapest but is now neighbouring the city. Béla Kiss was a tinsmith, meaning he made repairs on items made of tin or any metals.

OCD VampireNovember 8, 2023Leave a comment

Experts, Halloween, OCD Vampire, Paganism

What Is The True Purpose Of Halloween

Pagans, witches and goths alike were all Hollywoodified and categorized as people who sacrifice for rituals and speak to the devil. Halloween is no exception to the rule. So, what is Halloween?

The Horrible Reality That We Live In

When scrolling around on social media, I came across one person who said she posted a picture of herself in a Halloween costume. Nothing alarming, but then she mentioned Christians trying to tell her that Halloween is a day of sacrifices for Pagans and witches.

I don’t take well to people who spread wrong information. That is because I know how much damage it could cause. The truth and solid facts are important because they can hurt a group of people or anything that isn’t responsible for the lies being spread.

OCD VampireOctober 31, 20231 Comment

Experts, OCD Vampire, Witch History

The Witch Trial Of Salzburg In Austria

The witch trials in Europe spread throughout the continent, and some of the most tragic are the most famous. So, let us visit one of the most famous cases in the 300 years of witch trials!

The Overall View Of The Salzburg Witch Trials

The most known witch trials occurred from 1675 to 1690 in Salzburg. The trial had many names, including the Zauberjackl trials, the Salzburg witch trials, and the Witch Jackls process.

The process of the witch trials led to the death of a hundred and thirty-nine people. Austria wasn’t a kind place for witches, but rather nightmarish, and it is one of the reasons for this case to be so famous. Another reason is that most of the victims were males.

OCD VampireOctober 30, 2023October 29, 20234 Comments

Experts, News, OCD Vampire, Reviews, YouTube

Hell House LLC Origins, The Carmichael Manor Terror Films Movie Review

Hell House LLC is one of my favourite franchises. It’s one of my top three favourites in the horror movie field. We, fans, have waited so long, not that long, for a new installment in the franchise. It’s here, The Carmichael Manor. Here’s my spoiler-free review!

The Overall View Of The Hell House LLC Franchise

You are missing out if you do not know about the Hell House LLC horror movie franchise! You may not be a fan of the found footage genre, but if you’re part of the horror community, you might know that Hell House LLC is the exception!

Hell House LLC is a very professionally made found-footage horror movie franchise. Many people who dislike the genre appreciate Hell House LLC. The filming is natural and stable, even in moments of panic. The scenes are always clear in imagery and sound.

OCD VampireOctober 25, 2023October 25, 20231 Comment

Experts, Medicality, OCD Vampire

Daemonophobia Is The Fear Of Living With Demons

There are many phobias in the world that we know are irrational. All fears are irrational but have roots in either instinct or trauma. So, what is daemonophobia?

TRIGGER WARNING: PTSD | Anxiety | Phobia | Daemonophobia | Mental Illness | Mental Disorder | Paranoia | Medical Terms

The Overall Fear Called Daemonophobia

Daemonophobia is an overwhelming fear that otherworldly beings, primarily demons, can take over their mind and body. The fear is persistent and can, in some cases, be paralyzing. It targets people who believe supernatural or paranormal beings roam freely in the world and can possess a human.

For this article, I will refer to supernatural and paranormal beings as demons, specifically from the Roman Catholic belief. That doesn’t mean that the phobia is only present in people who are of the Roman Catholic belief. However, my knowledge of demons is more significant within these parameters.

OCD VampireOctober 23, 2023October 22, 20231 Comment

Experts, Middle Ages, OCD Vampire, Witch History

Agnes Sampson, A Scottish Witch, Tortured To Death

The witch trials occurred when everyone could be a victim of accusations leading to torture and horrible deaths. But some of the worst stories of witchcraft lead to Scotland, and Agnes Sampson is one of them.

The History Of Agnes Sampson

Agnes Sampson was a widow and mother who lived in Scotland. She was mainly a healer and a midwife. There is little information on her life or documentation as a citizen because Agnes was the village’s healer and midwife. She was a kind person who kept to herself, most likely, but she was the perfect scapegoat: woman, older, widow, healer.

Why would King James VI need a scapegoat? As mentioned in the previous article about Scotland’s witch trials, the king’s voyage back to English territory was overlooked by a storm. His marriage to Anne of Denmark brought him to Scandinavian lands, and on their way back, the storm forced them to take refuge in Norway.

OCD VampireOctober 16, 2023October 15, 20231 Comment

What is it about pain that arouses you the most, giving it or receiving it? Masochism is a word we often read but use in sarcastic situations. We also associate them with BDSM, but are we wrong?

But First: What is A Paraphilia

Share this:

Many things are said about the Prince of Wallachia, known as Vlad the Impaler. He was the guy who impaled people. He is the vampire Count Dracula. But have you heard of him crying blood tears?

What Do We Know About Vlad The Impaler?

Share this:

As an obsessive fan of Vlad Dracula, I find myself often buying books about his life, whether it is historical fiction or purely history. So, here’s my review of the book Vlad Dragwlya by Timothy E. Rodrigue.

Official Summary of Vlad Dragwlya

Share this:

As a medievalist enthusiast and a Vlad the Impaler fan, I learn daily about his life. One brother of his with a horror story is Mircea II of Wallachia.

Why Is Mircea Important To Vlad’s Story

Share this:

There are many novels out there, but there is so little time. When I hurt my back and found myself glued to my bed, here is what I read, Vlad, The Last Confession, by C.C. Humphreys and here is my review.

Vlad, The Last Confession – The Official Summary

Share this:

When thinking about fairies, we often lean toward the little, tiny female entities with charming laughs and small dragonfly types of wings. But what is a fairy, really?

What does Fay Mean And Where Does It Come From?

Share this:

At Gothic Bite Magazine we love welcoming new patients to become part of our asylum. We question them and learn about them. It doesn’t matter what creative field they are part of because they’re our patient now. This week, we welcome Ariel Dawn.

Patient Name: Ariel Dawn

Share this:

There are many reasons why someone could get enthusiastic about fortune-telling, but what if the reader is the one who finds an obsession with the process? This little OCD Vampire is intrigued by cartomancy and what it means!

What Is Cartomancy And What Does It Really Do?

Share this:

In the writing world, we often use folklore and legends. But Druids are not part of the usual characters in novels. Their secrecy might be to blame.

Why Did I Fall Into The Rabbit Hole Of Druidism

Share this:

At Gothic Bite Magazine we love welcoming new patients to become part of our asylum. We question them and learn about them. It doesn’t matter what creative field they are part of because they’re our patient now. This week, we welcome Jason O’Hara

Patient Name: Jason O’Hara

Share this:

The hate for witches goes back millennia and is still present in our time now, worse than it has been in centuries. Why are people so afraid of witches? Read to find out!

Is It The Fear Of The Unknown Or Something Else?

Share this:

Being a witch today is more challenging because of all the false information surrounded it. Conspiracy theories and ‘normal’ people are giving birth to a second age of witch hunt.

So Many Different Witch Paths

*** This article will not mention or discuss Wicca as a religion. ****** This article does not mention astrologer, psychic, or medium as a path. Not all witches are fortune-tellers or astrologers, which are their own paths. ***

Share this:

Many people love Christmas and for excellent reasons. However, we know it was stolen from pagans who celebrated the winter solstice. Was it? So, what is Yuletide?

An Overall Look Of Yuletide

Share this:

Most people know little about vampires beyond what Hollywood has portrayed them. But what if I told you that, in many ways, I am a vampire? Come read my story.

Come Peek Into My Vampirish Diary

Share this:

Many murderers kept the attention of the public on high alert or passionate to know more about their history. This killer might not be as famous as others, but it certainly will hold your attention. Here is the story of a vampire who likes pickles!

Who Is Béla Kiss, And Where Is He From?

Share this:

Pagans, witches and goths alike were all Hollywoodified and categorized as people who sacrifice for rituals and speak to the devil. Halloween is no exception to the rule. So, what is Halloween?

The Horrible Reality That We Live In

Share this:

The witch trials in Europe spread throughout the continent, and some of the most tragic are the most famous. So, let us visit one of the most famous cases in the 300 years of witch trials!

The Overall View Of The Salzburg Witch Trials

Share this:

Hell House LLC is one of my favourite franchises. It’s one of my top three favourites in the horror movie field. We, fans, have waited so long, not that long, for a new installment in the franchise. It’s here, The Carmichael Manor. Here’s my spoiler-free review!

The Overall View Of The Hell House LLC Franchise

Share this:

There are many phobias in the world that we know are irrational. All fears are irrational but have roots in either instinct or trauma. So, what is daemonophobia?

TRIGGER WARNING: PTSD | Anxiety | Phobia | Daemonophobia | Mental Illness | Mental Disorder | Paranoia | Medical Terms

The Overall Fear Called Daemonophobia

Share this:

The witch trials occurred when everyone could be a victim of accusations leading to torture and horrible deaths. But some of the worst stories of witchcraft lead to Scotland, and Agnes Sampson is one of them.

The History Of Agnes Sampson

Share this:

* This article will not mention or discuss Wicca as a religion. *
* This article does not mention astrologer, psychic, or medium as a path. Not all witches are fortune-tellers or astrologers, which are their own paths. *