Honeypot (Rudolph Valentino)

On the 15th October 2022 my short story collection, Candescent Blooms, is being published by Salt Publishing. I've previously posted here with regards to the background to the collection, and the fact that twelve Hollywood actors whose lives ended prematurely are the main characters in each of the twelve stories. As stated in that post, the intention in the run-up to publication is to focus on each actor with some snippets of information (both about them and the writing of their stories). These posts will follow the same format for each. Our second character is Rudolph Valentino.

1: the reason for the title of the story

I can't quite remember which came first, the story title or knowing I would be writing about Valentino. Whichever it was, at one point these two factors gelled and I knew this would be my Valentino title. I can't write without a title, so they are always important to me. A definition of honeypot being "presenting romantic or sexual opportunity, as bait or as continuing motivation" seemed to fit his lothario image.

2: why I chose that actor

Interestingly I found it harder to find male actors who had died unexpectedly early than I did female actors. I think if I were writing about more recent actors then that gender situation would be reversed (think Brandon Crow, think River Phoenix, think Heath Ledger, think Philip Seymour Hoffman just off the top of my head). Yet even considering the paucity of males, Valentino's colourful life was crucial to my decision. Even the ailment which contributed to his death at the age of 31 eventually bore his name: "Valentino's syndrome'.

3: one 'gift' that enhanced the story

There is a tradition of a "woman in black" carrying a red rose who comes to mourn at Valentino's crypt, usually on the anniversary of his death

4: one thing I never knew about them

One hundred thousand people lined the streets of Manhattan for his funeral procession.

5: an extract from the story

I penetrate Rambova and her head shoots back, mouth gapes silent. I stab repeatedly, my hands blemishing her skin. She bucks, forearms collapsing. Further inside, I distend. I am unremitting. She receives me with a little death. The sound excites the crowd. I grip her ankles as she suffocates. Our movements no longer base, but performance art. She submits. My sword, blood slick. I lose count of her wounds and in her final perfect struggle the motion triggers.

From their vantage point the women throw roses.

6: what music I listened to whilst I wrote it.

I alternated between two songs by Marina & The Diamonds: Jealousy followed by Perfect Stranger. Marina can be hit and miss, but these two songs worked the vibe I wanted. Especially Perfect Stranger with its simple voice and piano.

Buy Candescent Blooms here.