October 29, 2009

Dublin – the birthplace of Bram Stoker - was the appropriate Halloween location for a special multi-media talk by Sean on the classic writer, his popular vampire and development of their fame worldwide.

Among a diverse audience of listeners on a suitably wet and misty Irish evening at Waterstone’s bookstore on Dawson Street was Kevin Humphreys, Deputy Lord Mayor of the capital city, who opened the literary proceedings with a few words of praise.

“I am delighted to be here on the very same street where Stoker was born, not far from City Hall, and to praise Sean for the marvelous work he has performed in his research and writing, as well as his very creatively designed miniature coffin,” he said. “Dracula was Dublin’s special book of the month recently and it is great to see that Sean has taken the theme and widened it still farther through his adventures in Romania, Ireland, England and the United States. ‘DIGGING FOR DRACULA’ is a wonderful book and I would encourage you to go out and buy it. It’ll make a great Christmas gift.”

See short video

 Author (middle) together with Councillor Kevin Humphreys, Deputy Lord Mayor of Dublin (left) and Graham Bailey, Waterstone's Branch Manager (right)

November 8, 2009

Celebrating Bram Stoker's birthday, McGrory's of Culdaff organized a special literary event and book signing with author Sean Hillen.

August 3, 2009

From a high-cliff castle deep inside Transylvania to a musty crypt under St. Michan’s Church in Dublin to the skyscrapers of New York and Los Angeles – such were some of the places listeners were taken to at the West Belfast Festival (Feile na Phobail) ‘Digging for Dracula’ event. 

Feile na Phobail is one of the largest community festivals on the island of Ireland.

Such is the interest in vampires that the upstairs conference room inside the Fall Library was packed, with some people having to sit just outside the open door in the lobby to listen to author Sean gave an informative and humorous account of his adventures on a search across several continents looking for ‘the real vampire and its meaning.’

See short video

 Dracula fans line up for an informal chat and for Sean to to sign their books.

(l to r back) Sean; actress and vampire memorablia collector, Phyllis McKenna; and photographer, Joseph Hillen. (front ) Jason and Karen, a couple who arrived from Antrim town.

Feile an Phobail (West Belfast Festival) chairperson, Danny Morrison (left), enjoying the company of  guests. 

Sean with Eileen and Fidelma, two lovely ladies who drove to the event all the way from the Mountains of Mourne to enjoy the craic.

 A packed audience enthralled by Gothic tales of a bygone era and a touch of light humor and adventure.

Photos by Joseph Hillen.

October 4, 2008

Sean Hillen helped the South Carolina Writers Workshop kick off its Halloween literary season with a presentation and discussion of his book on Saturday, October 4 in West Ashley.

Photos from the event show the author and participants to the meeting.