Charlaine Harris Discusses Her Books with ABC News

For whatever reason, people can’t get enough of vampires these days. Charlaine Harris, author of the Sookie Stackhouse series, has fans anxiously awaiting the next installment in her story, Dead in the Family, due out in May 2010. In the meantime, she will only offer teasers about what’s to come. That’s what she did in her recent interview with Cassie White from ABC News, where she also talked about the success of Twilight and her feelings about True Blood.

Charlaine suspects that people are drawn to vampires because of the intriguing notion of immortality. That eternal youth is an attractive thing. She accepts that her series is often compared to Twilight because of the human-vampire love story, but the originality of her ideas is clear given that Dead Until Dark was released before Twilight. She doesn’t think there needs to be a competition between the two series, and is in fact happy for Stephenie Meyer’s success:

“I see our series as complementing each other. I attract an older readership generally, though I think we do share quite a few readers and I’m glad of that. But I don’t think people are just going to buy one book, or go see just one vampire movie or TV show a year. I think they’re going to want to experience different shadings of offerings in those fields.”

She seems to be very gracious on this subject, holding the view that there’s plenty of vampire fandom to share!

Charlaine loves True Blood, the television adaptation of her work. She appreciates being surprised when events are different than in her books, but she is also excited when something she wrote makes it to the screen:

“Every now and then they use a line I wrote and it just tickles me pink when I hear it. And I love to see my credit at the beginning of every show.”

She has a great relationship of trust with the show’s creator, Alan Ball, and knows what it means to have your work adapted–they can change whatever they want. She put Sookie into Alan’s care because he understood the essence of the story:

“I had to hand all control over to Alan Ball. But having said that, I was pretty careful about who I handed it over to. So I really can’t complain about what he’s done and in fact I’m very happy.”

Alan did, however, get Charlaine into a bit of trouble with fans of her Southern gentleman vampire, Bill Compton, when he mentioned at the Paley Center panel with the True Blood writers that she almost killed Bill at the end of book 9, Dead and Gone:

“I did not kill Bill. Alan sort of said something at PaleyFest in an interview. He said, ‘Charlaine thought about killing Bill in the last book but she was talked out of it.’ That was something of a mis-statement and I certainly wish he hadn’t made it! In casual conversation I mentioned that had been one of the possible endings for Dead and Gone and that I’d thought about it and discarded it. But the truth is, and I think almost every writer does this, I’ve considered killing every character at one time or another, and some of them I follow through with. but some I decide I need to be alive.”

So what does that mean for Bill’s future is still pretty unclear. Charlaine did reveal that Sookie would not be having any steamy, intimate moments with her first love in book 10, but she would not explain further what are Bill’s chances for being the one for Sookie.

One question that was sent in to Charlaine by a reader for the interview was regarding a statement that Charlaine once made that she didn’t understand why so many fans love Eric so much? The reader wanted clarification to this statement since in her eyes she felt that Charlaine had written the Eric character as always being there for Sookie, fulfilling her needs, being truthful and being emotionally connected to Sookie.

“I’m not denying that’s one side of Eric, but he’s also a ruthless killer and I think some of my readers tend to forget that in their enthusiasm for his sexier habits.”

Charlaine doesn’t plays favorites when it comes to which suitor for Sookie she enjoys writing the most. She enjoys writing about all of them and that each of them have qualities that she admires otherwise she would have never created them and made them likely candidates for Sookie’s attention and affection.

SOURCES:

abc.net.au

blogs.abc.net.au

(Photo credit: Albert L. Ortego / PR Photos)

VIDEOS: Charlaine Harris At The New Orleans Vampire Ball

Charlaine Harris was a special guest at the Tru Blood & Gold Ball in New Orleans, La on October 30.  The Ball was  sponsored by the Anne Rice Vampire Lestat Fan Club (ARVLFC) who reached out to True Blood and Sookie Stackhouse fans with vampire solidarity.  Charlaine wore the special costume she had made for the occasion and was crowned “Queen of Louisiana” and was serenaded by “Bubba” himself.  Enjoy the videos!

VIDEO: Charlaine Harris Interviewed at BoucherCon 2009 – Part 2

Charlaine Harris attended the 40th BoucherCon World Mystery Convention 2009 at the Hyatt Regency in Indianapolis where she was a panel member at the convention.  BoucherCon is the world’s largest annual meeting for the mystery genre.  While she was at the convention, Charlaine sat down with Reel Deal’s Austin Luger to talk about her writing, about Alan Ball’s True Blood HBO vampire series based on her books, and about how she’s handled her increased fame now that the show has become so wildly popular.

We brought you the first part of this video interview already, but the second half is now available, so we bring it to you now.  Enjoy!

Charlaine Interviewed At The 2009 BoucherCon Convention

Recently Charlaine Harris attended the Bouchercon 2009 World Mystery Convention in Indianapolis, Indiana that celebrates the mystery genre. It is the largest annual meeting in the world for mystery lovers and the convention program included panel discussions, lectures, and other presentations by mystery writers and experts on the genre, covering all aspects of mystery fiction, thrillers, detective stories, suspense novels, and more.  This year Charlaine was one of the panel members at the convention and was interviewed by Reel Deal to discuss the themes in her Sookie Stackhouse novels and about Alan Ball’s True Blood.  Enjoy the video!

Charlaine Harris Talks About her Sookie Stackhouse Series

Take one look at Charlaine Harris with her three teenagers, her three dogs, and her duck and you would never think that she was the creator of a series of novels about a dark, sexy, and mysterious world of vampires and humans. Yet Charlaine Harris is that woman. She is one of the leaders in a new genre that has taken the world by storm. Over her career Charlaine has written over 30 novels and numerous short stories. She is currently working on the tenth book in the Sookie Stackhouse series, “Dead in the Family”.

Now that Alan Ball has taken the spirit of Charlaine’s books and turned it into the phenomenon we all know as True Blood, Charlaine has really hit the big time. Recently Charlaine did an online interview talking about her Sookie Stackhouse series. Charlaine was asked if she ever felt like her characters took over her writing and took her to places she didn’t expect. Charlaine answered saying:

“The writer should always be in control. Those sudden moments when everything falls into place are the best reasons to be a writer. Of course it’s not the characters taking control; it’s another part of your brain, a part that knows the characters so well it’s suggested a plot twist.”

Charlaine was then asked if she consciously writes without taking into consideration current events. Charlaine said:

“Yes, because I didn’t want to pin the series down in time. However, with Hurricane Katrina, I simply couldn’t ignore its devastation out of respect to the people of the Gulf Coast, so I did incorporate it into the books.”

Charlaine was asked if she keeps track of plot arcs and character details for her novels in a database. Charlaine explained that a database had been created but as of yet was not finished. Charlaine doesn’t see herself as much of a plotter or outliner but admits that there are three main threads in each book. Charlaine was asked if she dresses up and works at it as a strict job or if she wears 3 day old pajamas while trying to make a deadline.

“Both. There’s a lot more to the business of writing than actually writing. Interviews, for example! I work at the job with regular hours, unless I have to do publicity stuff, which takes a huge amount of time. I never work in pajamas. I wear nightgowns.”

Charlaine was then asked what she thought of the television series inspired by her books, True Blood. Charlaine answered saying:

“It’s all good with me. I’m delighted with the show, and the time I’ve spent with the actors has been very interesting.”

Charlaine then discussed the fact that certain elements of True Blood differ from the storyline of her series and how she felt about that. “It’s more of an amplification of my story. In the books, we know Jason is promiscuous. On the screen, we see that, and it’s a very different experience. But of course a lot of plot developments were necessary to balance the screen time of the actors. Anna couldn’t carry the whole story.”

Well we all know that both Charlaine and Alan have done an amazing job with this series. At the heart True Blood would not be what it is without the inspirational series that Charlaine has so beautifully written.

SOURCE:  A Writer Goes on a Journey

Photo Credit:  Charlaine Harris

Charlaine Harris and Her Dogs

Shapeshifter Sam Merlotte usually transforms into a collie because people like dogs, so it should be no surprise that Charlaine Harris, author of the Sookie Stackhouse series, is a dog lover. In an interview with the blog, “Coffee with a Canine,” Charlaine shares stories about her dogs, Rocky, Scrunch, and Oscar.

All three are adopted. Rocky is an 8-year old boxer-spaniel mix who came from some lady’s car trunk. Scrunch, a 3-year old terrier, was kicked by a horse, crushing her hip. Charlaine adopted her when the former owner didn’t seem to want to deal with all the surgeries Scrunch needed. Oscar is a dachshund from a local animal shelter. Charlaine isn’t sure how old he is but says he’s “a grumpy old man.” One time, her kids tried to dress Oscar in a sweater and he wouldn’t take a step, just falling to the ground–”Passive resistance at its finest.”

Charlaine is very close to her dogs, and they are very loyal, always following her around at home:

“Every day is Take Your Dog to Work Day at my house. They’re my constant companions in my office, and the dogs and a cup of coffee are the way I start my day.”

She says that they influence her writing by being a “constant interruption.” On an ordinary day, they do the usual dog things, plus barking at the enemies that threaten Charlaine’s home, like the UPS guy and her goose. When asked what are the best qualities in her dogs, she responds:

“They can’t talk, and they love us. Oscar sticks close to home, Scrunch is very loving, and Rocky has a very soft coat.”

That’s all you could really want in your furry, four-legged friends.

SOURCE: coffeecanine.blogspot.com

(Photo credit:  coffeecanine.blogspot.com)

Charlaine Harris Talks About Her Books And True Blood

Charlaine Harris, the gifted author of the Sookie Stackhouse novels in which the hit HBO True Blood series is based upon, discussed her heroine Sookie, the real-life romance of Anna Paquin and Stephen Moyer, and watching her books come to life.

When asked about the Sookie Stackhouse Mysteries, Charlaine Harris said she decided to write a book combining mystery, science fiction, and romance–clinched on not sticking to the rules.

She also admitted that she shares certain traits with Sookie,

“Well, we’re both loyal, but she’s a lot braver than I am. She’s pretty much like I wish I was. She’s polite but direct. I like to think that’s me, too.”

And to top that, she feels a pleasant sense of obligation to the people who brought her stories to life, particularly Anna Paquin (Sookie) and Stephen Moyer (Bill) especially now that the duo are getting married which she felt strangely responsible for.

As for the show itself, Charlaine felt proud and excited about seeing the town she created come to life, fondly exclaiming:

“I had lunch in Merlotte’s in one of the booths. With Alan.”

When asked for details about the third season, Charlaine simply said:

“The third season will be the third book, but the show may go off on its own at any point.”

Though crossroads may be difficult in person’s life, for Charlaine the crossroads she experienced helped create Sookie, Bill, Sam, and all the other characters we love in Bon Temps. Furthermore, the books have spawned a hit show on HBO, causing a new mass of fans for Charlaine’s books and characters.

If you are a fan and interested in Charlaine Harris, she will attend the Houston Chronicle Book and Author Dinner on November 1 at Hilton Americas-Houston, 1600 Lamar, Houston Texas.  If you wish to be at the 30th Book and Author Dinner, visit www.chron.com for more details and ticket information.

SOURCE: chron.com

(Photo credit: zimbio.com)

Charlaine Harris Scheduled for Several Upcoming Appearances

Charlaine Harris will be very busy over the next few weeks! With the release of Grave Secret, the new installment in the Harper Connelly series, and A Touch of Dead, the compilation of Sookie short stories, Charlaine is scheduled for three book signings, one vampire ball, and one lecture. After November, it looks like she will be taking some time off until around March 2010, so fans will want to take advantage of these opportunities. Here are the details for the upcoming events:

Tuesday, October 27 at the Barnes & Noble in Shreveport, LA, 7 pm. Charlaine celebrates Mystery Month with a signing of the 4th Harper Connelly book, Grave Secret. Wristbands for the queue will be given out in the store that day.

Friday, October 30 at the Tru Blood & Gold Ball in New Orleans, LA, 9 pm. Sponsored by the Vampire Lestat Fan Club, the party will be held at Republic New Orleans. It promises to be a fun night of costumes, music, and celebrating vampires! Tickets may be purchased for $35 for non-members, $20 for members. Ages 18 and older.

Saturday, October 31 at the Garden District Book Shop in New Orleans, LA, 1 pm. Charlaine will spend Halloween afternoon signing books at New Orleans’ signature bookstore.

Sunday, November 1 at the Houston Chronicle Book and Author Dinner in Houston TX, 5 pm. Charlaine will be a special guest along with authors Julie Powell, David Cross, Lee Child, and Oscar Casares. Taking place at the Hilton Americas-Houston, the event will include a book signing reception at 5 pm, followed by dinner and a program. Tickets may be purchased on the Chronicle website. Prices start $250 for individuals, with all proceeds benefiting the literacy programs of the Chronicle and the Houston Public Library.

Thursday, November 12 at the Darragh Lecture in Little Rock, AK, 6:30 pm. The Fred K. Darragh Distinguished Lecture was established in 1998 to promote the interests of education, civil liberties, and international friendship. Charlaine will be presenting this year’s lecture at the University Theatre on the University of Arkansas campus. Reservations can be made by email on the Central Arkansas Library System website.

SOURCE: charlaineharris.com

(Photo credit: bestsellers.about.com)

Charlaine Harris Attends Bouchercon 2009 Videos – Part 2

As we recently reported Charlaine Harris attended the 2009 Bouchercon World Mystery Convention. We have a series of videos showing Charlaine on one of the panels that was featured at Bouchercon this year. As we continue the video segments we move on to video number four of Charlaine.

Here Charlaine talks about mistakes that fans have pointed out about her books. Charlaine admits that she has made mistakes and appreciates that her fans are quick to notice it. One reason why you might find mistakes in her books is because when she wrote the first one she had no idea that it would continue on to become a series. Charlaine was then asked if there was something she wrote in the Sookie Stackhouse series that later on in the books she wished she had not written and Charlaine answered “Yes”! Want to know what it is? It is the blood-bond between Sookie and Eric. Charlaine says she wishes deeply she had not coined that term in the books. She is fascinated by how fans really want a mathematical equation to that bond and she claims it has caused her many headaches.

In video five Charlaine is asked about the sexual activity in the series. Charlaine answers by saying that it is no where near as important to her as it is to her fans. She explains that sex does not appear in every book because sometimes it just doesn’t go along with the storyline. She admits that writing sex scenes can be a little ridiculous at times for her but she does promise that when she feels the need to include a sex scene you better believe, it’s going to be a good one!

In video six Charlaine is asked a very interesting question. Since she is still in the process of writing the series does she let the now phenomenal show True Blood, which is the television series her books have been turned into, influence the way she sees her characters and the way she will continue to write the series? Charlaine explains that she looked at many pictures of actresses who wanted to play her character, Sookie. She did not make the final pick but Alan Ball, who created the television adaptation of her books, wanted her input. She admits that when she first heard that Anna Paquin wanted to portray Sookie on the show she had doubts due to the fact that she didn’t see Anna, who was brunette, very slender, and Canadian being her character Sookie, who was blonde, curvy, and American. But Charlaine was absolutely honored that an actress of Anna’s caliber wanted to bring life to Sookie. Seeing Anna now with her hair dyed and such, Charlaine truly believes that Anna has made an amazing Sookie Stackhouse and really brought her character to life. As for her writing Charlaine explains that Sookie has lived in her head for many years and she still continues to see her that same way when she writes.

SOURCE:  Boucheron 2009

Charlaine Harris Attends Bouchercon 2009 Videos – Part 1

Charlaine Harris recently attended the 2009 Bouchercon World Mystery Convention, which was held in Indianapolis, Indiana. This convention celebrates the mystery genre of writing. We have found video of Charlaine sitting on one of the panels at Bouchercon. The first video shows Charlaine being introduced by the panel. There is a funny segment in the video where one of the panelists decides to see if Charlaine is telepathic like her hit character, Sookie, and answers a question without being told the question and Charlaine simply answers, “No, I never have”. Really quite a funny moment. Charlaine goes on to discuss how the Sookie character came about and how she is very similar to her own daughter who was growing up while Charlaine was writing the series. Charlaine also describes how she was able to invent this supernatural world that Sookie finds herself in.

In the second video Charlaine is asked which of her characters is the most popular with her fans. Charlaine admits that she gets the most fan mail about Eric, our handsome Viking vampire, but says that he is not necessarily her favorite character, but he is fun to write. Charlaine goes on to talk about how all these multi-dimensional secondary characters come to define Sookie and who she is. Charlaine says that Sookie is constantly being tested and having to re-evaluate her own belief system because of the characters she is surrounded by.

In the third video segment Charlaine is asked a question that is under much debate by her fans. Why hasn’t Sookie been turned into a vampire? Charlaine does confess that she will not ever turn Sookie into a vampire. One reason Charlaine tells us is because if she was a vampire it would definitely cut down on the amount of hours Sookie could be active. Good point Charlaine! Charlaine also explains that she doesn’t normally answer many of those types of questions, especially ones about how the series will end and she has several reason for it. One, she wants readers to continue to buy the books to find out, and two, she doesn’t know. Charlaine explains that she normally writes a series until she gets bored with it. She has signed on to write another three books for the Sookie Stackhouse series which will keep her working on the series until 2014, bringing her to a total of 13 books all together. Once she gets to book 13, she will re-evaluate where she is at and decide if it is time for the series to come to a close. She doesn’t like a series to outdo its welcome. We hope you enjoy these video segments of Charlaine as you learn a little more about the author and stay tune for part 2 of the video series.

SOURCE:  Bouchercon 2009

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