The Washington Post hosted a chat with Charlaine Harris earlier today, where fans could log in and ask her questions!
We took part in it too and she answered a question which has been on our minds lately.
Our question was…
Q. Just curious…
Earlier in this chat, someone asked about your thoughts on Eric. I was wondering why you are always seem surprised by the amount of love fans have for him, since he’s a “ruthless anti-hero murderer” and all?-September 07, 2011 12:33 PM A. Charlaine Harris :I’m not surprised that people find him attractive. I certainly tried to make him so! I am surprised that people seem to sometimes see him as a typical romance hero . . . which he’s not.
– September 07, 2011 1:05 PM Do you think she answered our question properly? Read on if you want to find out more of what was said! Some of it may contain spoilers for the rest of the series!She also revealed some more Eric and Sookie goodies in the chat…here’s some of what she said;
To what may we please look forward?
Are you able to please tell us something about what projects are “in the works”, how far along are they, when may we expect them, and, while I don’t expect you to give away any plot spoilers, what are some of the things you are able to tell us about them? –September 04, 2011 6:51 PM A. Charlaine Harris :I’m working on the editorial changes for the next Sookie, DEADLOCKED, out next May. Next I’ll write two short stories, one for my next anthology and one for a Joe Lansdale anthology. Then I’m working on the graphic novel I’m working on with Chris Golden, CEMETERY GIRL. It will appear next year. After that, I’ll begin Sookie 13, the final installment.
– September 07, 2011 12:01 PM Q.Charlaine Harris
One of the things I love about reading and rereading the books is the randomness of some of your writing. When Bill’s house was damaged Sookie says, “I think he has State Farm”. I was laughing out loud at how perfectly normal it was for her to say that! Did you base her character on anyone you know (and write Sookie as that person talking), or do you make up her dialog as you write each book? I LOVE book Sookie! –September 06, 2011 7:07 PM A. Charlaine Harris :I created Sookie. She lives in my head, and I make up her dialog as I write. I’m glad you find her credible and charming.
– September 07, 2011 12:07 PM Q.True Blood characters
Do you still consider the characters in True Blood as your own or do you think of them as separate entities from the characters of the books because the show has taken a diverging path from the original stories? –September 07, 2011 11:00 AM A. Charlaine Harris :I certainly feel proprietary toward them. They ARE my characters; they’re just doing things I didn’t plan for them myself.
– September 07, 2011 12:07 PM Q.Popularity
Ms. Harris – what are your thoughts around the True Boll series popularity? Did you think it would have – excuse the pun – such a cult following? – September 06, 2011 7:49 PM
A. Charlaine Harris :I’m delighted the show is so popular, especially now that I know so many of the people who work on it. I never imagined my own career arc or that of the show. Who could?
– September 07, 2011 12:08 PM Q.Sookie and Tara
I just started watching the “True Blood” series. Sookie and Tara are the weakest, DUMBest life forms walking the Earth. I have not read any of the book series, but is that the path they’re supposed to be following? I know creative license in adaptation, but really, they’re morons. I cannot believe a woman would intend her main protagonist and her sidekick to be so perpetually…dumb. –September 06, 2011 10:31 PM A. Charlaine Harris :Then don’t watch. You’ll have to read the books and judge their intelligence for yourself.
– September 07, 2011 12:08 PM Q.Alan Ball and Bill
How do you feel about Alan Ball’s wanting to keep putting Bill and Sookie back together? It just seems that Sookie and Eric’s relationship is so central to the books, that if Ball does what he wants, the show will become unrecognizable from the books. –September 07, 2011 11:20 AM A. Charlaine Harris :I’m not sure Alan is aiming for that, myself. Bill is pretty essential to the story, too, all the way through the books AND the show. I’ll be interested to see his conclusion, which may be different from mine.
– September 07, 2011 12:09 PM Q.Next book on Sookie Stackhouse
I’m Daniela Zavala from Guayaquil, Ecuador – HUGE FAN!! After watching this season, is truly amazing how your description of Eric in the books and Alexander Skaarsgard are alike. He makes the exact same “puppy eyes” you describe in the 4th novel! My question is: did you ever thought to find real people so similar to your fictional characters? or did you base your characters in people you already know? –September 06, 2011 5:11 PM
A. Charlaine Harris :Alex is a wonderful actor, so it’s not too surprising he can look appealing. Actually, he doesn’t look exactly like Eric in my head, but it would be amazing if real live actors could match the people who have lived in my imagination for so long.
– September 07, 2011 12:09 PM Q.Sookie
Will Sookie find her true love by the end of the book series?–September 07, 2011 11:07 AM A. Charlaine Harris :I plan on letting the reader know the course of Sookie’s future by the end of the series in 2013.
– September 07, 2011 12:09 PM Q.Final Book
Is there any way we can get the final book a little early…you know with the whole 2012 end of the world thing? –September 06, 2011 7:04 PM A. Charlaine Harris :Ahhhhh . . . no.
– September 07, 2011 12:10 PM Q.Southern Vampire Mysteries
As a die-hard fan of the SVM who has no knowledge of the literary business, could you clarify what it means to sell the rights to Alan Ball/HBO? Do they have free rein to do whatever they wish to/with the characters you created? –September 07, 2011 11:18 AM A. Charlaine Harris :Basically, yes. It’s a rare deal that includes any control for the writer. This is both good and bad. I freely admit I know nothing about television or writing for the screen. Obviously, Alan does. I trust him.
– September 07, 2011 12:10 PM Q.changing anything in the books
If you could go back and change anything in your Sookie-verse, would you? –September 07, 2011 9:44 AM A. Charlaine Harris :Hmmm. Yes, I wouldn’t kill Claudine, and I would have left out the Sino-Aids thread, because that never really went anywhere.
– September 07, 2011 12:11 PM Q.True Blood
While the Sookie Stackhouse of the books is a true heroine, willing to risk herself for those she loves, and is often the girl with the plan, so to speak, are you at all disappointed that True Blood seems to present her as the damsel in distress? –September 07, 2011 10:41 AM A. Charlaine Harris :I don’t see her as that in the TV show, myself. She’s certainly as brave as my Sookie.
– September 07, 2011 12:12 PM Q.Who is YOUR favorite character?
Do you wish any of the True Blood characters that didn’t originate (or were killed off early LOL) from the Southern Vampire Mysteries had been your creations? I know that I adore Lafayette’s character and cannot imagine the series without him. Are there any characters you’ve seen and gone…wow, wish I’d thought of him/her for my books.–September 07, 2011 10:40 AM A. Charlaine Harris :I love Jessica, and I wish I’d thought of her. Nelsan Ellis saved his own life in the TV show by being so brilliant in the part.
– September 07, 2011 12:13 PM Q.The Blood Bond and The Sookie Stackhouse Companion
I’ve been told you no longer answer questions about the blood bond that existed between Eric and Sookie until it was magically broken in Dead Reckoning. I had hoped, however, that you would address the issue in The Sookie Stackhouse Companion, if for no other reason, then to settle the issue for fans once and for all. Why did you choose not to address this topic in The Companion?–September 07, 2011 10:38 AM A. Charlaine Harris :I have answered questions about the blood bond ad nauseum. I’ve explained it frequently, in the books and in interviews. I’ve just grown tired of trying to pin down something mystical, to readers’ satisfactions.
– September 07, 2011 12:14 PM Q.true blood series
How much longer will the show continue and how do you feel about this past season? –September 06, 2011 5:48 PM A. Charlaine Harris :The show will continue with Alan Ball at the helm at least another season, and it’s possible it will go on after that with other management. I love the show; I know so many of the people involved and I think very highly of their talent and commitment.
– September 07, 2011 12:07 PM Q.True Blood characters
Do you still consider the characters in True Blood as your own or do you think of them as separate entities from the characters of the books because the show has taken a diverging path from the original stories? –September 07, 2011 11:00 AM A. Charlaine Harris :I certainly feel proprietary toward them. They ARE my characters; they’re just doing things I didn’t plan for them myself.
– September 07, 2011 12:07 PM Q.Sookie and Tara
I just started watching the “True Blood” series. Sookie and Tara are the weakest, DUMBest life forms walking the Earth. I have not read any of the book series, but is that the path they’re supposed to be following? I know creative license in adaptation, but really, they’re morons. I cannot believe a woman would intend her main protagonist and her sidekick to be so perpetually…dumb.–September 06, 2011 10:31 PM A. Charlaine Harris :Then don’t watch. You’ll have to read the books and judge their intelligence for yourself.
– September 07, 2011 12:08 PM
Q.Alan Ball and Bill
How do you feel about Alan Ball’s wanting to keep putting Bill and Sookie back together? It just seems that Sookie and Eric’s relationship is so central to the books, that if Ball does what he wants, the show will become unrecognizable from the books.–September 07, 2011 11:20 AM A. Charlaine Harris :I’m not sure Alan is aiming for that, myself. Bill is pretty essential to the story, too, all the way through the books AND the show. I’ll be interested to see his conclusion, which may be different from mine.
– September 07, 2011 12:09 PM Q.Next book on Sookie Stackhouse
I’m Daniela Zavala from Guayaquil, Ecuador – HUGE FAN!! After watching this season, is truly amazing how your description of Eric in the books and Alexander Skaarsgard are alike. He makes the exact same “puppy eyes” you describe in the 4th novel! My question is: did you ever thought to find real people so similar to your fictional characters? or did you base your characters in people you already know?–September 06, 2011 5:11 PM
A. Charlaine Harris :Alex is a wonderful actor, so it’s not too surprising he can look appealing. Actually, he doesn’t look exactly like Eric in my head, but it would be amazing if real live actors could match the people who have lived in my imagination for so long.
– September 07, 2011 12:09 PM Q.Sookie
Will Sookie find her true love by the end of the book series?–September 07, 2011 11:07 AM A. Charlaine Harris :I plan on letting the reader know the course of Sookie’s future by the end of the series in 2013.
– September 07, 2011 12:09 PM Q.Final Book
Is there any way we can get the final book a little early…you know with the whole 2012 end of the world thing?–September 06, 2011 7:04 PM A. Charlaine Harris :Ahhhhh . . . no.
– September 07, 2011 12:10 PM Q.Southern Vampire Mysteries
As a die-hard fan of the SVM who has no knowledge of the literary business, could you clarify what it means to sell the rights to Alan Ball/HBO? Do they have free rein to do whatever they wish to/with the characters you created?–September 07, 2011 11:18 AM A. Charlaine Harris :Basically, yes. It’s a rare deal that includes any control for the writer. This is both good and bad. I freely admit I know nothing about television or writing for the screen. Obviously, Alan does. I trust him.
– September 07, 2011 12:10 PM Q.changing anything in the books
If you could go back and change anything in your Sookie-verse, would you?–September 07, 2011 9:44 AM A. Charlaine Harris :Hmmm. Yes, I wouldn’t kill Claudine, and I would have left out the Sino-Aids thread, because that never really went anywhere.
– September 07, 2011 12:11 PMQ.
True Blood
While the Sookie Stackhouse of the books is a true heroine, willing to risk herself for those she loves, and is often the girl with the plan, so to speak, are you at all disappointed that True Blood seems to present her as the damsel in distress?–September 07, 2011 10:41 AM A. Charlaine Harris :I don’t see her as that in the TV show, myself. She’s certainly as brave as my Sookie.
– September 07, 2011 12:12 PM Q.The Blood Bond and The Sookie Stackhouse Companion
I’ve been told you no longer answer questions about the blood bond that existed between Eric and Sookie until it was magically broken in Dead Reckoning. I had hoped, however, that you would address the issue in The Sookie Stackhouse Companion, if for no other reason, then to settle the issue for fans once and for all. Why did you choose not to address this topic in The Companion?–September 07, 2011 10:38 AM A. Charlaine Harris :I have answered questions about the blood bond ad nauseum. I’ve explained it frequently, in the books and in interviews. I’ve just grown tired of trying to pin down something mystical, to readers’ satisfactions.
– September 07, 2011 12:14 PM Q.About the end o Sookie Stackhouse
Many fans are speculating about the end of the book series and yesterday, talking to a friend about it, and the huge death toll on the books, we came to the conclusion that nobody expects that Sookie might end up in jail in the end, because of the people she killed. Is that “end” being considered?–September 07, 2011 10:51 AM A. Charlaine Harris :I have always known how the series will end, from approximately the second book. So, there’s nothing under consideration. It’s all decided.
– September 07, 2011 12:15 PM Q.True Blood Season 4
While you’ve often said that you’re okay with the changes Alan Ball has made because you know the real story, do you still feel that way given how far season 4 has deviated from the source material?–September 07, 2011 9:59 AM A. Charlaine Harris :Yes. I knew that he and his talented team of writers would go in their own direction. That’s what writers do. I’m much more entertained when I don’t know what’s going to happen.
– September 07, 2011 12:17 PM Q.Future work
Have you any thoughts/plans for novels to shed light on select characters from the current Sookie books. Like a story of past escapades: “The adventures of Eric the vampire”…hahaha, lame name I know.–September 07, 2011 9:50 AM A. Charlaine Harris :No, I don’t think I’ll ever write a spinoff, but I’m not going to close that door completely.
– September 07, 2011 12:18 PM Q.Eric Northman and the Sookie Stackhouse Novels
Ms. Harris, You’ve continually said that the SSN are not romance novels, and I would add that Eric Northman is a bit of an anti-hero. Are you surprised by the reader response to his character and the intense interest in Sookie’s HEA?–September 07, 2011 11:02 AM A. Charlaine Harris :Yes, very surprised. Some readers are sure they see a traditional romance hero in Eric, but he’s anything but that. He’s a murderer, many times over, and pragmatic. But he does love Sookie. However, romance novels always end with everyone happy except really bad guys, and that’s not the way I write.
– September 07, 2011 12:19 PM Q.Eric’s Wedding
Do you think Sookie will stay with Eric if there is no way out of his wedding , even though they would only be required to lets say meet one or twice a year?–September 07, 2011 11:20 AM A. Charlaine Harris :You’ll find out.
– September 07, 2011 12:19 PM Q.True Blood’s Sookie Stackhouse
One of the things I love best about book Sookie is that, despite her touch of fairy blood, she is a human woman navigating the supernatural world with nothing more than telepathy and her wits as her weapons. How do you feel about the ‘fairy powers’ she has been given on True Blood?–September 07, 2011 11:13 AM A. Charlaine Harris :Alan’s obviously got a different idea from mine, and I’m interested to see where it’s going.
– September 07, 2011 12:21 PM Q.Show vs. Books
Why would you let them ruin…completely ruin…the show? Everything they did ruined it for me, except for Eric and Bill’s actors/characters. They changed so much that it isn’t the sookie stackhouse series to me anymore. It’s a whole different thing, and I can’t enjoy it. >:( –September 07, 2011 10:15 AM A. Charlaine Harris :Then don’t watch it.
When you agree to have your books turned into another medium, you basically have to have faith in the person who’s responsbile for the transformation. It’s NEVER going to be exactly like the books.
– September 07, 2011 12:22 PM Q.New Characters
In your new sookie short story, you introduced an interesting new character. Will this new psychic be in the new Sookie novel “Dead Reckoning”?–September 07, 2011 11:16 AM A. Charlaine Harris :She’s not in DEAD RECKONING because the short story takes place after that novel, if I’m remembering correctly. I don’t know if I’ll use her again or not.
– September 07, 2011 12:23 PM Q.True Blood the TV series
I’ve been wondering that are you really happy with the TV series? If there would be something you personally would want to change, what would it be?–September 07, 2011 10:12 AM A. Charlaine Harris :Yes, I’m very happy, especially since my book sales increased in a delightful way when the show went on the air. I would no more tell Alan how to change the show than he would tell me how to change the books.
– September 07, 2011 12:23 PM Q.Translation to TV
Are you happy with the Television interpretation of your books? Are you happy or sad about the differences?–September 07, 2011 9:41 AM A. Charlaine Harris :Happy! I love the show.
– September 07, 2011 12:31 PM Q.Deadlocked
Obviously everyone that has read the Sookie Stackhouse novels are enamored with Sookie & Eric’s relationship. I know you have said before in interviews that Sookie will probably never be turned into a vampire. If this isn’t the case, what can we look forward to in terms of Sookie & Eric’s slightly rocky relationship?–September 07, 2011 11:53 AM A. Charlaine Harris :That’s a key part of the last two books, so I’m not going to get into it here.
– September 07, 2011 12:31 PM Q.Eric
Your character Eric Northman is hugely popular in the books and the show. Can you tell us in yoiur own words, how Eric has evolved emotionally over the last 11 books?–September 07, 2011 11:56 AM A. Charlaine Harris :I don’t know that Eric is evolving so much as that the reader is getting to see more and more of his layers acquired over a thousand years of existence. Eric always watches out for Eric, and secondly his child Pam. He does have another child we haven’t met. He is very practical. But he does love Sookie. Obviously, this is a huge conflict for him.
– September 07, 2011 12:33 PM Q.Character Fans
How do you feel about the extreme loyalty by some fans to particular characters (i.e. Eric)?–September 07, 2011 12:01 PM A. Charlaine Harris :I know it’s a compliment, and I appreciate their involvement in the books; absolutely, I do. Most writers dream of such advocacy. But sometimes I feel that they’re not reading the same book I’m writing.
– September 07, 2011 12:35 PM Q.Favorite character
Who is your favorite character?–September 07, 2011 12:00 PM A. Charlaine Harris :That I’ve written? Well, there are things about all the characters that I really enjoy. It’s always fun to write Pam, and sometimes figuring out Bill can be really interesting. They all have their moments!
– September 07, 2011 12:36 PM Q.Eric Nothman
How could you decide where Erik would come from, and why Sweden?–September 07, 2011 12:04 PM
A.
Charlaine Harris :Well . . . why not? I wanted a good, hearty Viking with a strong sense of self, and I did a smattering of research to figure out his background.
– September 07, 2011 12:40 PM Q.The Sookie Stackhouse Companion
Hi Ms. Harris, I am really enjoying the SSC, and all the effort put into it is obvious. Job well done. I have a very specific question in regard to the Felipe de Castro bio in the character section of the Companion. It says that “Felipe is aware of (Victor’s ambitions) and, as it turns out, had his own plans for Victor.” I had assumed that Felipe’s plan was to let Victor and Eric duke it out, and that Felipe would stay out of it, preferring to back whoever came out on top, and I view this statement as confirmation of that theory. Would you be willing to shed some light on this?–September 07, 2011 10:35 AM A. Charlaine Harris :I’d say that was a pretty accurate theory, for the most part.
– September 07, 2011 12:41 PM Q.Publishers
Charlaine, what were the your publishers first reactions to the Sookie Stackhouse series? Did they believe that the book would be a hit?–September 07, 2011 12:47 PM A. Charlaine Harris :DEAD UNTIL DARK got turned down by more editors than you can shake a stick at. I’d never written a more unpopular book. My agent (Joshua Bilmes) couldn’t sell it for two years. Finally, Ace took it, and I think they’ve been pretty happy with the result.
– September 07, 2011 12:51 PM Q.True Blood
What do you think about Eric remembering his time with Sookie straight away on True Blood? Were you surprised they did that? And do you think they will now get together a lot faster than in the books when he struggled with not remembering?–September 07, 2011 12:10 PM A. Charlaine Harris :I’m always surprised by the show, which is one thing I love. I have no idea what will happen next.
– September 07, 2011 12:51 PM Q.Deadlocked
Will we see Niall in the next book?–September 07, 2011 12:16 PM A. Charlaine Harris :Yes.
– September 07, 2011 12:59 PM Q.DeadLocked
Will Sookie be traveling in Book 12 or staying put in Bon Temps? Are there any other hints you can give us about the next book?–September 07, 2011 12:20 PM A. Charlaine Harris :She’ll be in Bon Temps. And that’s all I’m saying.
– September 07, 2011 1:01 PM Q.Sookie
Are you at all afraid of how people will react to the end of the Sookie series?–September 07, 2011 12:39 PM A. Charlaine Harris :Hah! Yes!
– September 07, 2011 1:08 PM Q.Reader Criticisms
Reading amateur reviews of the Sookie books, I find it so frustrating that many people get angry and suggest the story should change because they are unhappy with the way it was written (one example is when Sookie was brutally tortured and some people complained that it was “too dark”). As a writer, do these criticisms annoy you? I know, as a reader, that I feel like some people can’t enjoy a story unless it goes exactly the way they want it. Personally, I love the series as a whole, especially when an unexpected twist surprises me.–September 07, 2011 12:44 PM A. Charlaine Harris :I try not to read those reviews, because I don’t think it’s my job to defend my choices. Accept them or read someone else. There are plenty of books out there to read. I’m the queen of my own universe.
– September 07, 2011 1:11 PM Q.How you view the books
You have said that you wonder sometimes if your readers are reading a different book than you. How would you classify the series? What are they missing, in your opinion?–September 07, 2011 1:04 PM A. Charlaine Harris :I don’t like to think of readers as “missing” something. I think they come with different expectations, maybe. I think of the books I’m writing as adventure, not romance in the strictest sense.
– September 07, 2011 1:12 PM
Well…what did you think of what she said in her answers to fan questions?
I find it most interesting that she revealed that Niall will be in the next book and that Sookie will remain in Bon Temps, as well as the fact that she answered so many questions about True Blood in a way which makes us think she’s happy with the show. Hmmm…I wonder if she really is?
And we’re extremely happy she decided to answer our question to her! We were scared that she might not!
You can read all the questions she answered here!
What are your thoughts? Share them below!
Advertisement
