Chat with with Author Charlaine Harris
PLEASE NOTE: The contest portion of the Charlaine Harris event is now closed. The winners will be chosen at a later date and contacted via email.
A HUGE Bitten by Books thank you to Charlaine for making time to come and chat with us for a few hours tonight. Before we get started, just a few reminders for our readers to make this go as smoothly as possible with our limited time frame. Charlaine with be will us from 6pm central daylight time and runs until 8pm. But PLEASE stay and chat with us for the after party!
1. This is NOT a live rolling chat room. You leave your question in the comment form below and as time permits Charlaine will answer your questions. This means you will need to refresh your page occasionally to see other questions and answers. However, the site WILL email you when there is a response to your particular question.
2. We have had issues for the last few days with our server going down, we will be monitoring this very closely. If this happens DO NOT give up. We are on it and it will come back up within minutes. Thank you for your patience.
3. PLEASE Limit your questions to ONE per person or two if the situation is totally dire LOL this way everybody has a chance at getting their question answered.
4. NO DUPLICATE questions, have the courtesy to read the questions above yours first. Also ask Charlaine some HARD and interesting questions. And for the love of the GODS don’t ask her about her very personal life. 
5. Comcast users have been having a hard time getting to our site for the last month or so. If you know somebody who cannot reach the site for the event, have them use this proxy site to get onto the site: http://kproxy.com and that should give them access without any issues.
6. You must have fun. Anybody caught not having a good time will be escorted from the airport drive immediately. Do not leave your personality left unattended or it will be confiscated and neutralized by airport security.
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A few words from Charlaine Harris!
“Dead Reckoning,” the eleventh book in the Sookie Stackhouse series, contains the answers to a lot of questions. How did Sookie get the “gift” of telepathy? Whatever happened to the remainder of the Pelt family? What will happen when Victor tries to push Eric out of Eric’s own territory?
I think this may be the only entry in the chronicles of Sookie Stackhouse that actually answers more questions than it raises. I hope all of you enjoy it, and I’ll be here for two hours to talk about the book and my future plans this evening.
Read chapter 1 of Dead Reckoning here for free: http://www.charlaineharris.com/DeadReck_1.html
photo © Sigrid Estrada 2010
Learn more about Charlaine Harris below:
Read Reviews of her work here.
To visit the author’s website go here.
To visit the author’s blog go here.
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CONTEST INFO: The contest portion of the event runs until 11:59 pm Central on 4/29/11.
1st prize winner will receive a hardcover signed (1st ed) Living Dead in Dallas
2nd and 3rd prize winners will receive signed bookmarks
The Contest Entry rules have changed so read them carefully
This contest lasts for TWO DAYS Ending at 11:59 pm Central on 4/29/11
These are the ways you can enter to gain points towards winning the prize offered here today. The only one that is mandatory is #1. The rest are optional. The more you do, the more points you gain, the better your odds at winning the prize. Prizes are chosen using the random.org number generator. Making a purchase is NOT mandatory, it is only one way to gain additional points. There are free ways to get points. Remember to add in your RSVP points if you RSVP’d.
1. LEAVE YOUR FIRST NAME AND THE INITIAL OF YOUR LAST NAME AND YOUR COUNTRY in your comment/post so we can give you the proper credit for your entries. Mandatory, if you don’t leave this, your entries will NOT count. It is NOT mandatory to make a purchase to be entered into the contest.
2. Ask Charlaine ONE question. Please make sure it is NOT a duplicate. Good for 1 + points
3. Order NEW copies of the author’s book Dead Reckoning in any format by using the links below. Note international users the Amazon links should take you to your country’s amazon site for the following. UK, Germany, France, and Canada.
Purchase Dead Reckoning from Amazon
Purchase Dead Reckoning from Barnes & Noble
Good for 500 + points per book you purchase by using the links above. Email your receipt to the prize Goddess here bittenbybooks.contests @ gmail.com (no spaces).
OR you can use the Barnes & Noble link HERE to make your purchase of ANY kind of merchandise during the contest. You can also use the Amazon link HERE to shop as well. Good for 100 + entries to the contest for EACH item you purchase.
4. Spread the word about this contest and HELP OUT Charlaine!
Tweet this event: http://www.bittenbybooks.com/?p=41289 + 10 Points (max 3 times a day please not all at the same time) include @bittenbybooks in your tweet.
5. Enter Donna Grant’s KINDLE Contest here: http://www.bittenbybooks.com/?p=41063 +5 points
Attend Ami Blackwelders Guest blog and Contest today here: http://www.bittenbybooks.com/?p=41271 + 15 points
RSVP and attend the D. B. Reynolds Interview and $50.00 Amazon GC Contest tomorrow here:Â http://www.bittenbybooks.com/?p=41007 + 5 points
6. VOTE on the right hand side of the site and weigh in on this round of the BBB Smackdown on the funniest authors +5 points here: http://www.bittenbybooks.com/?p=41270
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Will we get to see Quinn in Dead Reckoning?
Karen J.
Quinn is not in Dead Reckoning, but he will be in the novella Small Town Wedding in “The Sookie Companion” in August.
Hi Charlene. Thank you for writing all these great books. My question is:
How do you feel about your books, and this genre in general, being classified as “chick lit” and do you consider yourself and characters such as Pam (given her age, appearance and business acumen) feminists?
Did you see my answer below? I forgot to hit the Reply button on that one.
Is there a wedding in the future for Sookie Stackhouse?
I’m not saying, on that.
Hi Charlaine!
Since we already know there will be two more books after DEAD RECKONING, I would like to know if you are envisioning the last one in the series to be an apocolyptic type book with all hell breaking loose or will it be a more slower paced romantic type book?
Thanks for coming to BBB.
Your minion always,
DebiM
Maybe it’ll end with my favorite generic ending: “And then they all got run over by a bus.”
And OMG – my auto spellcheck turned on for your name (WTH!!!) Sorry Charlaine!
No problem, Lara.
Lara, I’m glad you’re enjoying the books. I am certainly a feminist, and Pam thinks she is beyond feminism. Somewhat to my surprise, I have a lot of male readers for the Sookie series; including a lot of guys who like to read the books with their wives.
Debi, the last book will have some action, definitely, though it may not be as bloody. I don’t know if I can tie up all the loose ends, but I’m going to give it a shot.
I have every confidence that you will deliver a great finish to Sookie’s story.
I wish you could impart that confidence to a lot of people!
Hi Charlaine,
Thanks for coming to BBB today! I can’t wait for the next book. The last book was very dark. Is this one dark, too, please tell me no more babies will die!
Even though True Blood doesn’t follow the storyline as much as I’d like, I really have enjoyed it. I must say I prefer the books though. I love both Pams! Keep on writing the stories we love. Thanks for taking us into the Bon Temps world.
Beth
1. Beth M.-USA RSVP’d +25 points
2. Asked Charlaine ONE question. 1 + point
3. Ordered a NEW copy of Dead Reckoning +500
4. Tweeted this event: + 10 Points
5. Entered Donna Grant
OOps didn’t total
Total 567
Beth, I think the Pam in the show and the original Pam are quite similar.The next book does have a couple of bloody scenes, but there are no pregnant women in it that I can recall.
Is Eric going to be able to supplant the current King of Louisiana?
The current king is Felipe, who is not so much Eric’s problem as his regent, Victor Madden. Victor is Eric’s major concern in Dead Reckoning.
Hi Charlaine!
I love the series! My questions is “Is there a wedding in the future for Ms. Stackhouse?”.
Denae B. – Clovis, Ca
That’s too specific, but I’m sure Sookie will end up with a life she enjoys.
Yes, my husband is not a big reader but he loves True Blood started skimming the book to know what I’m talking about when I discuss the differences between it and the books. He’s actually read two of the books, which for him is a record I think.
I think guys come to the books with a whole different attitude, and they enjoy different things about them.
Hi! Thanks for many hours of entertainment.
What advice do you have for aspiring authors? And, can you share with us a funny example of something you wrote about one of the characters that you couldn’t face actually leaving in the final version of a book?
Writing is hard; I meet people all the time who think they’ll suddenly decide to “whip out a book” and make a lot of money. Both of those goals are pretty ridiculous. I didn’t make serious money for decades. The most basic advice I can give a writer is this: read, read, read. Then put your bottom in a chair and write. See what happens. On the latter part of your question: I’ve never removed anything funny, myself, but my editor has missed the point of my humor once or twice and asked me to remove sections.
Hi Charlaine,
I wanted to ask if you initially had a definite idea of who Sookie would end up with and has that changed as you’ve gotten deeper into writing the series?
Thanks
Jen N
Jen, I’ve known from maybe the second book or so who Sookie will end up with, and that hasn’t changed.
Gabrielle J. from the USA!
Hi Mrs. Harris! I’ve really been looking forward to this! I unfortunately haven’t read any of your books yet but I love True Blood! And I hope to read the books very soon because I’ve heard wonderful things about your work!
Anyway I thought of a bunch of different questions but then I remembered we were limited to just one question, which is fine with me.
Anyway my question was this; As a writer of books that are in a series does it get harder and harder for you to come up with new material for your series as it goes along? If so how do you keep things fresh and exciting for your series and for your readers? +1 point
I’m really glad you could be at Bitten By Books! Have a good night!
—————————————————————————–
1. I RSVPed for this event! +25 points
2. I RSVPed the D.B. Reynolds event +5 points
3. I’m tallying my own points +1 point
4. I asked Mrs. Harris a question +1 point
5. Total points – 32 points!
Thanks again Mrs. Harris!
Gabrielle, I find that the series does get harder to write. I’m now writing Sookie Twelve, the next to last book in the series, and I find myself both sad and relieved that there will be an end to this amazing run.
Hi there! I have read all the sookie books, plus I’ve listened to them on audio. I love them!! I was wondering what your thoughts were on audio, if you listened to them yourself, or if you have any say in who the narrator was and if not are you happy with her? thanks for being here!!
Joani S USA
rsvp’d
did Grant’s contest
did blackwelders contest
rsvp’d for reynold’s
voted in the smackdown
did the chat
did off the fang
tally points=67
Joani, I love Johanna Parker. We’ve done a couple of events together, and I enjoy it every time. I think she does a great job. It really makes a difference when you listen to a book; I find different things stand out. Sookie sounds angrier read out loud, for some reason, and I think it’s interesting that that’s how Anna Paquin plays her, too. I did not have any choice about who Recorded Books picked, but I’m delighted with the result.
Hi, Charlaine. I’m really looking forward to the next book, though these days I do most of my “reading” by listening to audiobooks. I think I read somewhere that this one will be available on Audible either right away or very soon.
Here’s my question: I’ve been following the Sookie Stackhouse series from the beginning. Recently, at the recommendation of multiple friends, I started reading the Harper Connelly Series. I’m interested in how you decide how much background information to include in each new book (to catch new readers up) and if it differs from series to series.
Thanks,
Morven
USA
In the Harper books I parcelled out her history in bits, because that seemed to be the more effective way to tell her story. With Sookie, her life essentially began the moment Bill walked into the bar, and all I had to do was slide in the fact that vampires are now admitting their existence and had been for some years, and why that happened. I had to jump in and establish that up front for the opening chapter to make sense.
You’ve mentioned inspirations for the physical characteristics of Bill, Eric, and Quinn….where does Sam come from?
Sam had to look the way he did to fit what he was. He didn’t need to be big or imposing, because he’s naturally strong. He really needed to look more like an average guy, because he’s fitting into the world of Bon Temps. I didn’t have any specific “role model” in mind for him; I pretty much conjured him out of my head.
Well, you did a very good job!
Sam has always been my favorite character.
Hi Charlaine! Can you comment on whether Sookie will be doing any more traveling outside of the Bon Temps/Shreveport area in the coming books?
Bessie, she’ll travel to Texas in the novella in “The Sookie Companion,” and I think she’ll stay put in Sookie Twelve. Sookie Thirteen hasn’t been mapped out yet.
Thank you again, Charlaine, for making yourself available to your fans. I second alliehar’s comments!:)
I would like to know what you think about the HBO series taken from your book? I personaly think they stink, I really enjoy the books hate the shows.
I love the show, but to each her own. They’re really separate entertainment experiences, and you don’t have to like one to enjoy the other, I find.
You have to view the show as a completely different universe than the books
And enjoy the view
Lisa R smalltown, USA
Charlaine, let me say how much I
Lisa, I’m sure there’s a little of me in ALL my characters, which is kind of scary. The fairies are the hardest to write because they don’t come from a Christian tradition. They come from an older, darker place, and I have to loose the assumptions I find I usually have when I write other characters.
Will you having any of your chacactors spin off into a new series of books?
rsvp
elaine b
That’s possible. I certainly have plenty to work with.
WooHoo! I love that it’s at least possible. I’ve really enjoyed several of my series where the author has done an arch so that we have the same world rules, new main characters, and still get occasional glimpses of the lives of favorite characters we had grown to love without the series totally ended. The end of a favorite series has me mourning as if a friend has died.
oops total=82
have had the book on preorder since release date announced!
That’s good to hear, Lisa. I hope you enjoy it.
+10 http://twitter.com/#!/alterlisa/status/63758357806329856
+10 http://twitter.com/#!/alterlisa/status/63783308189908992
total=102
Thank you Ms. Harris for doing things like this for your fans it’s much appreciated
1. Would you say that Sookie has always had a “dark side” or is it something that just happened from the company she keeps?
2. Why do Sookie and Alcide never get together…and is there any hope for all of us “Furbangers”?
Everyone has a dark side. Sookie is no exception. I’m sure the stress she’s experienced as a result of her involvement in the supe world has made that darkness more likely to pop up. Alcide is a character whose darker side is developing very rapidly, by the way. Sookie doesn’t need to be sleeping with every attractive male character in the books, I think. Didn’t Quinn satisfy your furry penchant?
Actually no. I never liked Quinn…and I’m going to assume by the “I think” there’s a “glamour” of hope. Thanks again Ms. Harris. Will be seeing you in Chicago next week. I can’t wait to meet you
Thanks so much for being here Ms. Harris. I am a HUGE fan of the books and am praying Ball & Co. get book 4 right, it’s my favorite. Reading yours and other series have inspired me to put my crazy thoughts down finally after all these years. My question is once you have a finished product, how do you go about getting an editor, publisher? I know you can self-publish now, which is a mixed blessing, I’m just curious what the next step is? Thanks for giving me some of my all time favorite characters to love!
Rochelle, that is a huge question, and beyond my powers to answer here. You need to do a lot of research. There are options open now that weren’t when I was published first (thirty-odd years ago). Do a lot of reading about how to get an agent; it’s really excellent if you can sign with an agent first, but getting an agent is almost as hard as getting a publisher. Good luck to you, and do lots of homework on this. You’ll learn the industry in the process.
Thanks for the advice. It’s been rather therapeutic to write and it may just end up being a labor of love but in case I decide to do more with it, I’ll definitely take your advice. And thanks again for the hot guys in your books, sorry, I had to put that in!
Hi Charlaine-
Do you have any hints for us about what you intend to write when you finish with Sookie and the gang? I’m personally hoping for another series…. (I loved Harper and was really sad to see the end of that series. I think she would have been hard to write, but, she was an amazing character).
Thanks- Tracy W-R
Tracy, Harper WAS hard to write, and I thank you for your compliment. I have so many ideas about what to work on in my life after Sookie! It’s very exciting to contemplate. But this year I’m committed to two short stories, finishing Sookie Twelve, and working on a graphic novel with Christopher Golden. Next year I’ll write Sookie Thirteen. Then I have about five ideas of what to do next!
Ooooh!- Congratulations on the graphic novel! A totally new and different type of dialogue! What a fun and different challenge. I know it will be wonderful.
Hi Charlaine, I was wondering how you keep track of all your characters after so many books in the series? Do you ever forget what you’ve written from one book to the next?
I certainly do forget. For one thing, I wrote the Sookie books in quick succession, and I didn’t take the time to make a record. With the help of (first) Debi Murray and (second) Victoria Koski, I was able to keep the errors at a minimum. If you’re writing a series, it’s very important to keep a record of all your characters and particulars about them (age, what they drive, and so on). Take the time so you won’t stumble like I did.
Hi Charlaine!
Sookie seems to becoming more and more a survialist while having to deal with all this supernatural drama. Will she get to a point where enough is enough and try to find a way out of the supe world or is she resigned to stay in it?
*survivalist
Lindsayb, I think Sookie dreams about getting out of the supe world, but I think that by this time she’d find her life felt pretty drab without supes in it. She may imagine a life free of drama would be sweet, but she would probably get bored. I’m sure that just getting rid of the threats on her life would be sufficient!
Charlaine – I’m a big Quinn fan. Will we ever get to see him appear again in the regular series with Sookie and the rest of the gang, or is the short story it for him?
I am so sorry for the double post! I had no idea the first one went through.
Hi Charlaine! So excited to get a chance to ask you a question, so here goes. I read your book, Sweet and Deadly. I absolutely loved it!Do you have any plans to do any more stand-alone novels? Thank you fro taking the time to answer.
points:
RSVP +25
question +1
tweet +10
voted in smackdown +5
tally +1
total: 42
It’s been so long since I wrote a stand-alone. I think in “series” now. But it would be interesting to try. Every now and then I write a short story that doesn’t fit into any of my series, and that’s really exciting work.
I am going to try not to spaz out in true fangirl fashion via internet. But I make no promises because I a a huge fan!
And now I don’t know how to narrow down my questions. Although I believe you’ll be touring to Cincinnati. So I hope I’ll be able to ask more then. And I promise not to spaz out then!
I have always been curious, when you start a book do you know what is going to happen when you sit down or does the story surprise you?
Thanks so much for being here!
Rae M. USA
RSVP’d +25
Attend Ami Blackwelder +15
Voted in Smackdown +5
RSVP and attend DB Reynolds +5
Attend weekly book chat +5
Attend screen bites +5
Ask question +1
Tally points +1
Total =62
Rae, I’ve tried both ways. I’ve outlined, I’ve started books with no idea whatsoever would happen. But lately, here’s what I do with Sookie: I write down what will happen with the vampire thread, what will happen with the Weres, and what will happen with the fairies. Then I establish what will happen in Sookie’s personal life. Then I combine all that to create the book. It helps me keep the threads straight in my head.
Hi Charlaine. Thanks so much for joining us here at BBB!
This is Carol, one of your moderators from the Dark Fantasy track at Dragon*Con. We are so thrilled that you will be joining us this year! It will be great to work with you again.
When you go to fan conventions, do you ever get to do the “fan thing” yourself, or are you too busy?
Carol, I love to listen to other writers. But the past couple of years, I have found (to my dismay) that it throws some writers off to have me in the audience; it’s a distraction, and I don’t want to disrupt their time to shine. So I haven’t been to some panels I’d really have enjoyed. Maybe a fake nose?
We may be able to scrounge up something for you.
You could try a wig. Or a big hat.
The mind boggles.
Wonder if you run into many people like me who have never read this series but have read your anthologies? +1
Rsvp’d. +25
Ami +15
Smackdown +5
Reynolds+5
chat& bites +10
talley +1
Viki S. USA
Total= 62
Not too often, but the anthologies are so much fun to do. I get to work with my wonderful friend Toni L.P. Kelner, I get to ask favorite writers to send in their work, and we get really original entries. It’s a refreshing change to wear an editor’s hat.
If you could do it all over again is there anything you would write differently in the Sookie series? Any regrets?
There would be some things I would trim out, Jenni, subplots that never really went any where. And I’d leave out the blood bond, simply because I got tired of explaining it and answering questions about it.
If it’s any consolation I liked the blood bond, but I am firmly on team Eric since the beginning.
Cindy M. USA
I adore Sookie…I love her “innoccent” presence. Down the road will she EVER have a HEA with a deserving lover? Or will she always be on the edge of death?
Cindy, I hope Sookie ends up happy and productive. She will NOT end up on the verge of death.
Jesscica C.
usa
Hi I love your Sookie series.
After you are finished writing about her, What is going to be your next big series?
I’m not sure what I’ll do next, Jessica. I pretty much answered this question earlier. I have a lot of options, which is a great place to be.
Hey Charlaine!
I was wondering if you had any plans for after The Southern Vampire novels?
Jessica S. from the USA
I RSVP +25
Question +1
Add +1
27 points
I think I’ve already answered that one, Jessica.
What do you consider the most humorous scene you’ve written in the Sookie books?
I enjoyed the Eric-with-the-broom scene. Truthfully, I laugh all by myself quite often. It makes my job a lot easier when I can let my sense of humor run free.
i just want to say that your Sookie Stackhouse are fantastic. I have read the entire set and gave them to a co-worker who had turned me on to the True Blood series. I even got one of your autographed copies from Mysterious Galaxy bookstore in San Diego via online purchase as i live in New York. I already have your next in line book coming since i pre-ordered via Amazon.
That’s great to hear. Mysterious Galaxy is one of my very favorite stores, and I always enjoy signing there.
Charlaine
The novella may be it, though I haven’t completely plotted the last book yet. So far, he isn’t in Book 12.
I see that Quinn will not be in Dead Reckoning but am curious about his appearance in the novella. Sookie has stated a few times that she is not sure if ending things with him was a mistake or not. Will she soon be able to answer that question? will there be some closure with him?
I’m excited to see you in Edina on May 6
Hi, alliehar. I think Sookie was right in her decision to close the door on Quinn. If she didn’t feel right about the relationship, then it wasn’t right, though she acted on impulse and wasn’t thinking very clearly. Some times you do the right thing for the wrong reasons.
Who are some of your favorite authors to read?
So many. Lee Child, Denise Swanson, Nancy Pickard, Sarah Monette, Barry Eisler, Andrew Vachss, Jim Butcher, Shirley Jackson, Barbara Pym, Kim Harrison, Laurell K. Hamilton, Charlie Huston, Mike Carey, Simon R. Green, Robin McKinley . . . I could go on and on.
Thanks! I am a huge Jim Butcher fan, and I’ve read Lee Child and Charlie Huston but I will have to check out some of the others.
I’m fairly certain you’d like Mike Carey, who is hard-boiled but with a supernatural element.
Hiya! I love your books! Have you ever done anything like go ghost hunting to get inspiration for your books.
question = 1 pts per
tweet 10
smack down 5
weekly chat 5
screen bites 5
tally 1=27
Jessica R USA
I think any new experience can provide interesting ideas. I’ve never tried ghost hunting.
Jessi C USA
Hey Charlaine,
I met you last year in Virginia and of course you’re as awesome as I thought you would be! My question: before you even started writing, how long did it take you to come up with Sookie & her world and how detailed did you get before setting pen to paper? (example do the characters have middle names? Favorite food? Etc)
RSVP- 25
Question- 1
Tally-1
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27
Jessi, I don’t write a biography of each character or anything like that, though I know writers who use that tool effectively. Whatever works for you is the right way to do it. I establish my protagonist, figure her out thoroughly. Though I don’t know exactly what’s on Sookie’s bookshelf and what music she listens to, I could come up with it quickly if I had to, since I know her. You should know what your character has in her purse or his pockets, for example.
Charlaine, I’ve adored your work since long before Sookie – tho I adore Sookie, too! You you envision yourself writing “straight” mystery again? Sticking with paranormal elements?
BTW, you can sit in an audience I’m speaking to any time!
Light,
Nancy Haddock
Thanks, Nancy! Though I don’t disdain the idea of going back to straight mysteries, I don’t think I’d write traditional mysteries again (a more elegant way of saying “cozies”). Maybe if I had a great idea for one, I’d take the plunge. It would be interesting to construct a book WITHOUT a supernatural element after all this time!
Nancy, your next book comes out the same day as mine, doesn’t it? Good luck!
Hi Charlaine,
Do you generally set one large or many small goals? What do you do to reward yourself when you reach your goals?
I get to live. Seriously, my goals are these: I try to write six pages a day. I try to remember that writing is the reason I’m in the business, not the “business” of being a writer. I try to finish my books on time, though I’ve failed the past two books and run over. I’ve met goals I never even set for myself, like being on the NYT list, and then being Number One. I did reward myself for that one, pretty lavishly.
Can you elaborate on how lavishly? LOL What did you reward yourself with? And congrats on that amazing achievement.
Just want to thank you again for being here with us Charlaine. You are a gem. You are a favorite amongst our readers and the Bitten by Books staff!
I bought myself a diamond ring. I picked it out all by myself. I had a great time. We’re not people who do a lot in the way of big purchases, so this was an exciting event for me. Thanks for the huge compliment.
Thanks, Charlaine, for answering all our questions! And your ring is very pretty!
other contest stuff
Since it is quiet, can I add another comment? Thank you Charlaine for bringing so many people joy with your writing & storytelling. I’m looking forward to Dead Reckoning but even more excited to see what new things you come up with in the future.
Awww, alliehar. I’m kind of interested to see what I come up with, too. I hope it’s as much for me (and the readers) as Sookie has been.
Well, I’ve loved all your series-Lily, Aurora, Harper & Sookie. I have no doubt you’ll come up with another gem.
Hi Charlaine My husband and I a huge fans of yours and have been since your Sookie books first came out. I’m a huge team Eric fan and even named one of my sons Eric (just had to get that out). I’m sorry if this question has been asked and I missed it. Are you going to be doing a definite end to Sookie are leave it kind of open so you could return to it in a few years if the mood struck you?
I’m sure Book Thirteen will be the last Sookie. However, I try to never say “never.” I don’t think the mood will strike me again. I’ve lived with Sookie for so long; I’m scared if I kept on writing about her the excitement would drain out of it and it would become a mechanical exercise.
I could see where that might happen. Some series seem to get more and more “out” there as they grow longer. It is harder for me to suspend belief. Kind of like daytime soap operas. I wouldn’t want Sookie to become the Erica Kane of the book world. Though I will miss her so very much. It is so amazing to me how readers connect to a writer in a symbiotic relationship through characters lives without ever meeting. It ties us together in ways that we never even realize and writers impact people’s lives in ways often they don’t even realize. I think maybe you do see it Charlaine since you have been around the block a few times. But you do give a gift each time you write that last word and send the finished manuscript to print. It is an art for which I am thankful to you and others who have the stamina and creative drive to sit down and give to the world.
Hi, Charlaine! Totally awesome that you would take the time to do this
My question has actually already been answered…and many more I wouldn’t have even thought of. Guess that’s what happens when you arrive late to a party.
I’m over the moon Quinn will be in another Sookie book, but a little sad to hear book 13 will be the last — good to end on a fantastic note, though, eh? Maybe you’ll write a few shorts to feed to us hungry fans, from time to time? Sure hope so!
And I just thought of a question!
After book 13, do you have another series in mind that you will start or have already started?
Before I go…much gushing to be had. LOVE your work, thank you for all the many hours I’ve spent hooked to a book, nails bitten down and night-light drained of batteries! THANK YOU xxx
xxx
Jo K
Thanks, Jo. I think I answered that one earlier. I’m so glad you’re enjoying the Sookie books, and I hope you give others things I write a chance. Writing the Sookie novels is an amazing experience.
I want to thank Bitten by Books for inviting me here to answer questions this evening. Thanks for talking to me. I hope all of you enjoy “Dead Reckoning” and the other Sookie books! Keep reading!
Hi Charlaine: Just want you to know how much I enjoy the Sookie Stackhouse novels. When I can’t get enough of True Blood HBO, I have your novels to read. If anyone out there has watched the show but not read the books, the great thing is that there are enough differences to make both entertaining and yet satisfy the need to step into the world that is Bon Temps. I hate that it will end soon. Great job on writing such a wonderful series.
I missed the whole thing! Out here in California on a different time but I will get to see you again close to my birthday. Mysterious Galaxy rocks and so do you Charlaine for coming every year. Last year seeing you was the BEST 30th birthday gift I could have asked for. Don’t know if you remember me but I am the goofy chick who makes the shirts, I even gave you one. Anyways, thanks for being such an inspiration to all us aspiring authors!
~Jennifer Peurifoy
Oh and do you like pecan pie? Sorry had to throw the question out there!
Thank you for chatting with us, Charlaine. Loved reading your answers.
**
Mare S, USA
RSVP’d +25
Enter Donna Grant
Would you at some point in time delve more into the backstory of Sookie’s fey family? (i have a bit of a fey curiousity)
I can’t wait for my preordered book to come in for me to read, and luckily it will be when i graduate so i can stay up all night reading!! Thank you for such an amazing series for me to get lost in.
Elizabeth S
RSVP
Pre-order
question
http://www.bittenbybooks.com/41270/battle-of-the-funny-authors-katie-macalister-vs-angie-fox/#comment-276494
Would you consider creating a book based on Sookie’s childhood? 82 pts
http://www.bittenbybooks.com/41023/spellbent-by-lucy-a-snyder-weekly-book-chat/
http://www.bittenbybooks.com/41063/author-donna-grant-release-party-and-kindle-contest-live-here/
http://www.bittenbybooks.com/41271/author-ami-blackwelder-guest-blog-and-contest-live-here-2/
http://www.bittenbybooks.com/41007/author-d-b-reynolds-interview-and-50-00-amazon-gift-card-contest-429-rsvp-here/#comment-276498?tag=bittenbybooks-20
http://www.bittenbybooks.com/40688/i%e2%80%99m-rich-biyatch-aka-helping-those-who-help-us-brought-to-you-by-off-the-fang/
http://www.bittenbybooks.com/41035/bitten-by-books-screen-bites-two-for-the-price-of-one-here-and-there-on-fringe/
http://twitter.com/#!/Icecream1891
I RSVP’d too
Krystal L. USA
http://www.bittenbybooks.com/41270/battle-of-the-funny-authors-katie-macalister-vs-angie-fox/#comment-276494
http://www.bittenbybooks.com/41023/spellbent-by-lucy-a-snyder-weekly-book-chat/
http://www.bittenbybooks.com/41063/author-donna-grant-release-party-and-kindle-contest-live-here/
http://www.bittenbybooks.com/41271/author-ami-blackwelder-guest-blog-and-contest-live-here-2/
http://www.bittenbybooks.com/41007/author-d-b-reynolds-interview-and-50-00-amazon-gift-card-contest-429-rsvp-here/#comment-276498?tag=bittenbybooks-20
http://www.bittenbybooks.com/40688/i%e2%80%99m-rich-biyatch-aka-helping-those-who-help-us-brought-to-you-by-off-the-fang/
http://www.bittenbybooks.com/41035/bitten-by-books-screen-bites-two-for-the-price-of-one-here-and-there-on-fringe/
http://twitter.com/#!/Icecream1891
I also RSVP’d pts=82 YAY
ok, I know i’m late, so i’m not sure if your still here. I RSVP’d, but I had to meet up with my group and finish a group project for school.
I just wanted to ask:
Who is your favorite character throughout the whole Sookie Stackhouse Series?
Thank You So Much,
Andrea :0)
Hi Charlaine!,
Who is your favorite character out of the whole Sookie Stackhouse Series?
PS:
I RSVP’d +25
Thanks,
Andrea :0)
Hi Charlaine, Love your writing! Your Southern Vampire series is a story line that takes me away when I read them. And God knows we all need that sometimes. I thank you for the sanity gettaways you often provide for me.(I’m pretty sure my husband and kids would thank you also!) I was curious to know how old you were when you had your first book published and what was the book?
Cool to read the comments & answers!
Julie T., USA
+25 RSVPed
+5 RSVP and attend the D. B. Reynolds Interview
+5 VOTE in the battle of the Funny Authors
+5 Attend Donna Grant
Larena W. USA
Have you been able to meet the cast of TruBlood? +1
RSVP’d & attended Ami Blackwelder +15
RSVP’d D.B. Reynolds +5
did book chat +5
did off the fang +5
did poll +5
did schreen bites +5
total: 40 +1 = 41
Hi Charlaine!
Just wanted to say I love your books and cannot wait for Dead Reckoning. Just a question on Amelia: Will we see her again before the series ends completely? My original question was about Quinn, but you answered that already and I’m tooooo thrilled. Loved him tremendously!
TY,
Shannon
Hi Charlaine
* Hi Have not read the series yet but have more then half of then waiting to get the rest of them that are out before I read the set.
* I RSVPed to be here with Charlaine +25
* I Tweeted about this on my twitter +10
* I Attended Ami Blackwelders Giveaway +15
* I RSVPed for and will attend Tomorrow D.B. Reynolds +5
* I Tallyed my Points +1=56
* Stacey S USA
sasluvbooks(at)yahoo(dot)com
Hi,
a pity I couldn’t be here for the live chat (it was 2-4 am over here), but I would have liked to ask Charlaine: what was your favorite childhood book?
Dovile P., Lithuania
___
+25 RSVPed for this event
+1 for the question
+5 entered Donna Grant’s contest
+5 RSVPed and will attend the D. B. Reynolds Interview
+10 voted on the poll and commented on Off the Fang
+1 tallying
Total: 47
Dagnabbit! I actually had to work at work last night! Totally missed the party!!!
I RSVPd + 25
I ordered the audio format of DEAD RECKONING and sent the receipt to the Prize Goddess +150
Enter Donna Grant
1. RSVP +25
2. Do you have any pets? +1
3. Tweeted about contest at http://twitter.com/likwan/status/64105641005957120. +10
4. Attended Ami Blackwelders guest blog and contest. +15
5. Voted in the smackdown on the funniest authors +5
6. Tallying own points. +1
Total=57 points
Lily K.
United States
Hi Charlaine!
Thanks soooo much for stopping by! Your Sookie Stackhouse series is one of mt all time faves and I just can’t get enough of it!
+1 Question:
I was wondering if you ever decided to write a spin off series of Sookie, who do you think would be the best character to write about?
+10 Tweet: http://twitter.com/#!/RachyBee/status/64181354417500160
+5 Enterd Donna Grant
Pingback: On Sookie: Blood, Sex, and Feminism | open a vein
I just wanted to know if you’re happy with the way the TV series has gone. Every time I watch a new episode I find myself getting more frustrated and taking my aggression out on my boyfriend or the TV screen. haha. Do you know how they’re going to close up those episodes because the way it’s going it seems like they’re going to kill off Bill. Unless there’s something about the last two books your not telling us? I love your writing, honestly I read your books while my grandfather (also a fanatical reader) was passing. It helped me escape my depression. I thank you for that. Also you inspired me to finally complete a book. I have been trying to write my own book since I was 13 and after reading your books I sat down and completed two books within two weeks. Now I’m going over them and retyping them and adding more stuff to it as I go. I just don’t know how to go about getting published. You’re a great inspiration. Thank you for taking your time and sitting down and writing a series that captured my heart. <3