Charlaine Harris, Author of 'Sookie Stackhouse' Novels, Talks Books vs. Show

[JamesG]

Q. How did you come up with the idea for the Sookie Stackhouse novels?

A. My other books had done well, but I wanted to broaden my readership base, I wanted to appeal to a broader audience. I decided to write about a young woman who was dating a vampire, rather than just writing about vampires.

Obviously I am using vampires as a metaphor for other things, that's what makes the books more interesting for me. It give the books more depth, though writing about vampires is fun!




Q. What do you think about the HBO series "True Blood"?

A. I love the series! I am very fond of Alan (Ball), he is a genius at casting. I've really enjoyed watching the series.




Q. What was it like meeting the cast members of the show, that play the characters you have created?

A. I had met them all (the cast) previously. Filming the finale was kind of like a reunion. When I first met them I was very nervous because I didn't know too many actors. We got along great ... we are all people that have the same goals.




Q. What was it like filming the finale and being on the set?

A. It was very interesting. I feel like I learned a lot about how much it takes to produce each minute of a TV show. I was really impressed with how hard people work and how many people are involved in the process.




Q. Is your cameo appearance in the finale an important scene?

A. I'm not important at all, but they did give me a line!




Q. Has Alan Ball stayed pretty true to the story lines in your books and how has he deviated?

A. He has had to elaborate on the secondary characters in the series because my books are written in first person, all told by Sookie. Alan has stuck to the outline of the books, with the first novel in the series corresponding with the first season of the series, same with the second.




Q. Do you have any favorite characters on the series?

A. I'm certainly enjoying all of it. ... I'm really enjoying the character of Jessica who is not in the books. A brilliant addition, I wish I had thought of it.




Q. How long do you plan on writing the Sookie Stackhouse series?

A. I just turned the 10th book in the series in to my editor. I don't believe in outstaying my welcome. But my publisher has signed me on for three more books.




Q. Fans are constantly discussing which vampire is the best or their favorite -- Eric or Bill. Who do you like the best?

A. They both came from my brain, so I'm really fond of both of them.




Q. Regarding the main character of your books and "True Blood" -- Sookie Stackhouse. What do you think of Anna Paquin's performance?

A. I've lived with Sookie for so long ... it took me a little while to get into Anna's portrayal of Sookie because her physicality is different. Anna is doing a marvelous job and now, I can't imagine anyone else as Sookie.




Q. What has been the best part about writing the series?

A. It has been wonderful to get in touch with fans through book tours and my Web site. It is good to see so many people excited about reading.

http://www.lehighvalleylive.com/tv/i...rris_talk.html