Questions and Answers with Charlaine from Houston Library Appearance

The videos are now posted here. The photos are in a little slide show below. Sorry about the video quality but it was cramped quarters and remember to turn up the sound!

The first question asked was from the lovely Object Desire and she asked, Did you ever anticipate that people would spend this much time trying to figure out what you're gonna do next?

I think of myself as a very straight forward person. I don't think of myself as devious. And I'm really bewildered ..by the absorption in my hidden motives I mean it is entertaining to me; don't get me wrong, sometimes I think "Gosh, I wish I had thought of that: that's so much smarter than the actual plot.

Question about Eric getting his memories back that he's acting a bit different towards Sookie. Is he gonna keep that up or is he gonna go back to old Eric?

He's gonna keep it up! At least, in the next book. Eric & Sookie's relationship will be fraught with meaning.

Question about the accents. Do you think they're pretty accurate?
She was surprised at first. And then I thought well they're all trying really hard. You know after you watch an episode you get used to it and it's ok after that. The guy, who plays Sam, Sam Trammel, is from Louisiana. The guy who plays Lafayette is from Alabama. So there are some true born southerners in the cast.

I was wondering how you came up with the series for Sookie. How did you come with writing it?

She says she wanted to write a series about a girl who was dating a vampire.And that was my initial concept. So I developed her character based on that one fact about her. I figured she had to have some kind of disability or she wouldn't want to date a vampire. So after some thinking - which actually pretty tasteless about what kind of disability she would have I mean I'm talking wooden leg here I finally decided that telepathy would work.

Changes in story for True Blood
she is a little mystified at some of them but she knows that a purpose will be revealed

Anne Rice had southern Louisiana vampires and they were all full of angst and the can't have sex - so she went with Northern Louisiana vamps and sex.

Alan told her that there would be changes dues to his want to appeal to a broader demographic.

She asked him about Sookie's white dress and wanted to know when she bought it?
* he said he didn't know, that the writer just wanted to write a story with a woman in a white dress running through a graveyard

What are her favorite Sookie characters?
. Sookie, because she has fun with her and because she knows her so well and she knows what she'll do d do in almost any situations. Writing fun its got to be Pam because she's so fun and because she will usually do something really outrageous.

CH says she's really not that devious.

Question about dangling plot lines
. She says sometimes she has just forgotten them . When fans ask about particular ones she makes a post -it note and sticks it the wall and if she can she answers it in the next book

Will be ever see Bubba
. Alan say he can't tell her , maybe he's still thinking . She says sh'd have Bruce Campbell play him

Options and how Sookie became True Blood
. She had three offers and when one of them was Alan Ball she knew she'd be foolish to not go with him. She also thought he could handle the quirkiness of the combination of blood, sex and humor because of how he handled 6 feet under . And he sent her lots of pink roses

What character from the Sookie books would she spin off to create a new series of books?
. Stan Davis , sheriff of area 6 in Dallas . Or if she wanted to write gay porn it would be the King of Mississippi

Who does she prefer Eric or Bill?
. She says they both have strong points . Doesn't favor either one

What is the favorite book that she's written?
. Shakespeare Champion

Changes in Sookie between TB and the books
.CH says the TB Sookie looses her temper faster . CH really likes Anna Paquin and what she's done with Sookie

Changes to Bill
. An audience member wanted Ball to allow Bill eot levitate and she didn't know why they didn't let him

How many Sookie books will she write?
. She has contract for 10 Books ( or one more after Dead to Worse ) -(the audience gasps ) . She is sure her publisher will write her a new contract ( much applause) for more books


Is the amount of gratuitous Jason sex part of the demographic that Ball is looking for ?
. Yes, she thinks so

If anyone would like to have a copy of a photo without a watermarks contact me and I'll be happy to share, also remember to leave a comment to be eligible for the drawing we will have for an autographed book!

True Blood: More Expectations for Season 2

There's so much to look forward to when True Blood returns for its sophomore season. The first season ended with so many mysteries and cliffhangers, leaving me even more curious and wanting more. But before I can sink my teeth into new episodes, I still have to endure nearly five months of waiting. Luckily, I've stumbled upon an article that hints on what season 2 has to offer.

With several actors already on board for season 2, it's inevitable that a lot of hook-ups are in the works. Series creator Alan Ball hinted that there's going to be “new romances for Tara, Jason and Sara, while Bill and Sookie have a lot of issues to sort out, including having made a new teenage vampire that's living in their house.”

Tara's story is quite predictable. The minute Eggs was introduced to the picture, it became apparent that sparks were about to fly between these two sooner or later. Jason, on the other hand, has always been the gullible playboy so it's hard not to picture him without a love interest. As for Sara, she's a character who shows up in one of the books so it will be interesting to see what's in the cards for her.

I'm not a fan of TV romance especially when it becomes too cheesy. Somehow, I find myself drawn to relationships between vampires and humans. Perhaps it's because these forbidden and confusing loves are even more complicated than the whole blood-sucking issue. Then there's that desire and lust that runs through their veins, and fortunately, True Blood tackles these cravings head-on.

It's also a good thing that season 2 won't just be all about new romances. Ball reveals, “There's a new creature in town that is unlike any other. Nobody knows what this creature is, I'm not sure if it will be entirely explained in the show.” One thing's for sure, though, it's not a werewolf. One might think that Ball is referring to the mysterious “social worker” Maryann, who, according to the books, is a maenad, a character in Greek mythology who worships the god of wine. But there's also some speculation that it might be Terry, who seems to be starting up a relationship with Arlene if the season finale was any indication. There seems to be more to Terry's character than meets the eye and there were a lot of indications throughout the season. There's an episode in which Sookie says to Terry that he shouldn't worry about any nasty surprises or something like that and Terry kind of blushes and looks down and says, "Well that's because you don't know me that well." I think Terry has a dark secret which might explain why he didn't care about Sam running naked in the woods. Towards the end of the season, he also mentioned that everyone should listen to him because he knows things.

If these predictions are wrong, I'd still like to see more of Terry in the coming episodes. I think the writers could do a lot of running jokes with this eccentric character who doesn't seem to have a prejudiced bone in his body.

The next season on True Blood is slated to air in May

http://www.buddytv.com/articles/true-blood/true-blood-expecting-more-hook-25509.aspx

True Blood Music Video of the Day

Seether by Varuca Salt

GOLDEN GLOBES : How to forecast the winners

the Los Angeles Times has a real shout out to TB and Anna for winning the Golden Globes

This year: HBO's new "True Blood" and "In Treatment" have the best shots for best drama series. Since no new, wacky comedy is nominated, it may be time for voters to play catch-up with " 30 Rock," which hasn't yet won.

The actors: In the acting races, hip veterans in new shows look good: Gabriel Byrne ("In Treatment"), Debra Messing ("The Starter Wife") and Anna Paquin ("True Blood").

http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/news/music/la-en-globes7-2009jan07,0,7442533.htmlstory

A plea to Charlaine : Please don't kill .....

This was a member of the audience at the Houston Public library last night that gathered to hear Charlaine Harris speak ....( i believe she was also a charlatan (ch fan club member )I'm sorry I forgot to get her name ..

THERE WAS NO discussion of THIS !
Object Desire said for me to be careful to NOT start a rumor with this !

I'll just let you ruminate on this .....

Ask Ausiello: Spoilers

Question: We all know that Lafayette was the best character in Season One of True Blood. How can we make sure Alan Ball brings him back next season? -- Brody
Ausiello: Well, as Ball himself recently reminded me, "Lafayette did die in the books." But, he adds, "That doesn't mean he won't be back. Anything's possible."

Question: What's the deal with Michelle Forbes' character on True Blood? Is she Tara's Demon? How does Sam know her? -- Marcy
Ausiello: The mystery surrounding who (or what) Maryann is will play out front and center in season 2 -- and you may not find many clues in the books. "She's definitely a new kind of supernatural creature in Bon Temps," teases Ball. And as new as "it" is, it's also old. "Ancient. Ancient," Ball stresses. In other words, not a Cylon. BTW, production on True Blood's second season begins this week!

http://ausiellofiles.ew.com/2009/01/ask-ausiello-sp.html

Charlaine speaks : breaking news from Houston

Good Morning all

We have big news from our Houston trip yesterday to hear Charlaine Harris ….
We really think some of her answers to the questions she was asked were “news worthy”

I have the entire event on video tape and I also have wonderful photographs.

We didn’t get home until 1:00 am and poor ObjectDesire had to head right out to work at 6 am.
She will be writing one of her FANTASTIC travelogues, this was a very funny trip and it will probably be reflected in her writing. ( I think I will be the butt of the joke) We will have to wait a couple of days for that ….

I will be getting up some photos and sneaks of some of CH more interesting answers soon on the blog.
By later this afternoon I will have the full 25 minutes of video up streaming (and running in a loop) life on the blog.. (It streams right on the blog- right column) http://lovingtruebloodindallas.blogspot.com/

This was Charlaine’s only public appearance in promotion of the release of the first ever hardcover version of Living Dead in Dallas (which is BEAUTIFUL) …and she will have limited appearances after Book 9 in May.

THE BEST NEWS !

I have autographed books to give away, the first book will be given away to someone who posts a comment to one of the ‘Charlaine in Houston’ posts on the blog.
http://lovingtruebloodindallas.blogspot.com/

You must post a comment ( only one) using your HBO wiki name, blog name or other internet name ( DO NOT post your full real name , or your email address ) I will post the winner’s name next week to the blog. We will come up with some other contest later …

Thanks , “Dallas”
truebloodindallas@gmail.com

We are in Houston at the Public Library waiting for CH

We are at the library waiting for Charlaine Harris to speak- the place is packed!

We actually stopped by the bookstore, Murder by the Book earlier today at the exact moment that they brought in Charlaine from the airport.

OD exchanged greetings with her and I watched as they bustled her into the back offices.

MORE SOOONNN

Dallas and Object Desire are on special assignment today

We have special permission from Stan Davis to travel from area 6 to the area that encompasses Houston ( we aren't sure which area that is ) to listen and meet the author of the Sookie Stackhouse books, Charlaine Harris.

Ms Harris will be speaking this evening at the Houston Public Library ( central) and we will drive down and enjoy lunch an afternoon at the fabulous Houston Museum of Art and then mosey over for the event !

We have pre -purchased our hardcover copies of Living Dead in Dallas ( today is the reissue in hardback!) from the wonderful McKenna at Murder by the Books

Lots more here :

http://lovingtruebloodindallas.blogspot.com/search/label/events

I will try to live blog from the event so check back tonight at 7pm-8pm central time
We will bring back video and photos !!

More soon ...Dallas and OD

So it's Jessica Hamby , huh ?

In episode 2, Season 2 we now know that we will meet her mom, dad and 9 year old sister, Eden
this is what we got from casting call.

Many bloggers and posters have some really interesting ideas about the Jessica character and I have NO sense of where that story is going or how it will effect the overall Bill / Sookie arc. Some even think she will be the Godfrey character for True Blood.

I do know one thing...Bill will not let her family or the FotS harm her in anyway without serious retaliation.

[MRS. HAMBY]40 - 50, Jessica's grief-stricken and tearful mother, she appears on the news begging for information on Jessica's whereabouts. Mrs. Hamby is an uncertain woman who completely submits to her husband's decisions and can't make a move without consulting him...GUEST STAR / POSSIBLE RECURRING (14)

[MR. HAMBY]Late 40s - early 50s, stoic and intimidating...GUEST STAR / POSSIBLE RECURRING (14)

[EDEN]9 years old, she is Jessica's awkward sister...GUEST STAR / POSSIBLE RECURRING (42)

The best Jessica scene ever ....
"ohhh- I'm a damn vampire !"

True Blood Music Video of the Day

Beat it by Michael Jackson I'm not kidding - enjoy and get up and dance to it !

If you have a favorite - please send it to me !

HBO Is Hiding Little About ‘Big Love’

this article in the NYT this morning is about HBO viral marketing of Big Love but True Blood is mentioned and it's fascinating !

FANS of shows like “24,” “Lost” and “Big Love” are finally being rewarded for their patience with new episodes. But given the long hiatuses between seasons and further delays because of the writers’ strike, some might have trouble remembering what they liked about these shows in the first place.

HBO’s “Big Love,” which last showed a new episode in August 2007, is beginning an aggressive ad campaign to remind its audience just what was happening to the polygamous Henrickson family. “The big challenge, quite frankly, is the fact that it’s been off the air for so long,” said Courteney Monroe, HBO’s executive vice president for consumer marketing.

The theme of the “Big Love” campaign is secrets. HBO, which likes to include splashy elements and stunts in its campaigns, is installing street-level billboards this week that include dozens of audio jacks. People passing by can plug their headphones into each jack to hear a recording of a different secret about people pictured on the billboard.

Read on http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/06/business/media/06adco.html?_r=1

True Blood - Episode 2.02 - Keep This Party Going - Casting Call

[DIRK]
25 years old, enthusiastic, he's a red-blooded American male who hates vampires...GUEST STAR / RECURRING (16)

[AMANDA]
18-23. This pretty, young, flirty and devoutly Christian girl hands out "honesty rings" at the Rising Sun Leadership Conference. Amanda fronts an all-female Christian rock band "that combines Courtney Love's rock and roll aesthetic, Katy Perry's teen sensibility, and Hilary Duff's squeaky-clean sex appeal." She and her band sing a song about abstinence that has all the boys in the audience mesmerized and lusting...1 song,sptv050769 2 lines, 2 scenes / POSSIBLE RECURRING. ACTRESS MUST BE ABLE TO SING

[MRS. HAMBY]
40 - 50, Jessica's grief-stricken and tearful mother, she appears on the news begging for information on Jessica's whereabouts. Mrs. Hamby is an uncertain woman who completely submits to her husband's decisions and can't make a move without consulting him...GUEST STAR / POSSIBLE RECURRING (14)

[MR. HAMBY]
Late 40s - early 50s, stoic and intimidating...GUEST STAR / POSSIBLE RECURRING (14)

[EDEN]
9 years old, she is Jessica's awkward sister...GUEST STAR / POSSIBLE RECURRING (42)

[SALESWOMAN]
40 years old, flirtatious, and hot for vampires, she suggestively offers to model some clothing for Bill in the dressing room...1 scene (34)

[SALESWOMAN #2]
This saleswoman is thrown by Bill's request for "proper" clothing...1 line, 1 scene (35)

[LARGE WOMAN]
This large woman is insulted by Eric's derisive remarks but quickly scurries away when she sees his fangs.sptv050769..1 line, 1 scene (45)

[ANCHOR]
Seen on TV, this female anchor discusses Mrs. Hamby's latest plea...1 speech, 1 scene (14)

Source: SpoilerTV

True Blood Fan Art

by rene420

You know you've watched too much True Blood when:

You start trying to solve problems with "what would Eric do?"

You stop eating garlic....just in case.

When your husband forgets some items on the grocery list and you point at him and proclaim "You are a dead man."

and, you start saying ya'll and you aren't even Southern.

When you look at the sky at twilight and think "The vampires will be rising soon."

When your house begins looking like Jason's basement

You know you've watched too much True Blood when you look to see if any of the dogs in your neighborhood look like Sam's collie! (Alainanoel)

True Blood Author Charlaine Harris Will Be Signing In Houston

I am so glad that the lovely OD will be accompanying me to Houston !

The woman who wrote the comedic vampire books that inspired the HBO series True Blood is author Charlaine Harris. In what will be her only appearance in support of the reissue of her book Living Dead in Dallas, the second Sookie Stackhouse title, she's set to speak at the Central Branch of the Houston Public Library tomorrow.

The book is named Living Dead in Dallas, so a stop in the Big D would seem a natural, but Harris chose to come to Houston instead and she talked to Hair Balls about why. "My favorite book store in America is in Houston, Murder by the Book on Bissonnet. The owners and staff of MBTB supported me when there was no career to support, starting twenty-plus years ago. So if I sign anywhere for a book, it'll be in Houston."

Set in the Louisiana town of Beau Temps, True Blood, like the book series it's based on, centers on a telepathic waitress named Sookie Stackhouse and her vampire boyfriend, Bill. Harris has had limited involvement in the production of True Blood, but she's been happy with the show's adaptation of her novels. "I have no input into show, other than the fact that I provided the basic schematic in the form of the Sookie novels. In return, Alan doesn't tell me how to write my books. We're each doing what we do best," she says. "I've never been a control freak and when you ally with a great talent like [series creator] Alan Ball, you have to let go and see what happens. That's why I accepted his offer over the others on the table. I'm fascinated with the choices Alan and the other writers are making."

As with many other vampire novels, Harris's books use the undead as a metaphor for "otherness," exemplifying racism, homophobia and class delineations. Harris says that while she does have those issues in mind, mostly she just wants to entertain. "Sure I have an agenda. But my main goal is to entertain the reader, to give the reader a little vacation."

So what's next for Sookie? Harris won't say much, except, "The next book is Dead and Gone. It comes out in May. Sookie is in Bon Temps for this one, and it has some pretty grim action in it."

Charlaine Harris appears at 7 p.m. Central Library, 500 McKinney. For information, call 832-393-1313 or visit www.houstonlibrary.org. Free.

-- Olivia Flores Alvarez

http://blogs.houstonpress.com/hairballs/2009/01/true_blood_author_charlaine_ha.php

True Blood Episode Five : 'Sparks fly out' recap from HBO site

I'm posting the episode recaps from the HBO site. I think we should have them in our archive; they are really long so I will also post them in their entirety as a word document to our scribd site. I think they are worth carefully re-examining for clues!

After watching Bill's frightening ordeal with the police officer, Sookie's shaken and irritated when the vampire drops her off at home. The vampires, the fangbangers, Bill's weird music - it's all gotten to be to much for her.
"You cannot be frightened by all the things you don't know in the world,"
Bill tells her, but she's had far too long of a night to embrace adventure.
Bill leaves, promising not to call on her again. The next morning, Sookie shares her dilemma with Gran, who suggests that Sookie enjoy the opportunity to meet someone who's different. Never mind that Gran's been answering hateful phone calls all morning from townspeople who don't want Bill to speak at her Descendents of the Glorious Dead meeting.

Tara, also dealing with vampire complications, bursts into Lafayette's house in a whirlwind, ripping knick-knacks from the shelves and throwing them around. She's furious that he's been selling V, particularly that he's been selling it to Jason. After hearing the news of her emergency-room visit with Jason, Lafayette apologizes and promises to check on their friend. When Jason stops by, though, Lafayette talks him into trying V again - this time the "right way."

read on
Episode Five ( S1) HBO Recap

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