Charlaine Harris: “I did not kill Bill.”

Cassie White with ABC News had the opportunity to ask Charlaine Harris a few fan questions recently, and got some feisty responses. Here’s an excerpt:

Jane Blount: Why would you kill Bill? He is the most fascinating character I’ve read in years – so mysterious, cool and dark. I’d kill to hear his voice, as you describe it … and I want to finish your wonderful books without crying.

“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 though with. But some I decide I need to be alive.”

khansen: I read recently that you said you didn’t understand why so many fans love Eric so much? If this is true, why was he written to always be there for Sookie, give her what she needs, always tell her the truth, and be emotionally awakened by her, and happier with her than he had been in hundreds of years? He seems perfect for her. Have I read all of the books wrong?

“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.”

Read more answers to fan questions on Cassie’s The Shallow End blog, and see the full interview with Charlaine at ABC News.