Charlaine Harris Discusses Books vs. True Blood, Eric and Latest Project

Charlaine Harris answers fans questions at the Washington Post about Sookie’s future, the books vs. True Blood, her latest projects and a little spoiler regarding Eric Northman. Many of the questions posed to Ms. Harris are ones that we’ve seen here time and time again. Perhaps this will help lay those to rest.

Photo credit: Sigrid Estrada

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?

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.

How much longer will the show continue and how do you feel about this past season?

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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. >:(