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Transcript
- Is there any plan for a movie?
No, concrete plans as of yet, but there are people inquiring about the rights on a regular basis.
- I LOVE your books, Laurell! I was wondering if you were ever doing a tour in NY.
There are tentative plans for me coming to the Nebulas in New York in the Spring
- Hi Laurell :-) If you had control over the movie, who would you cast to play Anita, Jean Claude and Richard?
I am not going to get in the casting discussion. I will be thrilled whoever we get in public.
- What directions is Anita's character going in? Blue Moon was darker. Will she have children?
No, she won't have children unless she decides to, or we have an accident. We spend much of book nine discussing what makes you a monster and if Anita has gone over the line of no return.
- I have always appreciated reading about Anita's thoughts and struggles with spirituality... they have felt real and honest. Thank you... I rarely get to read about a strong character's spiritual life.
I find it difficult to think about life without some aspect of spirituality entwined with it.
- You seem to build so many levels in the books, especially using contrast -- themes and characters -- do you do this intentionally? You seem to show how to survive in a violent world -- the cost -- by using opposites like JC and Richard. Is this intentional? Do you mean to use these opposites to add meaning to the stories?
I suppose I do, but it wasn't done deliberately in the beginning. It's just a theme for me; all writer's have them.
- I am a dog behaviorist trainer and I have worked with wolves before, and I just wanted to say that I am impressed with how you got the behavioral and hierarchy system down, you really taught me a few things. :) I like looking at something differently. It's very impressive, I haven't seen anything like this in other books.
Thanks, I try to do my research, and my bio degree is ever useful.
- A question about writing ... did you always know what you were going to do or had you planned another career? I have really enjoyed your books.
I've wanted to be a writer since I was fourteen, though my biology degree was because I wanted to be a wildlife biologist. But it was a brief flirtation. I didn't want to spend my life in grad school, or in grunt work for people with more degrees and more political clout than I had.
- I'd like to say I really love your books, and I really hate saying anything negative, and I do hope this isn't a spoiler, but OB seems to have absolutely terrible copyediting problems. Aren't there good copyeditors around? I'd -pay- to do it never to have to see any of those typos and repeated sentences again.
Of course there are, and I will not say a word against my copyeditors because I would go mad in a matter of days if I had to do their job.
- Asher fascinates me. Are there any plans to give him an animal to call as with most masters?
Funny, you should mention that. I just realized my comment is about book ten which I am in the process of writing. So that would be like a major spoiler. But Asher is one of my favorites as well for the supporting cast, and we will be seeing more of him in future books, and get more background about him and Jean-Claude.
- How can Padma have a lycanthrope for a son. As a member of the council, I'm assuming he is an "older" vamp. Lycanthropes don't seem to have the extended life time of vampires. Was Fernando "special"?
I believed I covered the idea that rare male vamps can have children, even the older ones, though the risk of birth defect is incredibly high. Fernando was simply a wererat and his father's favorite, other than that, I'm not sure what you mean?
- Was your purpose in Richard sleeping around to portray him as a jerk who wants too much, is striking out at Anita, or that Anita needs to loosen up and learn the concept of sharing?
No. I'm not sure the fact that Richard was sleeping with other women makes him a jerk since Anita was sleeping with Jean-Claude at the time and not having sex, or even dating Richard.
- Does Jean-Claude the vampire's voice and accent sound like Jean-Claude Van Damme the actor? Also would like to say that I have enjoyed all of the books- I have read them all multiple times.
No, the fact that Jean-Claude and the other Jean-Claude share a first name is their only similarity.
- What type of girl Edward would date? Please tell us! Pretty please?
Read book nine, and I'm not saying that to be cruel or taunting, but to say anything else would be a spoiler.
- Do you ever plan to open the Anita universe to shared-world anthologies, or just declare it an open universe altogether?
No open universe, my copyright, my characters, no. I have been approached for shared world anthologies with Anita and the gang, but I'm not ready for that. I'm an only child I don't play well with others.
- For an onscreen version of your world, do you picture one in the style of Blade?
No, I would hope that any movie would have its own individual look and feel, and not be a copy of any other movie.
- Laurel, the Anita books seem to have elements of several genres - mystery, horror, romantic suspense. Did you have a particular genre in mind when you started the series?
I picked all my favorite parts of all my favorite genres.
- Hiya Laurell! I love your books! My question - will we ever learn about the evolution of the monsters? Why/How they evolved? How about monster society? Will we ever learn about how they tick?
I assume this is one of those alternate world questions. If you mean when did the monsters evolve in Anita's world as opposed to ours, then there is no answer. Anita's world is our world if we woke up tomorrow and all the supernatural stuff was real, then the world moves on from there. There is no big break from our world, though the history is different because the monsters have always been real.
I was more interested in why they evolved, and will we ever find out why? :)
We learn more about monster society in almost ever book; vampire or shapeshifter, with occasional glimpses in to less common monsters.
- I remember Anita shaping vampire flesh in one of the books to save his life. Why hasn't she tried this with Asher?
Actually Asher is talking to a plastic surgeon, as for Anita trying to work magic on his flesh, what if she got it wrong and made things worse. Besides, I think even if you could offer Asher a cure, he'd have to think about it. He's been scarred for a couple of centuries, and being perfect again would be a heck of a change. So he's going slow even with the plastic surgeon consults.
- You said previously that you had wanted to be a writer at 14. Where you writing any (short?) stories then? And did you take any classes in college that fueled your interest? Also, I just wanted to add <> my friends and I absolutely adore your books!
I finished my first short story at twelve and a half, because all my main characters were exactly my age for years so I get to keep track that way. But fourteen was the year I finished my first short story. By seventeen I was sending out to magazines so I could start collecting my rejection slips.
You go to college to learn to think, broaden your horizans, and read, read everything that catches your fancy. But I found college writing courses to be more hindrance than help. Though as some have pointed out maybe I shouldn't have tested out of those grammar classes.
I was asked to leave my writing program in college because I was a bad influence on the other students.
- I have been quite interested in the hints. Will Anita be able to control Vamps (even masters) when she develops her powers? And my daughter (20) and I share your books with glee! Thanks for many happy hours!
We will be exploring Anita's powers over the vamps and other walking dead, but to say anything else would be a spoiler.
- I know a lot of witches / Wiccans who love your books - will there be any good, positive witch characters?
As a matter of fact, yes, in the newest book.
- *Greetings and thanks from a fellow Biology grad.* Will you ever delve more into Rafael's background/history.
We actually learn more about his background in book ten, if I keep the conversation intact, as is. I never know before the first draft of a book is finished what's staying in and what's going out.
- I really LOVE Damian. I was wondering if there is a plan to find out more of his past in future books.
I should just say yes, and leave it at that, but I won't tease. Yes, we will be exploring Damian's character, if not his past, in future books. Sharing anymore than that would be a spoiler for over a year away.
- Okay, it's a little odd, but do Anita's powers over the dead extend beyond animal dead?. I've noted that she can tell when objects are old and so I keep having this odd picture of her ditching both the boys and running off to start a furniture restoration business where she won't have to deal with all the stress. (Yes I know I'm odd)
No, no plans to run off and start an antique shop.
- I love Jason. Are we going to find out more about his level of power (alpha)? And where his future is going?
We will be seeing more of Jason in the future, a lot more if certain scenes remain in tact in book ten. Actually we are finding that Jason is growing up, and can you really play appetizer and lap wolf to Jean-Claude forever. Jason is still pretty happy where he is, but there are signs of the onset of being a grown-up. Eeek!
- Just wanted to say from the first book I was hooked. I hooked all my friends and family soon after. My copies have been read and traded so much they are falling apart. We all just wanted to say thank you for such wonderful books and characters and a certain JC/Anita/Richard scene.
You're welcome, and thanks for sharing me with friends and family.
- In Blue Moon, it said that Damian was now a part of Anita's necromancy and they felt a connection. Will this connection get stronger and because of that, will they be like lovers in some way?
The connection will be explored in future books, and no plans to be lovers. Don't we have enough men on our plate already?
- Do you use an outline to work out your plots, or just have a general idea, sit down and start writing?
I know the beginning of a book, some of the major plot points in between, the end enough to know who done it, that's about it for plot outlining. But as the series has continued, I do plot the character arch, i.e. romance arch, as well as plot, and a more detailed plot for the mystery clues and stuff.
- I was wondering who you like better Richard or Jean-Claude? It's something that my friends and I have fought over alot, so I was just wondering? Also will Anita marry in future books? I love your books there great, esp Blue Moon.
It doesn't matter who I like best, I'm not sleeping with either of them. No, no plans to marry, though again that's Anita's business not mine.
- Anita gets her power from her Mexican grandma, why hasn't Anita gone to get answers. And why has Anita died a couple of time and no family comes to see her
I have a book plotted out where Anita's mother's family comes on the scene, but it keeps getting pushed further back by other plots in the continuing emergies. Anita didn't call her family and tell them she was that hurt.
- Recently, the series and Anita have become much darker, is this going to be turning around soon? Also, will we see the end of the triumvirate anytime soon? Please!?
I hope so, but that depends on Anita and the gang, and I'm just not sure. I'm not sure what you mean about end? Darla thinks you mean Anita picking one guy over the other? Is that it?
No. Anita not tied to the men at all.
No, no plans to end the triumverate, but exploring the powers and limits of it, yes.
- Edward was contracted to kill both the Master of the city, JC and Gabriel. Why didn't he?
Actually, he was contacted to kill Nikoloas when she was master of the city and he and Anita accomplished that. Edward didn't know Gabriel was the leopard he was after.
He was supposed to kill the Master in Circus of the Damned wasn't he?
I think you may be right, but the implication was that Mr. Oliver had been the person who was paying Edward for the kill, and when Mr. Oliver died, the money and the contract went bye-bye. Edward kills mainly for money, not for charity.
- Two comments. Congrats on skillfully weaving modern beaurocracy and mythology! Outstanding! HOOAH!
Second, thank you *bows down* thank you *bows down lower* thank you! for not giving us another wishy-washy, angst ridden, sissy girl! Thank you. *retires to her corner quietly* *grin*
Glad you're enjoying yourself. I also hate weak female characters, makes my teeth hurt.
- Are there any plans in the works for a book signing in Minnesota, and if so when? And I'd just like to add I would love to get my copies signed from you.
No plans for Minnesota at this time, though we were invited up there. Is Uncle Hugo's in Minnesota, or Michigan?
It's in Minnesota :)
Then I was invited, but can't remember when, or who the contact person was. I write the books and am desperately trying to delegate everything I can. As for signed copies, they can send some books to the fan club, or e-mail the fan club for details.
- Hi Laurell! I Love your books. I'm going to ask the question some of us would like to ask. Can I be a character in Anita's world? I have a cool name, Tonja =^..^=
Sorry, but no. I did once, for charity, let people bid on being a character in Blue Moon, but as the time came to write the scene I became increasingly uncomfortable. Originally the bid was to be a corpse in the books, but I couldn't do it. I mean what if the poor person came up horrible mutilated the next week just like in my book, I'd feel bad. I guess I'm a little superstitious.
- Hi Laurell - will Anita ever get a cell phone? Maybe RPIT could get her one for her b-day? Thanks.
Anita gets a cell phone in book ten. I'm sorry I keep mentioning the book after next.
- In one of your acknowledgments, you mentioned that Paty Cockrum does the artwork of JC, any chance of us getting ahold of any of it? ::weg::
Paty's pictures were gifts for me, but I found that strangely, she'd draw a picture, and a book or two later that scene would have made it into the book, and I wouldn't even be aware of it. She drew Jean-Claude dripping wet wearing nothing but a towel, and barely that, a book before book five where we have the tub scene. It was after that book that I realized her devilish influence on me. Actually, I'm very visually oriented, and am affected by artwork, videos, pictures, images.
Paty has a habit of drawing on the envelopes because they look plain to her, I had to caution her that I live in the Bible belt and she was going to get me in trouble.
- I was wondering when we were going to find out more about Larry's powers? You've hinted about it several times but its hasn't come to fruition yet. Also, will Larry ever get more violent and darker like Anita has become.
Actually, I've noticed that if Edward is in a book lately, Larry is not. It's like there's only so much room for major secondary characters and no more. But I hope to see more of Larry's burgeoning powers in future books.
I don't know what Larry will do, but he's either going to have to get tougher or he's going to get himself hurt and I don't want to see that happen
.
- Do vampires have to eliminate on a steady basis, and if so, do they ever get constipated?
I don't know what a vampire does in the bathroom, Anita and Jean-Claude are still in that pre-honeymoon, not even living together phase, which means you don't go to the bathroom with each other. I assume that since things go in the digestive system that something comes out, just simple biology, but since the diet is entirely liquid I don't know how solid it would be. No more bathroom questions, please.
- Besides Gretchen, are any of the vamps who hang around Jean-Claude ones he made? Inquiring minds want to know.
Funny you should say that, in book ten we meet several, and God willing we'll get Gretchen out of hock. But actually, no, none of the current vamps in St. Louis as of book nine are Jean-Claude's get, because Nickoloas didn't share that kind of power around. It's common that the Master of the City is the only one allowed to bring people over.
- I am fascinated by the increasing tension between Dolph and Anita, is this going to lead to a confrontation in book ten, a yes or no would do.
Yes.
- First, I'd just like to say I love your books (I know, a lot of people have said this, but I want to gush a bit ).
Gushing never hurts.
My question is, What happens to the Traveler's body when he's off in someone's else's body?
Wouldn't you like to know?
Actually, I do know but it would be a spoiler for a book so far down the road that I don't know when it will appear number wise.
- Laurell, I just wanted to thank you for being so wonderfully creative with your work. I love your work, and to say I'm pleased to be addicted. I also wanted to ask, was JC inspired by anyone you know, and if so, are they single? *VEG*
No, Jean-Claude is not based on a real person. I don't base my characters on real people. Sorry folks but I don't. See, I get very emotional about my work and the one single character that I based personality wise on a real person, when I'm angry with that character I get mad at the real person, and the reverse is true. The real person, when I told them of this phenomenon, said, they hoped I never killed the character off.
However, I will take bits of dialogue or phrases, or pet quirks from real people, if I am particularly taken with it.
- Just wanted to say I love the Anitaverse! Your characters and storylines are wonderful! I never got into vampire books until I read the Anita series! Thanks for writing so many great books!
Thanks. A lot of people say they don't read vampire books but they read mine. The mystery people say they don't read horror but they read mine. The romance people say they don't read horror but they read mine. I seem to cross a lot of genre boundaries.
- Well... this question has sort of been asked... I wanted to know if physically you've seen men that inspired your characters looks? The hair? Eyes? or the like? And... :evil grin:: Can I have Anita's leftovers?! LOL
Sometimes, the turn of a head, the fall of hair, the line of a shoulder, a piece here, a piece there, sort of like Dr. Frankenstien, but no, the men are not based on real people. Since Anita never chooses there are no leftovers, just choices yet to be made.
- I love love love your books and yes my copies are in need of being replaced. My question is, who made Willie? I thought Jean-Claude made him?
Nope, Nikoloas made him, or gave permission to some one else of her line to make him. Willie doesn't descend from Jean-Claude's line unless there's some throw-away line in the first few books that I've forgotten. It's throw-away lines that will get you every time in a continuing series not the big plot points.
- Okay, gotta love a woman with a similar name to mine & whose main character shares my ma's name. Two small questions. Book signing in Edwardsville IL, fluke or planned? lol And how do you decide which myth/legend/new magic to research and tantalize us with next? I mean do you have a bit of knowledge on something and just go, or is it 'I'll do this myth?'
Look forward to seeing you in Edwardsville. Book nine is Aztec lore, and book ten is more shapeshifters than you can shake a stick at.
I research the myths in books, trying to stick mainly with anthropology books, or books that have some surety of expertise, then once I have a foundation I can move on to other books that are perhaps not as well-documented. Then I build from there with my own ideas.
But it's all just stuff you see? Not 'I want to do this myth for book 10' or whatever?
Of course, I pick something I like, but it will be something that sparks an idea, a book, so that the plot often flows from the choice of monsters or myth.
- Just two comments. First, thanks for writing the books and for being here tonight. Second, it's wild, but every single person I "introduce" these books to, immediately goes out and buys all 8! They're great - even though my daughter and I have a running argument about who's better - Richard or J-C!
I am not getting into that argument, especially not between family members.
Sometimes I like one of the boys more than the others, you can probably tell which books those are, but if I could really decide, we might have done it by now. I originally brought Richard on to marry and settle down with, but how was I to know that the question of Anita's domestic life would grow so complex. I did not do this purpose. The part of the series I had the least planning for overall has been the personal stuff. I so did not see this coming. Now that we're here, we're dealing, but I feel like I owe Anita an apology or something for giving her a more and more complex personal life. People with complex personal lives are not happy campers. Almost anyone I know. Of course, they are dealing with humans, not monsters, but still the problems are similar. The few people I know with more complex problems than Anita might beg to differ on that one.
People keep saying that Anita's sordid love life is a great part of the fun, and I have to agree, but I still feel vaguely guilty.
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