May 15, 2008--Carolyn Haines
SARAH BOOTH EXPLAINS HER WAYWARD CONDUCT
With WISHBONES hitting the bookshelves (June 24), I’ve received a lot of e-mail from readers who have suggestions—or criticisms--of Sarah Booth Delaney’s behavior or life choices.
With WISHBONES hitting the bookshelves (June 24), I’ve received a lot of e-mail from readers who have suggestions—or criticisms--of Sarah Booth Delaney’s behavior or life choices.
I have no real control over Sarah Booth, but I thought this would be a great time for people to express their views and opinions and let Sarah Booth explain herself. If she can. If Jitty let’s her get a word in edgeways.
Over the years, I’ve received thoughtful and thought-provoking letters from people who view the Zinnia gang as I do, as friends. While the experience of Sarah Booth, Tinkie, Jitty, Cece, Millie, Chablis and Sweetie Pie lasts for a few hours or days or weeks for the reader, I spend a good part of each year in the town of Zinnia, following along behind Sarah Booth and her cohorts. In many ways, I’m like the personal secretary taking down the events of Sarah Booth’s life. I am her Watson.
At first this was very strange. I’m always involved with the characters of my stories, but I’ve never gone “undercover” as deeply as I have with this cast. As the eighth book is coming into print, I’m hard at work on the ninth, tentatively called BONES OF CONTENTION.
I don’t know how other writers relate to their characters. I suppose it’s a bit different with each book, as it is with me. But series characters give writers a unique opportunity to “grow” each character slowly and with careful thought. In a stand-alone book, the character arc is generally clearly defined. The protagonist changes greatly over the course of the book—or perhaps it’s the reader who changes. But the events covered in the single-title book have a clear beginning, middle and end.
In a series, the writer has to figure out the character arc for each book, while remembering there’s a totally different arc for the entire series. This is complicated for someone who has two functioning brain cells and a bossy ghost who keeps interfering with the process of writing.
The letters I’ve received, even the ones where people have been upset with Sarah Booth, have shown me one thing--one very important thing that’s balm to a tired writer’s heart—my readers care about these characters. This is the highest compliment any writer can receive. When a reader cares enough to sit down and pen a note to an author, that’s a big deal. A huge deal! It shows the reader has connected with these characters in the same way I do. The characters must be real to me or I can’t write them.
The act of reading and writing involves real magic. The reader is an equal part of the equation. To make it happen, the connection between the reader and the page must click.
Every time I pick up a book by a wonderful writer and I’m drawn into his/her world, I find myself amazed at this conjuring act. I’m always saddened by people who tell me they don’t read. To miss out on this intimate, exciting, and miraculous experience is too bad. To be able to write a book that gives this experience to a reader is remarkable.
HAM BONES brought about the largest amount of reader letters that I’ve ever received. WISHBONES will answer some of the most burning questions about Sarah Booth’s acting career and her relationship with Coleman and the land she loves. (Of course I can’t give anything away.)
Throughout the series, Sarah Booth’s relationship with Tinkie and Millie and Cece has deepened, and the bonds of friendship have grown strong. These friends, and the land itself, is at the heart of who Sarah Booth is.
And while Sarah Booth has put some ghosts to bed, there is one pesky, opinionated, decade-hopping ghost who won’t be silenced.
So I invite all of you to please put your questions, opinions, rants, and praise out on the table. Tell it to Sarah Booth and Jitty straight! Hit the comment button and share your thoughts about anything regarding the Zinnia gang. I’ve summoned up Sarah Booth and Jitty to account for themselves.
You can comment at any time and I’ll respond, but I’ll be at my keyboard from 9-12 to do my best to force my errant characters to reveal their secrets.
Carolyn
http://www.carolynhaines.com/
63 comments:
Am I the first? I'm so excited to meet Jitty and to find out more about what Sarah Booth is up to. I'm afraid I'm one of those who wrote regarding her decision to leave Dahlia House and head to Hollywood. I just didn't get it, though I have hopes that all will be explained in due time.
Marcia
First, I have loved Sarah Booth, Jitty, Coleman, Tinkie, Harold, CeCe and the rest from the first and am delighted to have been part of their world for so long. However, I have to say, I was utterly and totally displeased with Sarah Booth during her last outing, I flipped the book next to me in disgust and vowed to be done with Sarah Booth and her world. I tried to rack my brain for a nice word to describe Sarah Booth in the last book, but all I could come up with was a bunch of fourth grade insults, so I’ll keep them to myself. Sarah Booth finally crossed the line in Ham Bones from self-interested to callously self-absorbed, is there any chance of her coming to her senses? Hopefully, Jitty can provide some insight.
This is Jitty here--don't worry a bit about that Sarah Booth and her high falutin' dreams. She's got one foot firmly planted in Sunflower County. But she shore gets herself in some hinky things in WISHBONES. If she'd just listen to me--
Okay, now that it looks like my computer is cooperating for awhile, I can calm down a bit and talk to Sarah Booth (through Jitty, of course) in a bit more depth. My first thought about you heading to Hollywood, Sarah Booth, is how could you stand to leave Dahlia House? I have always loved the way you feel about your ancestral home, the cemetery, your beloved hound and horse, and the land itself. And then there's Coleman...a disappointment in the last episode, but an understandable one, I thought.
I think something in me really NEEDS you to come back home to those who love you, and to Dahlia House, which needs you.
Marcia
Alison, I felt exactly the same way. Only after I threw my book to the floor, I wrote to Ms. Haines and complained LOUDLY. I thought Sarah Booth had discarded her brain at the stage door, and I wasn't happy. The response I received made me feel better and made me stop and think about things a bit. And now I'm happy to have this chance to "talk" directly to Jitty, and express some of the frustration I felt at the end of Hambones.
Marcia
Jitty here again. That Sarah Booth has got me usin' this tool of the devil computer. I'm makin' her type for me, and she's all cranky.
I just want to say that Sarah Booth lost a lot in her life, and that dream to act, well, that was what she saw as her biggest failure in life. While I don't agree with goin' out to Lalaland with the plastic people, I understand that desire to reach for a dream. Is it selfish? Only time will tell, I guess.
Dear Jitty,
You MUST stick by Sarah Booth, even if it means traipsin' around Lalaland. (Lord knows you can find plenty of costumes to deck yourself out in...just check out the back lots!) But I digress! Please stick with Sarah Booth until she gets her head on straight again. The charm of Dahlia House needs to HAUNT her every sleeping moment!
It's one thing to follow ones dream (though I have to say that I failed entirely to pick up on the acting thing being such a huge disappointment to her), and quite another to give up everything of real value in life.
Marcia (ps...you do know that Zinnia is just a hop, skip and a jump from Bon Temps, doncha? I'm thinking there's a vamp over there in a white jumpsuit you oughtta meet!)
Marcia,
I try to let your easy mind ease my mind. I agree the change of location is disheartening.
Jitty,
Sure, Sarah Booth has lost a lot in her life but she's leaving and possibly losing an awful lot to soothe her ego and childhood insecurities.
Plus, her seeming forgiveness of that creep actor, his name escapes me, was a head scratching moment. I suppose I'll have to wait and see, but I'm wary.
When all was said and done I felt for Coleman.
This is Carolyn here--I've wrestled the computer away from Sarah Booth and Jitty for a moment.
I had the same concerns as Marcia and Alison. In the last scene with Coleman and Sarah Booth in the barn (HAMBONES)I got up from the computer very upset. I didn't see that coming.
But as the writer (with little control of my characters) I have a question for you guys. I write these books--but I write them for you, the readers. I'm sort of the middle man between the characters and the readers. And I guess the imprint I've put on Sarah Booth and the rest of the Zinnia gang, is that I don't like a storyline that settles into a "safe" zone and then becomes stodgy. If I've given Sarah Booth any part of me, it's that. She is never going to play it safe. And would you like her if she did?
Think of the series you've read where the characters settle into friendships, relationships, families, the same kind of mystery to solve. Don't you grow tired of them eventually and begin to look for something fresh and more interesting? I do.
I will tell you that WISHBONES will make you happy in some ways, and I also hope it makes you breathless in others. Things will change dramatically for Sarah Booth and Tinkie.
Hi, Carolyn! *waving happily from Florida*
My reply to you is YES...and...NO.
I agree that you don't want things to become static and boring, but at the same time, there is a great comfort in having SOME things remain the same. The LOCATION to me is of paramount importance. Zinnia is a town I recognize from my childhood, and for me, part of the charm is knowing when I pick up a Bones Book, I'm heading down Memory Lane (to a certain extent). Taking Sarah Booth away from the Daddy's Girls changes everything about her for me. I'm not saying I won't still like her in Hollywood, but that whole southern charm thing will be gone. I don't mind her changing boyfriends from time to time. Shaking up her romantic life is fine. But to lose the atmosphere that you have built up in Dahlia House and Zinnia? That's scary.
Marcia
And before I forget, Sarah Booth and crew are VERY real to me. If a character doesn't ring true to me, I don't care what else is going on in the story, I'm not going to finish it. You have done a marvelous job as an intermediary between these wonderful (REAL) folks with minds of their own and US, the readers. Otherwise, I would never have written in the first place. (I've never, EVER written to an author before, and I read constantly.)
Marcia
Alison,
Don't you worry. Sarah Booth can't really leave me behind. Her mama charged me with lookin' after her. I'm a haint with resources.
Carolyn here--what a struggle to knock Jitty off the computer long enough for me to answer. Next thing, she'll be asking for her own computer.
Thank you for those wonderful compliments. Relieve your mind. I can promise you won't be disappointed about Hollywood.
Hi Carolyn,
I have to admit first off that Ham Bones is sitting on my nightstand underneath Rheta Grimsely Johnson's Poor Man's Provence, so I have no idea what y'all are talking about. HOWEVER, from the comments made thus far (Coleman and Sarah Booth in the barn??? and the Hollywood comments), I must say that I will pick up my pace on reading the memoir to get straight to the juicy stuff. Being from Mississippi and having a love for the Delta myself, I truly feel a connection to Sarah Booth and her old haunted house. However, I must say that the appeal of her chasing a dream in Southern California has gotten me all prickly, and I cannot wait!
Keep up the good work, Carolyn! I love your work: this series and all the stand alone books as well. You are an inspiration.
God bless,
Susan Sims Moody
Hi Carolyn,
I don’t like complacency or cut and paste plots, but in the same vein, I don’t particularly enjoy my characters losing sight of everything but their own two feet. I think the natural course of life provides difficulties and fluctuations. I think for me it is less about playing it safe and more about losing sight of anyone and everyone but herself. It’s Sarah Booth’s inability to see beyond herself in Ham Bones that left me angry in many ways her character seemed to regress beyond the point we first met her. When she cut off Coleman’s, “Connie is –“ I could feel the weight of what I thought he was about to say but for Sarah Booth it was cut and dry, the end of the end so to speak. I think she spent a good part of the book acting like a 14-year-old intrigued by her own reflection in the mirror, if that makes any sense. I’m all for challenge but I also all for growth.
Carolyn,
Thank you for caring about your readers enough to try to ease our minds about where Sarah Booth is heading. I don't know if this is typical of authors in general, or just extra special attention on your part. But I sure appreciate it. For one thing, it makes me feel even more connected to Sarah Booth and Dahlia House. Just knowing I can write or post a comment on her adventures is a pleasure. I so appreciate your taking time out of your busy schedule to hear our thoughts.
Jitty, I just have to ask...what does the well dressed ghost wear to Press Conference Blog?
Marcia
I agree Marcia, the charm of the setting is a big draw. I'm an East Coast girl but the writing transports me to Zinnia and I can feel it, a testament to Carolyn's skill.
BOY! I don't know what Sarah Booth has run off and done to make y'all say such harsh things. But as a Southern belle who has probably (er, definitely) had my share of self-absorbed moments, I'll withold judgement on her and y'all. :) I get upset with my friends and family when they do crazy things, yet I'm able to forgive them. I'm hoping (and relatively confident) that Sarah Booth hasn't totally crossed the line. Besides, I've always been infatuated with the movies, so here's to ya, Sarah Booth! Go girl!
Susan, I don't feel harshly about Sarah Booth...well, okay, I did at FIRST...but I do hate the thought of her relocating to anywhere else on the planet for any lenght of time. Zinnia rules! And Dahlia House is the kind of place where I want to spend my afternoons sipping iced tea (or stronger) and watching the sunset from the porch. Taking Sarah Booth away from that shakes me up. I'd rather see adventures come down the road to HER than see her go UP the road looking for them.
Marcia
And one other thing, while I've got this great forum for discussion. I had thought Sarah Booth's feelings for Coleman were stronger than they apparently were. I mean, if they had been together for awhile and discovered insurmountable differences, that would be one thing. But the first real bump in the road and she ditched him. I didn't get that. Especially since even her FRIENDS knew why he had acted like he did.
Jitty or Carolyn? What's up with that?
Marcia
Hi Susan,
I don't mean to sound mean, I'm really sweet as can be - usually on Monday's and Friday's (kidding).
This series was the third mystery series I picked up, the first series I no longer read and the second has ended it's run. I'm just invested, which is a good thing, since like Marcia I have to care to keep reading. So, I think I just care and I'm concerned. I love Sarah Booth but I'd be lying if I didn't admit I wanted to maybe give her a little tap with my car at the end of Ham Bones.
Marcia, I agree with Carolyn that there comes a time in a girl's (real or imagined) life where one must move on, less the girl become somewhat staid in her own "River Heights" or "Cabbot Cove" or "Paradise." There's just so much action that Zinnia can handle before you have to throw the BS flag, eh? Let her have her fun. All Daddy's Girls come home, eventually. And with her homeplace there, I'm guessing it'll be sooner rather than later. Let Sarah Booth work on her suntan and work out her frustrations for awhile in Disneyland. She'll come home.
Geez, what's so bad about following a dream? Sarah Booth is so grounded in herself, her land, and her history that it doesn't seem like the worst thing in the world to explore a new adventure before her adventuring days are over. After all, she had to abandon her hopes for Coleman's love, so why not spread her wings?
I know she will do the "right thing," whatever that turns out to be. You just have to have a little faith, gals.
Yeah, what Allison said! Just a little tap...the edge of the bumper behind her booty should do it! For me, I just wanted to scream, "Nooooooooooo!! Don't go!! Don't walk out on Coleman! Don't leave Dahlia House!" No more walks in the cemetery, thinking about her parents, no more horesback riding over the cotton fields, no more iced tea on the porch, no more Tinkie ringing the bell at outlandish hours? Say it ain't so!!!!
But one thing we can all agree on, I'm sure. Carolyn has created a world for us that has pulled us in, for better or for worse. I've been counting the weeks and months, waiting for Wishbones. I've been forced to work my way through the Dresden Files and the Jack Reacher books, having finished everything I can find by Carolyn, and being all caught up with Charlaine Harris, too. I'm DYING for Sarah Booth to make another appearance in my library!
And, I definitely plan to pre-order the book today! Happy to do it, and eager to get it!
Marcia
anonymous and Susan,
I agree that following a dream can be a good thing, as I said earlier, but I'm not sure throwing away the things that are most enduring in life to get to that dream is necessarily the right action. Hey, I'm OLD. I've learned what lasts and what doesn't.
As for "letting" Sarah Booth go, I think we can see from Carolyn's complete lack of control over her that we don't "let" Sarah Booth do anything. She does what she wants, and we are along for the ride. I just hope she comes to her senses and goes home soon.
And to my mind, she didn't have to abandon her hopes for love with Coleman. She chose to. He did something she didn't like (for good reason) and she walked. I still don't get that. It seemed immature to me. Perhaps she still has lessons to learn about love and life, and I reckon I'll be there to watch her learn them.
Marcia
Exactly, just a little itty bitty tap . . . It is an amazing world, Marcia. I too will pre-order Wishbones hoping that my faith in Sarah Booth is restored. We've been together so many years and the moment she became an animal kidnapper I knew we had a few things in common.
It's been a pleasure and now I'm off to make some cakes, the fulfillment of following my dreams.
Okay, the cakes can wait, because what Marcia said,
"And to my mind, she didn't have to abandon her hopes for love with Coleman. She chose to. He did something she didn't like (for good reason) and she walked. I still don't get that. It seemed immature to me. Perhaps she still has lessons to learn about love and life, and I reckon I'll be there to watch her learn them."
Exactly!
Sarah Booth here. Carolyn is hiding under the bed (just kidding, I think she's making a drink) and Jitty is making a wardrobe change so I can type for a minute.
The thing with Coleman: the problem is that he didn't trust me enough to tell me the truth. He could have given me the tiniest bit of support. He could have touched my arm or winked or...anything. But he left me believing that he thought I'd murdered a woman for a stage role. He broke my heart.
This comes on the heels of Coleman always putting Connie first, with all of her lies and manipulations. Do I admire him because he's an honorable man? Indeed I do. That's one of the things I grew to love about Coleman. But honor is cold comfort when the winds are howling and the mortgage is due. As I said before, it was the manner in which he handled it.
Do I have regrets? More than you know.
Marcia, Jitty here--
Sarah Booth was hoggin' the keyboard. But I'm back, and I want to talk wardrobe!
While I'm annoyed with Sarah Booth for chasin' out to the West Coast, I gotta say, Gloria Swanson had damn fine taste. And Sarah Booth isn't the only member of this family with some actin' talent. Just you wait and see.
And Miss Anonymous--don't be encouragin' Sarah Booth to run wild in the streets. She's always blamin' me for that dognappin' business, but who snatched the pooch? Wasn't me?
Carolyn,
Come out come out, you can't hide under the bed forever, you have books to write, a drink might be okay given the circumstances. LOL!
Sarah Booth,
I do love you, but it goes both ways and if you step outside of yourself for just a minute or two you might see things in a different light. You didn't have enough faith in Coleman to believe that he knew you better, that he was doing right by you. You aren't the only one nursing a broken heart, I'd be willing to bet that Coleman has more than a bit of that same pain and those same regrets. You don't stand alone as the injured party and from where I'm standing you aren't even as wounded as Coleman. In many ways, I think you broke your own heart. Shake it off honey.
Carolyn! You come out from under that bed this instant! Be careful you don't spill the drink you lugged under there either! Imagine...a whole pitcher full of Mint Juleps under a BED! *tsk*
You know we love you, Sarah Booth, and ALL of Zinnia, or we wouldn't be here. It's a fine, sunny (bloody HOT) day outside my house today, and I'm SUPPOSED to be replanting the sweet olive and tidying up the coleus bed. But here I am, indulging in another passion, entirely.
I guess I can say I understand where Sarah Booth is coming from, regarding Coleman. But I don't agree with her reaction to it. Coleman is battling (and has been battling) his own demons for a very long time, and it seemed like he was really making headway into learning how to follow his heart, and how to ditch that She-Devil he's married to. I agree he made a mistake. But I think he paid too dearly for it. Now that's just MY opinion, and lord knows, I've screwed up enough romances in my lifetime. But maybe that gives me a bit of insight, too. I hate to see anyone throw out the baby with the bathwater, if you get my drift.
What I'm hoping is that Sarah Booth keeps Coleman safe in her heart and eventually learns to forgive him. And I think he will need to forgiver HER, as well. I guess I would like to see them back together at some point, but I'm willing to let time tell the tale.
Ooooh, Jitty! Gloria Swanson? Oh, I can just see you now..."Ah'm ready for my close-up, Mr. DeMille." Don't forget to check out the femme fatales through the ages. The amount of wardrobe ideas available to a creative ghost like you fairly boggles the mind. Why, there's Theda Bara for vampiness. Lillian Gish for sweetness (think "tied to the railroad tracks"), Barbara Stanwyck for no-nonsense business attire, Jane Russell for that sultry, off-the-shoulder look, and Marilyn for floaty white dresses blowing up into the air. And that's just scratchin' the surface, girl! Knock 'em dead! (Pun intended).
Marcia
Hi Ladies, Ana here from Alabama
Ya'll must be on the east coast to be up so early.:)
I've been reading your comments and I feel like Sarah Booth gave Coleman more time to make up his mind about her than he deserved.
I was really upset that he was treating her so badly. (Like he could actually believe she would have murdered for something as
insignifigant as an acting role.)
Coleman had plenty of time to tell her how he really felt.
Nevertheless, I really hurt when
she cut him loose.
About her wanting to run off the Hollywood, well, you know what they say 'the grass always seems greener....'
And this time, it's "What Alison said!" You and I are thinking alike on this one.
But I suspect that like me, you are willing to ride it out and see where Sarah Booth goes next. Hey, if we don't like it, we can always holler Carolyn out from under the bed until she gives us a forum to moan and groan on, right?
Marcia
Hi, Ana! I WILL admit that I got frustrated with Coleman a time or two when he couldn't stick to his resolve to ditch the Wicked Witch of the West and take up with Sarah Booth openly and proudly. He was dragging his feet a lot. But I also LIKED that he took his vows "for better or WORSE" seriously, and gave it every chance he possibly could. That's the sign of a honorable man, and Sarah Booth understood that. But just when things were starting to look hopeful for them........*sniff*.....it all went awry again, and this time it was Sarah Booth's doings, not Coleman's. I'm still not over her decision.
Marcia
Oh, pardon. I just realized the time stamp was probably Pacific Time.
I have a question for Carolyn, (Jitty and SB step aside please).
Do you think Sarah Booth will ever find her man? I mean someone who will do ANYTHING for her and truly tell her that he loves her?
(sigh)
Susan, Carolyn here,
We share the same love of the land. When all else fails, that's always there, isn't it?
I grew up down in the Southeast corner of the state, and the Delta was an exotic and compelling land to me. The extremes of poverty and wealth--powerful images.
And the Delta has the Blues. No better music around.
Carolyn,
I grew up in the NW corner of the state, but I'm still drawn to Cleveland, Clarksdale, Vicksburg, and all the little haunts between.
Ah! The Blues! You're going to make me break out my Son Thomas LP and start drinking. Dang, it's only 11:25.
Ana,
Carolyn here. I've got a straw and the keyboard under the bed--just kidding. Seriously, I'm enjoying this exchange a lot, and learning many things and getting new ideas about my books.
To answer you question, Sarah Booth craves a committed relationship. But she also fears loss. She wants more than anything to connect with a man and delivery the Delaney heir. So while she makes many missteps along the way, I think she'll eventually find the real deal. Time heals many wounds, gals.
Aaaaah...the Delaney Womb! I've been meaning to ask you about that! I convinced a friend of mine to start this series (hard going, since she wasn't interested at first in anything with a GHOST in it), and she's now in love with Sarah Booth & Crew, too. She often laughs about the Delaney Womb! What a concept!
I am sincerely hoping that Sarah Booth does find happiness, but I'd still like to think that eventually, it will be with Coleman. They've loved each other for years, and nobody said it would be easy to make it work. But I'm convinced they CAN find their way back to each other, and personally, that's what I'm hoping for!
No one has mentioned much about Tinkie, but I have to say here that she is delightful! I think she is the perfect counterpoint to Sarah Booth, and just too cute in her own right. Another reason for Sarah Booth to head home fairly quickly. I don't believe Tinkie will move to Hollywood, and I would miss the dynamics of their relationship so much if SB stays away too long.
Tinkie is the best friend we all wish we had!
Marcia
Marcia,
I'm with you. We'll read and then we'll find Carolyn and make her listen - I'll bring dessert and bourbon.
Alison,
YES! We will coax her out from under the bed with food and liquor! Works every time! Then we will ply her with sweet talk and heap praises upon her. (Those arty types love that, don't they?) And soon we will have her designing stories just for us! It's a lovely plan! I like it!
Bwaaaahahahahahaha!
Marcia
Susan (yes, Carolyn has control of the keyboard for now!)
When I was doing research for the Bones books, I took some time to travel through the Delta with a good friend who had grown up in the area. He had a wealth of knowledge about the geography and wildlife, and most especially the Blues. We hit every juke joint we could find, and he was a wonderful dancer. I am a board. Seriously, I love dancing, but I'm not fluid. But he was such a good dancer, he made me look good.
We had more fun. We stayed at an old lodge on Moon Lake that used to be a casino, and hit the Hodgeson Plantation where the old slave shacks have been made into cute cottages, and photographed old churches sitting solitary in cotton fields. It hooked me to that land as if I'd grown up there. I still love the "pine barrens" of the Southeast, but the Delta has also stolen a piece of my soul.
" but the Delta has also stolen a piece of my soul."
Exactly! That's why we don't want to see Sarah Booth leave!! I rest my case!
Hehe,
Marcia
Trying to get here before the 1200 hour when the clock chimes and jitty disappears. Havent had chance to read all, but my question. When doe Jitty get a guy?
Ron
Good question, Ron. I'm trying to set her up with Bubba from the Sookie Stackhouse series! Nothing like a vampire in a white jumpsuit to get you All Shook Up! Hahaha!
Marcia
PS...I'm really only joking about Bubba. Well, mostly. I understand he lives in a different world an' all, tied to a whole 'nuther creator. Still...the concept & accompanying visuals are amusing!
Marcia
It's Carolyn--and who told you guys I'm a sucker for good food! Food is such a big part of any Southern gathering. There are some very funny cookbooks by Gayden Metcalfe and Charlotte Huges. One is called "Being Dead is No Excuse (for not making homemade mayonaise)" Very funny stuff about Southerners and their relationship to food.
But to the burning issue of Tinkie. When I first started with THEM BONES, Tinkie was a shallow, self-absorbed Daddy's Girl who lived by a rule book that taught her to manipulate men to get the riches of life. Of all of the Zinnia characters, she has changed the most. Hanging out with Sarah Booth and working as a P.I. gave her a real identity--one that had nothing to do with Oscar and her daddy and family money. I put the opportunity in front of her and she jumped at it. Now, I can't imagine the books without her in them.
Because I LOVE JITTY. I know she doesn't get out much, but tell her I'm available for some supernatural rendevous
Oh, my goodness, Marcia (Carolyn here) that's a brilliant idea! Charlaine is a great gal, and I wonder if she'd loan me Bubba for a bit of Jitty romance. That would be too, too funny. I am having the same visuals you're having. (Good question, Ron! And Jitty and Sarah Booth will hang around with me for a while longer.)
You know Sookie is coming to television. HBO. I'm hoping this fall (the writers' strike sort of set things back a bit schedule wise). Anna Pacquin is playing Sookie, and a good friend of mine (we went to college together) Pattie Tierce has a small role in the TV show. I think they're filming now in Shreveport.
"Now, I can't imagine the books without her in them."
Amen to that! Wouldn't want to try. I love Tinkie! Especially her little feet. There's something about them which endears her to me no end!
As for the food thang...well, I can only speak for myself...but I TOLD you I was a southern gal! Food is all that instant oral gratification...how can we not swoon from the pleasure of it? And it accompanies all the happiest and most important events in our lives. It's tied to everything we are.
Marcia
It's past the bewitching hour, but I'd like to say thanks to you, Carolyn. You made my morning at work much brighter than it would have been without a glimpse into Zinnia.
I think I'll whip up some cheese straws and pour some Makers over ice when I get home.
Love you dearly, Susan
Unfortunately, I have to get back to work, but I've enjoyed all the comments, and I'll be looking for Jitty's response. Are you looking for a love interest?
Because you're the bomb.com
And Carolyn, we love you, too!
Marcia,
I make an excellent three chocolate six-layer cake and rarely does anyone refuse me what I want once they've had a piece.
I'll hop over to Amazon now and show my faith in Carolyn, because I know, just know that everything is going to be okay (or else torture by chocolate and bourbon)
OMG, Carolyn!! Sookie is coming to HBO??? I can't believe it! Thank you for telling me! Sookie and Sarah Booth are my two favorite gals in the world right now. (When is Sarah going to be on HBO, explaining the mysteries of the Delaney Womb, I wonder?)
I'm not sure about Anna Paquin...she's a good actress, but not exactly how I was picturing Sookie. (I had someone a little less exotic and more "down home" in mind, I guess.) But if it is done well, I'll be happy enough. And congratulations to your friend. I will be watching for her, as you know I won't miss this one!
Marcia (still rootin' for Bubba & Jitty...sorry Ron!)
Alison, whaddya say you and I get together and have a rehearsal, three chocolate six-layer cake, bourbon, and ALL, just in CASE we ever need to coax Carolyn out from under the bed? I mean, we wouldn't want to go into anything like that unprepared, would we?
Just sayin'.......
Marcia ;o)
Carolyn here. I've been thinking on supernatural pairing of Jitty and...it's endless. Another great angle for a book. I'm telling you, I'm going to hide under the bed and let you people take over for a book or two.
Macia, (yes it's only Carolyn)
The same guy who did SIX FEET UNDER is doing Charlaine's show, so I expect it to be top drawer. I think it will air in the fall, and I think they're calling it TRUE BLOOD (I could be wrong about this title.)
And Alison, a six-layer chocolate cake. I am your willing slave.
Susan, thanks for playing in my sandbox today.
Ron, thanks for giving me a new storyline idea for Jitty!
All of you, this has been very helpful and informative. My readers are the smartest readers in the world. I am a lucky writer in that regard. And I don't think you'll be disappointed in WISHBONES. And remember, I"m writing the next one now.
I'll be checking back here very frequently to pick up any additional questions or comments, but I have to go out and let the horses out of their stalls. The storm has blown past, and they want out. After all, I live to serve--horses, haints or hounds.
Thank YOU, Carolyn, for letting us have this time to chat with you and other readers. I've enjoyed it so much, and to hear you say that my idea was brilliant just MADE my day!
I'm eagerly awaiting Wishbones and looking forward to more adventures with Sarah Booth in the future.
It's been a great morning! Now I'm off to the roses, herbs and other delights in my garden. No horses, but I do have lots of birds, squirrels and the occasional beautiful black racer sliding through my flower beds. It'll do!
Have a great week, and thanks again!
Marcia
It's Jitty, back in control of the keyboard. Carolyn went out to shovel...well, to tend to the horses. I'm in charge now. Ask anything you want. I'll tell things she won't tell.
I had initially wrote to you about the Familiar books (still waiting on a new one) and you suggested I try the Bones series. I was hooked from the first book. I went to Amazon and ordered all the books and read them end to end. I am sooooo glad you suggested it. I have already pre-ordered the new book and cannot wait. Keep up the good work. I am looking forward to the next book. Dawn
Dawn,
Thanks so much! I read all kinds of books, so I write different kinds of stories. And I so appreciate you for following me around the aisles in the bookstore.
For those of you who are Charlaine Harris fans, I forgot to mention the collection of short stories she edited with Toni L.P. Kelner. MANY BLOODY RETURNS. Although I haven't written (love to read them) vampire stories, I have a story in the collection. Very different from any of the other stuff I've done.
I read this a few months ago, Carolyn, and enjoyed it very much. Tell me the name of YOUR story again, as they have become a bit jumbled in my mind. I DO remember that you and Charlaine both did me proud in the book.
Marcia
The story is called "The Wish." I started out writing short stories. The idea of a novel--so many pages--was daunting. And I had fallen completely under the spell of Flannery O'Connor, that lovely black humor that is so cutting and yet so funny.
But I was encouraged by my agent to try for a novel, and now I find the pace and complexity of the big book to be easier to write than a short story. Every word counts in a short story. Now that intimidates me. But I had a good time writing this one.
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