Lessons on writing from True Blood's Charlaine Harris

In the July/August 2010 issue of Writer's Digest Magazine, bestselling author Charlaine Harris' comments about how writing fits into her life mirror the practical advice that many new writers receive when embarking on their own careers.

Lesson 1: Write What You Love 

Before the Sookie Stackhouse novels, Harris had already dedicated years to two other series: the Aurora Teagarden Mysteries and Lily Bard “Shakespeare” series.

But Harris soon found that the mystery genre came with a set of rules that the author quickly grew tired of.

So bucking tradition, Harris created the telepathic barmaid and her world populated with vampires. By writing the book she always wanted to about a subject that she loves, Harris infuses a sense of fun that translates well with fans.

When asked whether an author should write in a specific genre simply because it's booming, Harris says:

You have to really love what you're writing about to write a really good book and I think if you just arbitrarily say, ‘Well, zombies are really hot, I’m going to write a zombie book,’ that it’s just not going to turn out as well as if you suddenly thought, Oh my God ! I’ve got a great zombie idea!

Lesson 2: Go With Your Gut

When asked about genre fiction, Harris admitted that attitudes are changing and critics are starting to give genre writers and their work the respect they deserve.

Still, Harris feels that whatever your topic, writers should look towards their strengths and do what comes to them naturally.

"I think when you're coming into your own as a writer, you have to understand what you can do what you can't do, what's not in you and being a mystery writer was in me." 

By tapping into your strengths, and your creativity as a writer, you stay true to your unique voice and offer something to readers that is wholly you.

While you may want to write the current hot trend in fiction, doing it simply for the sake of its popularity will show in your writing. Don’t be afraid to go off the beaten path with your writing - or create your own path!

Lesson 3: Above All, Have Fun

When asked about her writing process, Harris revealed that often times, she simply sits down at the computer, types Chapter 1, and only then decides what is going to happen.

While this method may seem chaotic to the type of writer who does extensive planing before they ever write a word, Harris' method keeps true to her mindset that writing should, above all, be fun.

"My goal is to have a good time doing what I do. If I quit having fun, then it's time for me to quit working."

Whatever your method, having fun will free your creative voice and will translate into your writing. Chances are, if you have fun writing your story, readers will have just a much fun reading it.

The Bottom Line

While you may not have sold millions of copies of your books the way Charlaine Harris has, your writing life may not be as dissimilar to hers as you believe.

By recognizing that the journey you take with your writing can easily mirror that of a best-selling author offers inspiration and the realization that one day, you too can be on the Bestsellers List.

Resources

Charlaine Harris’ Southern Vampire series, Aurora Teagarden Mysteries, Lily Bard Shakespeare, and her latest series, the Harper Connelly books, can all be purchased at online or at various Toronto Chapters locations.

Charlaine Harris can be found online at CharlaineHarris.com

For the television adaptation of the Sookie Stackhouse novels, watch HBO’s True Blood.

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