I Become Famous

At some point last Wednesday, I slipped over the line from being my regular, lived-in self to becoming Famous. I spent the day on the set of "True Blood," the HBO series made from my Sookie Stackhouse books. HBO wanted to shoot an interview with me to be shown as part of their "The Making Of" feature, which they run before each new show debuts. After many to-and-fro emails between me and Alan Ball's assistant, who was mediating between me and HBO, it was all set out: the time I was to arrive, my scheduled events after I arrived, and the clothes I was to wear while I went through them.

Wearing the designated outfit, and accompanied by my own modest entourage (husband, daughter, and close friend Paula) I arrived at the appointed time and was waved through security as though I was Somebody. After a certain amount of standing around, and people trying to figure out what to do with me until the makeup trailer was empty of people who really needed to be made up (like the actors about to film), I was glad to see Alan again; amongst all the strangers, I felt we were practically best friends (we've had lunch together twice in L.A.). With glacial slowness, I proceeded to hair and then makeup, meeting Sam Trammell, Todd Lowe, and Chris Bauer in the process (Sam Merlotte, Terry Bellefleur, and Andy Bellefleur).

After some walking and standing, I was glad to see the chair for the interview. The wind was blowing briskly, which probably didn't do my hair much good, but at that point, I was ready to do something besides wait, so while my entourage and Alan stood patiently by (actually, Alan sat on the grass, and only biting my tongue restrained me from reminding him about chiggers) the HBO interviewer, Brenda, began to ask me questions while the crew filmed. As long as we're talking bugs, Brenda from New Jersey had never seen a dragonfly. I was tempted to tell her they bit, but thought that would hardly be nice of me. The filming took forever, and off in the distance I could see the crew filming a much more interesting scene -- the actors "going fishing."

Eventually Alan and I filmed a joint interview. We have had to tell interviewers repeatedly how wonderful I think he is and how wonderful he thinks I am, and we're still smiling, so good for us!

After that, we went over to the next scene to be filmed, and I got to watch some of the previous footage on a machine I don't know the name of, shown me by a very genial man whose title I can't recall, if I ever heard it. I was all prepared to stand and watch, but the scene about to be shot was a nude one, and the set was closed. Yes, I know, just when it was getting even more interesting.

By that time, we were getting tired and hungry and my daughter announced she had reading to do for class the next day, so we eased our way out of the busy milieu and headed for the nearest restaurant. My friend Paula got her pictures developed, and my husband's getting his developed, and as I see myself standing with Alan, our arms around each other, a feeling of total surrealism swamps me every single time.  Even the most famous writer is completely eclipsed by the lowest film star, a fact most writers realize quite clearly. Maybe some of the Hollywood magic has rubbed off on me now?

Be watching on September 7. We'll see.

Comments

[Dana Cameron]

This is totally cool, Charlaine! Thanks for letting us share in your behind-the-scenes experience.

[readerdiane]

The latest Sookie Stackhouse book FROM DEAD TO WORSE was one of my favorites. I really liked how Sookie seemed to be much more self-reliant, not dependent on one of her male friends.
Can't wait for the next one, ;)

[lindsay]

I loved the Sookie Stackhouse books! I can't wait for Trueblood to come out... is it being filmed in CA? I don't think we have chiggers in California ( :

[Charlaine Harris]

The crew was on location at Lake Bistineau, Louisiana.

I have no knowledge of chigger infestation in the rest of the U.S. Here, chiggers rule!

Charlaine

[Jess]

I love Sookie! she is such a lovable person. When I get each book as they come out, at first i'm happy, then becomes sad at the fact i will eventually finish reading it.
Best of LUCK to True Blood! and to you.
can't wait till next book!
Am dead serious. :D