THE MOST IMPORTANT THINGS

Success came late in life to me, and I may savor it all the more keenly for that. After years of making no money, barely hanging on to being a published writer, I finally achieved a measure of job security. I don’t take it for granted.

I’m often asked – in various ways – “What’s the most wonderful thing about being a best-selling writer?” I don’t even have to think twice about the answer.

In all honesty, I can tell you the two things I love the most. Here they are: I get to buy any book I want, and I get to meet other writers all the time. These are two cool things. I enjoy the hell out of both of them.
And because of all the writers I meet and like, there’s a never-ending stream of new books to read. I’m always behind. I like it that way. I have nightmares about being stuck in a long-term situation with nothing to read. What if my elevator sticks? What if I’m on a Ferris wheel and it stops turning? What if I finish my book and my plane has to circle for forty-five minutes? I can only read “American Way” so many times.

That’s why I carry an ereader when I travel. I simply can’t run out. I save the airline magazine for take-off and touch-down, and in between I work my way through the complete works of Mary Roberts Rinehart, or something much more current. So among the books I buy when I please, I now number ebooks.

I didn’t come to this decision easily. But since I can’t make other writers fly with me to entertain me with their intelligent remarks and observations, and I can’t pack enough books to safely buffer me from the horror of running out of print, I was forced to purchase an ereader, in self-defense. My alternative was hiring someone to carry a suitcase full of books around with me. Since my poor assistant/best friend/ travelling companion Paula already has enough to do, the ereader was the answer.

Now that I can go meet with other writers quite often, and get an influx of new reading recommendations, and I have the means to carry almost infinite reading material in my purse . . . well, life couldn’t get any better. Besides, when I return home, my bookcase is waiting. And it’s full.

Charlaine Harris

Comments

[Avonna]

I am a fan and voracious reader also. I can't go anywhere without a book or my Nook Color and my TBR pile is huge. I so relate to this article. Looking forward to meeting you at Bouchercon hopefully.

[Charlaine Harris]

There's a lot of security in having plenty to read, isn't there? See you in Cleveland.

[Susan Neace]

I am very glad you are doing well financially, but one result of those years when you were poorer is that Sookie is so realistic when it comes to the issue of money. It is a good thing for your readers to feel second hand what it means to not have health insurance and to not have the money to pay for a shower for your best friend, or gravel your driveway, or buy something not on sale. It is wonderful to have a character whose lifestyle has reflected the real life issues that being low income means.