“Inspirations and Influences” is a new series of articles in which we invite authors to write guest posts talking about their…well, Inspirations and Influences. The cool thing is that the writers are given free reign so they can go wild and write about anything they want. It can be about their new book, series or about their career as a whole.
Today’s guest is Molly Harper, author of the awesomely hilarious, compulsively readable Jane Jameson (“Nice Girls Don’t…”) series. Part chick lit, part urban fantasy, part paranormal romance, with a healthy dose of snark and comedy throughout, Molly Harper’s got the writing thing down pat. When we were offered a chance to read and review her books, we were ecstatic – and we loved them. Then, when we were given the opportunity to have Molly over here to chat about her sources of inspiration and various influences, and to participate in an interactive Q&A with YOU, dear readers, we were even more stoked.
Ladies and gents, please give it up for the lovely Molly Harper!
I know there’s a post-Millennium backlash against holding your parents responsible for how you turn out, but really, my parents have no one to blame but themselves.
My parents are voracious readers. They can sit down with a good book and finish it in an afternoon. So it wasn’t a huge surprise to my mom when four-year-old me started sounding out words on the Lucky Charms box. My parents indulged my love of reading with trips to the library and a membership in the Especially for Girls book club. Sunday afternoons were usually marked with a sojourn to Waldenbooks and a new Babysitters Club paperback.
There were early warning signs. People asked what I wanted to be when I grew up- I said, “Mad Scientist.” I checked out those non-fiction “Mysteries of the Paranormal” books from the school library so many times that the librarian sent a concerned note home. I was repeatedly caught reading Stephen King tucked inside my seventh-grade English textbook while everybody else was working on diagramming sentences.
(I ended up marrying that seventh-grade English teacher’s nephew, David. If I had known that the Stephen King incidents would be brought up at every major family event for the rest of my life, I probably would have just done the assignments. Learn from my example, kids.)
My family is “blessed” with a dry, sarcastic wit. If you want to survive Thanksgiving, you learn to quip. Writing was a chance to get all the words in my head out on paper, because no voice could keep up with my runaway brain. I liked the puzzle that writing presented, fitting the different words together in a way that sounded pleasing, but still got my point across. And it turned out that while my humor was probably inappropriate in say, a Sunday School setting, it was pretty darn funny on paper. The self-deprecating thoughts I didn’t dare express to friends, the comebacks I couldn’t come up with on the fly, they all came out on paper. And eventually, I could voice those thoughts and sling the comebacks… and survive Thanksgiving.
Still, I never considered a career in writing until a teacher compared my voice to a young Erma Bombeck. After I looked it up and realized that was a good thing, I developed an interest in journalism and humor columns. My parents were baffled. I said I wanted to be a newspaper reporter and my mom asked, “What happened to Mad Scientist?” We’d never had a writer in the family before. We were a staunch clan of nurses, teachers, construction foremen. And it wasn’t exactly the sort of talent you could “show” people. Their friends’ kids were musicians and dancers and athletes. What was my dad going to do, pull one of my essays out of his back-pocket and show his buddies my thoughts on being flat-chested?
Still, they supported me. I said I wanted to study at a college we knew nothing about. They took me on a campus tour. I spent my summers doing newspaper internships that paid very little. They helped me survive the rest of the year. I got a job writing for our hometown paper. They didn’t gripe when I wrote columns poking fun at them.
For six years, I covered education for The Paducah Sun, writing about school board meetings, quilt shows, a man “losing” the fully grown bear he kept as a pet in his basement, and a guy who faked his death by shark attack in Florida and ended up tossing pies at a local pizzeria. There was also an incident involving potentially explosive feminine products. But I think a statute of limitations has to run out before I’m allowed to discuss it publicly.
When people wonder where I developed my sense for the odd and quirky, I tell them I was steeped in it like overbrewed sun tea. Weird things happen in Paducah. My hometown has been featured on Unsolved Mysteries twice, which is twice more than any town deserves. Combine that with the bizarre tales David brought home from his police shifts and you have a recipe for dark, hyberbolic comedy.
I loved my job at the paper. I loved meeting new people every day and never knowing where I would end up. But somehow, the ever-shifting schedules of a police officer and a reporter did not equal “family friendly.” One of us needed to take a normal job for the sake of our young daughter. I took a secretarial position at a local church office, which left me with dependably free evenings for the first time in my adult life. We were living in “The Apartment of Lost Souls” while building our new home. This was the place where appliances and small electronics went to die. Every night I would tuck our snoozing child into bed and wait for the washing machine to start smoking or the dishwasher to vomit soap on the floor. It was either write a book or go nuts. I think I made the right choice.
I wanted to write something I would enjoy reading; something funny, outlandish, Southern. I wondered what would be the most humiliating way possible to be turned into a vampire- a story that a vampire would be embarrassed to share with their vampire buddies over a nice glass of Type O. Well, first, this poor woman just got canned so her boss could replace her with someone who occasionally starts workplace fires. She drowns her sorrows at the local faux nostalgia-themed sports bar and during the commute home she is mistaken for a deer and then shot by a drunk hunter. And then she wakes up as a vampire. And thus, Jane Jameson and the wacky denizens of Half-Moon Hollow were born.
It took me almost a year to complete and edit a draft of the book. My mom, a lifelong romance reader, was a great barometer for what worked in the story and what didn’t. David figured this was a weird way to spend my time, but if it kept me out of a padded room, he was happy. Dad promised to never, ever read a love scene I’d written. Ever.
I spent three months using agentquery.com to ruthlessly stalk potential literary agents. I was gently rejected by at least half of them. I corresponded with some very nice, very patient people, but ultimately signed with the fabulous Stephany Evans of Fine Print Literary Management. The book sold quickly, which was great. Then came the hard part, telling family members, my employers at the church, heck our own church family, that I was about to be launched as a vampire romance author. Some were shocked, confused. One sweet little old lady, pursed her lips and said, “But you’re such a nice girl.”
For my parents’ part, and David’s, they just shrug and tell me they figured this was how I would turn out. Decidedly odd, but theirs all the same.
Molly Harper is a former newspaper reporter and humor columnist. She studied print journalism at Western Kentucky Unversity. She lives in western Kentucky with her husband and children.
Check out Molly’s web site at mollyharper.com. For a daily dose of snark, friend her on Facebook or follow her blog at singleundeadfemale.blogspot.com.
A huge THANK YOU again to Molly!
And now, for the Giveaway:
As with our Adrian Phoenix interactive Q&A last month, Molly will be here to answer your questions. And it gets even better – courtesy of Simon & Schuster and Molly, we’ve got TWO sets of the Jane Jameson (“Nice Girls Don’t…”) books up for grabs. Entry is easy and simple – just leave a comment here asking Molly a question (about her I&I post, her books, her writing process, her favorite authors or films, etc). The contest is open to residents of the US only, and will run until January 30th at 11:59PM (PST). Good luck, and let the questions begin!
108 Comments
Van P.
January 22, 2010 at 12:30 amHi Mrs. Harper!
I have only read the first book, which was great…looking forward to reading the next two. 🙂
My question is: with the third book publish, are you planning to publish any more Jane books? Are you currently working on any other book project right now?
RKCharron
January 22, 2010 at 5:29 amDO NOT ENTER ME IN GIVEAWAY!
I loved reading this post. Thank you very much for sharing Molly. I loved the image of the essay & the men gathered round your father. This post resonated so much with me. My family’s much the same way, and I grew up with the one-liners & come backs flying fast & furious.
🙂
What do you read when you are writing? *If you do*
Molly Harper
January 22, 2010 at 5:32 amMy agent is discussing future Jane Jameson books with the publishers, but nothing is concrete yet.
Right now, I’m working on werewolf romance series set in Alaska. It will be released in early 2011
In the meantime, I have a non-paranormal romance, AND ONE LAST THING, being released in August 2010 under a pen name (to be determined). It’s about a woman who finds out her husband is cheating, and responds by sending a mass email detailing his affair to his friends, family, and business clients. She’s exiled to a little cabin by a lake, where she meets her new grumpy crime writer neighbor. Random nudity and wacky romantic antics ensue.
We’re not sure when my new werewolf series will be launched, but we’re thinking early 2011.
Thanks,
Molly
Molly Harper
January 22, 2010 at 5:33 amI think I repeated myself there. Sorry. It’s early.
Molly Harper
January 22, 2010 at 5:39 amHey RK, I don’t really read while I’m writing. I have a pretty tight writing schedule. I wake up at 6 a.m., get the kids ready for school, work at a medical society from 8 to 5. Get home, do all the things families do in the evenings. Kids go to bed at 8. Hubby goes to work at 9. I write from 9 to midnight, every single night.
The only time I relax and sit and read is when we’re traveling or we take a car-trip longer than an hour. But oh, what a glorious hour. I love Nora Roberts, Jane Austen, Stephen King, Olivia Goldsmith. I LOVE the Bestseller, by Goldsmith. I have to read it once a year at least. Right now, I’m not reading much of anything, but I’m looking forward to reading Chloe Neill’s Some Girls Bite.
Sarah
January 22, 2010 at 5:42 amLove this post, thanks for visiting the Smugglers!
My q: which Babysitter from the Babysitters Club was your favorite? (Mine was Claudia.)
Linda Henderson
January 22, 2010 at 5:57 amI think your non-paranormal romance sounds very interesting. I actually know someone who let everybody at her church know that her husband was cheating. I say, good for her. I can’t wait to read it. I haven’t read your Jane books but I am a paranormal fan so I’ll have to check them out. Do you listen to music when you write or is quiet better for you ?
paula
January 22, 2010 at 6:30 amWanted to say from a non reader who your books have transformed me to reading I was suggested your book from the local library and read the first book and i have to say it was awesome. I couldn’t put it down well after that i was put on waiting list for all other books written by you. So i am looking forward to reading all i have read the three so far. The only draw back is i have to wait so long. :-)Keep writing and i look forward to keep reading. 😀
Leslie
January 22, 2010 at 6:41 amI haven’t read any of your books. I did read the excert of your werewolf story and I’m really looking forward to that one coming out. Now that I’ve read this–I have to read Nice Girls Don’t. For no other reason than the story of how she got turned–LOL
My Q: I have been working on book for about a year. I don’t write at a steady pace. I write, here and there. I work full time, plus have a family, & 1 hour commute each way. What is your best advice to give me?
Thanks for the post–Definitly adding these books to my to-buy list 🙂
Melissa (My World)
January 22, 2010 at 6:45 amThanks for the great interview. I have to say I love that you married the nephew of the teacher in which caught you with the King book in you school book. I know how my families sense of humor is and how I would never hear the end of it if it was me, so I can understand the teasing going on there with the books. lol!
I have heard many great things on these books and really look forward to them. I was going to ask you on the music too. Is there a style of music or certain songs that help set the mood for writing, if you listen to music?
Please enter me for the giveaway these would be awesome to read and add to my shelves. Thank you!
hayden392@comcast.net
Molly Harper
January 22, 2010 at 7:07 amExcellent question, Sarah! I’m going to say Mary Ann or Stacey. (I have my first squueee! reading moment when Stacy went to the beach with Mallory’s huge family and got her first kiss.) But Claudia was definitely in the running.
I was really annoyed by Kristi, though. I hated that she was so bossy
Molly Harper
January 22, 2010 at 7:09 amLinda and Melissa,
Yes, I listen to music while I write. It REALLY helps set the mood. When I was writing Jane, I listened to a lot of Red Hot Chili Peppers.
When I was writing about Lacey, the star of AND ONE LAST THING, I need some girl power anthems, so I stuck with Pink. “So What?” is practically Lacey’s theme song.
When I’m writing about werewolves, especially when they’re fighting or running, I listen to Muse, ES Posthumus, and Three Days Grace.
Molly Harper
January 22, 2010 at 7:10 amPaula, (rubbing hands together gleefully) I have converted you. Excellllllent
Brandi
January 22, 2010 at 7:15 amDON’T ENTER ME IN THE CONTEST – I have the Jane books and LOVE them so much.
Molly, you totally rock!
Any news on the audiobook front for those of us who like their romance on-the-go?
Molly Harper
January 22, 2010 at 7:16 amLeslie,
Thanks, I was trying to come up with the most embarrassing way possible to become a vampire. HA! Unfortunately, I didn’t realize how many people are mistaken for deer and shot by hunters. (Seriously, Google it.) And now I feel sort of bad.
I know you’re busy and you have a family. (Trust me, do I know how hard that is!) And you said you write here and there, but I think the best thing for you to do would be make a little time each day, maybe after the kids go to bed, and write. Building that discipline and putting words on paper every day, is what’s going to grow your story.
And it might mean giving up a little sleep. When I first started, there were a lot of nights I didn’t come to bed until 2 or 3 in the morning. It’s hard, but if you get a book on the shelves, it’s worth it!
Molly Harper
January 22, 2010 at 7:16 amBrandi,
Thanks! Audible.com has purchased the audio rights and is recording the books right now. I believe they’re planning on releasing them in February.
Caitlin Usignol
January 22, 2010 at 7:49 amHey Molly your books are great!
What authors do you read for fun?
Megan
January 22, 2010 at 8:52 amHi Molly!
I’m just finishing the 3rd of the Jane books on my Kindle now and really love them.
One thing I’ve especially enjoyed is all the pop culture references from Buffy to Anita Blake and even Ghostbusters. I guess you could say I’m a bit of a paranormal junkie.
So are you a big fan of the paranormal fiction world? What other authors, tv shows, and movies influenced you?
CrystalGB
January 22, 2010 at 9:34 amHi Molly. Your books sound great. Thank you for sharing your journey to publication with us. My question is: What is the strangest/funniest thing that a fan has ever said to you?
PiscesMuse
January 22, 2010 at 9:38 amFrom Canada here – wish the contest was open for us too. Sigh….
I haven’t had the opportunity to read your books yet, however they are waiting at home for me from the library. Very excited to delve into those this weekend.
What advice (besides write every day) can you give to aspiring young/new authors? What advice do you wish you had been given at the start of your adventure into publishing?
Thank you so much for taking the time to answer these questions.
Have a wonderfully weekend.
GSM
January 22, 2010 at 9:49 amFun column–thanks for visiting. Would you be willing to have the Jane series translated to movies or television? Would it bother you to give up so much creative control for another venue?
Miss Marjie
January 22, 2010 at 10:53 amDo you have a particular routine in writing? Time of day? Fuzzy pink socks? Treehouse? Pumpkin ale?
Danielle
January 22, 2010 at 10:55 amOooh, please do enter me.
Molly–favorite vamp book EVER?
Virginia C
January 22, 2010 at 11:12 amHi, Molly! I love the titles and covers of your “Nice Girls” books. Awesome! Hey.. Lucky Charms are “Magically Delicious” : )
Do your parents have the same taste in books with each other and with you? My Mom and I had no middle ground. Either we completely agreed or totally disagreed on movies, books, etc.
I worked for my little hometown newspaper as an advertising sales rep. I also wrote two cooking columns. Newspapers still hold a special place in my heart, but they are a somewhat endangered species. Do you follow any columnists?
Thanks for the giveaway! 😀
Lustyreader
January 22, 2010 at 11:40 amLoved hearing about your journey to writing and influences! Good comebacks and quips are so hard to think of when you need them most! Do you remember a great zinger you or someone else used that left you the winner? Or one you’ve always wanted to say but never been able to?
I can’t wait to read the Jane series, they are always checked out at my library so if I don’t win I will definitely have to get them for myself.
joder
January 22, 2010 at 12:50 pmHello Molly and thanks for joining us today. My older sister is a huge fan of your books–she loves the snarkiness and says I remind her of Jane for that very reason. I haven’t read your series yet (it’s on my wishlist) but hope to soon (wink-wink to the random number generator).
Since my sis thinks your books would be perfect for television…….which network do you think would be the best fit (if you’ve thought about it at all)–cable (where there’s True Blood & Dexter) or something like the CW (where they have the Vamp Diaries & Supernatural)?
Donna S
January 22, 2010 at 12:53 pmHi Molly,
Very interesting. What a switch though from Mad Scientist. But your parents definaly have something to show off now.
What part of including the paranormal world in your writing do you like the best?
Thanks!!
Adrienne
January 22, 2010 at 3:38 pmMolly,
Thank you for answering our post, we appreciate it. With regards to the question, was there one particular part or story line that you really loved but were made to edit or take completely out of the story? Did you feel it made the story better or do you still miss that part? I guess that is two..sorry OH, and what Stephen King book…was it It? 😆
Abbey
January 22, 2010 at 4:05 pmAfter reading the Book Smugglers review and your interview, I’m very interested in reading the series, so please enter me in the contest.
Molly- I’m sorry to say I hadn’t really paid much attention to the books before, because the covers just didn’t attract me (very shallow, I know). If you were creating the covers, what images would you choose to represent your series? What are some of you favorite cover designs?
Cecile
January 22, 2010 at 4:19 pmOh wow! Great interview! And what wonderful books!
My questions is… music related but not about what you listen to while you write… What do you listen to to unwind, jam out… in your car! Do you sing in the car?
Thanks for having such an awesome contest!
Have a great weekend!
Lisa B.
January 22, 2010 at 4:37 pmMolly,
Thanks for the i&i! I’ve been hearing so many positive things about your “Nice Girls Don’t” series. I hope there are many more to come.
Can I ask where your inspiration for all the humor infused in your writing comes from?
Robin K
January 22, 2010 at 4:56 pmThese books look very good! I am adding them to my wish list. I have a questions about conventions… do you know of any readers conventions in the upper midwest? I know of Romcon, Romantic Times and Authors After Dark. Are there others?
robin@intensewhisper.com
Molly Harper
January 22, 2010 at 5:02 pmCaitlin,
I read everybody and anybody. I like all kinds of books, with the exception of the recent surge of zombie romances. (I’m a zombie wuss.) And westerns.
Sarah
January 22, 2010 at 5:20 pmI love the sound of this series – I’ve been wanting to read it for ages :o)
I’d love to hear more about the werewolf series you have planned! Can you tell us a little bit about it yet? How many books do you have planned for it?
Deborah Blake
January 22, 2010 at 5:25 pmDear Molly,
I read the first book (or maybe two, things are a bit of a blur right now…) and loved it (or them). I love paranormal romance with humor, and it is getting harder and harder to find. [And sell, but that’s another story.]
When I first found the book, I kept telling everyone the log line, because I thought it was so hysterical. Of course,I grew up in a library…
[She’s a librarian with a really long shelf life. HAR!]
I look forward to reading your other books, too. And I agree with you about the zombies. I went to RWA Nationals last year, and a bunch of agents and editors said they wanted “zombie romance.” Can you say “ew”?
Chelsea B.
January 22, 2010 at 5:33 pmI’ve heard such great things about this series!
I was just wondering, sense your books are a series, is it hard to keep up with the goings on in previous books? Do you write outlines? Thanks!
Molly Harper
January 22, 2010 at 5:37 pmMegan,
I watch more paranormal TV/movies than read paranormal books. I loooooooved Buffy and Angel and was still sort of in mourning for the shows when I wrote the first books. I flatter myself in hoping that Joss Whedon influenced the way I write dialogue. His words were so sharp and funny and crisp.
I love bad horror movies. As in “starring Casper Van Dien” bad. I can’t handle zombies or slasher gore, but I like badly acted, badly scripted ghost movies and monster schlock.
Molly Harper
January 22, 2010 at 5:41 pmCrystalGB,
I have pretty wonderful fans, so the awkwardness is rare….. that said. I was at a very small library signing. During the Q&A, one of the people in the audience stood up and spent 15 minutes talking about how the recently deceased Michael Jackson had changed her life and her daughter’s life. And then she asked me how I felt about Michael Jackson.
I just wanted to talk about my vampire books.
Molly Harper
January 22, 2010 at 5:50 pmPisces,
I wish someone would have told me that it’s bad form to e-mail an agent who has just rejected you to ask whether they can recommend another agent who might like your work. I did that a few times before another author told me that was a big no-no and I felt like than idiot.
And on that note, be nice to agents when you’re querying. They’re nice people, in general. They get dozens of query letters every day. And a lot of the time, their polite rejections are greeted with hostility and craziness. My agent told me a story about a guy who queried the same project to her agency over and over using different personas and email accounts. He told he was just going to keep submitting until one of the agents took him on as a client. Agents are looking for fresh talent, not a hostage situation. Yes, it’s dream to get a book on the shelves, but publishing is also a business. Be polite. Be professional. You’ll be amazed how far that can get you.
Molly Harper
January 22, 2010 at 5:57 pmGSM-
I would love to see Jane brought to life onscreen! I think I’d be OK with changes as long as the producers didn’t do something horrible to Jane… like make her an animals trainer raising chimps on a space station. But at the same time, selling movie or TV rights would probably allow me to be a full-time writer, so it would be a nice tradeoff. 🙂
Molly Harper
January 22, 2010 at 6:00 pmMiss Marjie,
My routine is to put the kids to bed at 8. Drink a coke. get comfy on the couch, read the last thing I wrote the day before, and start adding to that. I write 1,000 words and then go to sleep.
(Friends don’t let friends write pumpkin aled.)
Molly Harper
January 22, 2010 at 6:02 pmDanielle,
You can’t ask me to pick a favorite! That’s like asking me to pick a favorite child!
Here are some contenders:
Dracula
Bunnicula
Twilight
New Moon
Jessica’s Guide to Dating on the Dark Side
Jessica’s Guide
Molly Harper
January 22, 2010 at 6:05 pmVirginia,
My mom and dad have total opposite taste in books. Mom has pretty mainstream romance taste. Dad is a hardcore spy thriller/adventure guy. The only romance books my dad has read are mine (skipping over the love scenes, of course.)
And I love Dave Barry!
Nicole S.
January 22, 2010 at 6:10 pmHi Molly! I love your books. Jane is such a great character!
What do you find to be the most difficult part of being an author, as well as having a FT job?
Molly Harper
January 22, 2010 at 6:12 pmLustyreader,
I call this my “Jerk-store” moment, like from Seinfeld. I was in marching band when I was in high school. And every time we learned a new show, we were given coordinate sheets so we would know our place in the formations and know how to mark them off from the hashmarks on the field. As a freshman, I was having trouble finding my spot in a new show and it was taking me a while.
A really mean senior in my section yelled at me for taking too long reading my coordinate sheet.
She screamed “What is it, written in Chinese?!”
In front of the whole band. 150 people.
I was struck dumb by embarrasment and spent the rest of the year trying to come up with a response. Never came up with a good one.
Years later, I saw her at the gym. And as soon as I saw her, I heard her yell in my head, “What is it written in Chinese?”
And I came up with, “No, it’s written in b—-, care to translate?”
But, no. I couldn’t say that, because I was a grown-up and grown-ups don’t go around calling people names years after the fact.
So I wrote a column about it. 😈
Molly Harper
January 22, 2010 at 6:19 pmJoder,
I could see Jane showing up on the CW. I always cast my books before I start writing them. It helps me visualize the scenes in my head.
So here’s my dream cast.
Jane: Jenna Fisher (Pam from The Office.)
Gabriel: Gerard Butler
Dick: Josh Holloway (Sawyer from Lost. There’s a reason there’s a resemblence.)
Zeb: Steve Zahn
Jolene: Angelina Jolie
Andrea: January Jones (Betty Draper from Mad Men. Only redheaded.)
Molly Harper
January 22, 2010 at 6:21 pmDonna S. – I like setting my own rules for my paranormal beings. Like the fact that vampires are allergic to silver or that could walk into your house without being invited. They just wouldn’t because it’s rude.
Molly Harper
January 22, 2010 at 6:26 pmI tend to write crazy secondary characters with fascinating storylines that don’t really go anywhere or add anything to the plot. They inevitably get cut. I established a character graveyard at mollyharper.com to honor them. The first interrent is Dark Adam, a super-creepy version of Jane’s high school crush.
It was Carrie. Looking back, I should NOT have been reading that book in 7th grade. But one of the cool GT kids was reading it and she said she was sure I could handle it. But I turned out OK. My favorite King book of all time is The Stand. I have to read it at least once a year.
Molly Harper
January 22, 2010 at 6:33 pmI love my covers, but I will admit I imagined something a little more abstract than what was used.
I think for the first book, I would have chosen a picture of Jane, lounging on her porchswing, reading the Guidebook for the Newly Undead and drinking bottled blood. With Fitz hanging out under the swing, of course.
For NICE GIRLS DON’T DATE DEAD MEN, I would have definitely featured Jane in the godawful bridesmaids dress. I don’t know if they could capture the horror of the dress as I imagined it.
And for NICE GIRLS DON’T LIVE FOREVER, I would have Jane hanging out behind the counter at her bookstore, getting plied with caffeine by Andrea.
Molly Harper
January 22, 2010 at 6:36 pmCecile,
I find myself listening to the stuff I’m too embarrassed to buy on Itunes. A lot of Lady Gaga and Britney Spears. 😳
Or there’s the Paramore I yell at the top of my lungs.
Lisa Richards
January 22, 2010 at 6:54 pmHey Molly,
I love your series! I nearly choked on my cereal the morning I was reading “Don’t have Fangs”, I was laughing so hard. I was like, my hometown. Getting mistaken for a deer, getting shot, and then getting saved by a vamp. I could so see it happening. And Jane’s parents- I know these people- really. Anyway, thanks for the great series, I hope you have lots of books in it(50 maybe) Also read a blurb on “And one Last Thing”,
sounds like a laugh a minute. Can’t wait.
Please enter me in the contest.
Abigail [All Things Urban Fantasy]
January 22, 2010 at 7:16 pmI would love to read this series.
Molly, Did you have any runner up embarrassing ways to get turned into a vamp?
Molly Harper
January 22, 2010 at 7:27 pmLisa B-
I blame my family.
Molly Harper
January 22, 2010 at 7:28 pmRobin K.
I stick mostly to the Southeast. I am pretty excited about the RWA conference in Nashville in July.
enyl
January 22, 2010 at 7:30 pmAre there any other genres or audiences that you tackling?
enyl(at)inbox(dot)com
Molly Harper
January 22, 2010 at 7:36 pmHi Sarah,
Thanks! Right now, I have two (untitled) books contracted with Pocket for the werewolf series. The first book’s about Mo, who moves from Mississippi to Alaska to get away from her clingy hippie helicopter parents. It’s as far as she could get without changing her citizenship. She’s welcomed into her new commnity but stumbles into a werewolf family drama centering on her obnoxious new neighbor, Cooper.
If you’d like a preview of Mo and Cooper’s interactions, see this post on my blog:
http://singleundeadfemale.blogspot.com/2010/01/snoooooooow.html
The second book, which I’m writing right now, is about Cooper’s sister, Maggie.
Ava North
January 22, 2010 at 7:40 pmhi molly,
What’s your favorite childhood book of all time?
The booksmugglers have won me over, I hope i get a chance to read your books.
Molly Harper
January 22, 2010 at 7:46 pmDeborah-
I know a couple of people who write zombie romance and I love them to death… but there’s just no way I could find zombies sexy.
Molly Harper
January 22, 2010 at 7:48 pmChelsea B.
I have a central document where I keep my rules and lore, so I don’t mess up and change something from book to book. I write outlines but they’re loose enough for the unexpected to happen between the first and last chapter. 🙂
Paige
January 22, 2010 at 7:50 pmGreat post, I look forward to reading your books. You’re posts are too funny, keep up the good work.
Molly Harper
January 22, 2010 at 7:56 pmNicole- Finding enough hours in the day. 🙂
There are nights where I only get two or three hours of sleep. Those nights suck. But I figure this is my “dues paying” phase and I need to earn my future books.
Molly Harper
January 22, 2010 at 8:01 pmAbigail,
Excellent question.
I only had scenarios involving slipping on ice in the bar parking lot and getting run over, and bottle rocket related injury. Don’t ask.
Molly Harper
January 22, 2010 at 8:02 pmAva North,
I was a huge Roald Dahl fan growing up, so I’m going to say Charlie and the Chocolate Factory or Matilda.
Tiah
January 23, 2010 at 12:06 amI LOVED Babysitters Club! Nancy Drew and Babysitters Club were my obsession. I really loved the ones where you could choose the ending. This was a great post, thank you.
Thea told us she thinks your books are better then Sookie, so I have added your books to my pile, and I am super excited to read them.
Julie Swaney
January 23, 2010 at 6:11 amI haven’t read any of your books yet but they sound great and I will get around to reading them soon.
Have you ever thought of adding a shapeshifter to your books?
Julie S.
jellybelly82158@gmail.com
Molly Harper
January 23, 2010 at 7:11 amJulie-
I don’t know. I’ve been writing about werewolves for a while. I think my next paranormal venture would probably center around ghosts.
Lisa Richards
January 23, 2010 at 7:20 amMolly,
Just have to say, I envy your “warped upbringing that led to my writing career”.Your family sounds like a hoot and I would have loved to have been a part of it. My parents also indulged my love of reading but unfortunately it only led to an adult who will read the backs of cereal boxes if I don’t have a book near by.
alterlisa AT yahoo DOT com
Laney Criblez
January 23, 2010 at 9:19 amI want to apologize, first. I haven’t read your books…YET. I just found out about them, so they’re on my to be bought list.
My question for you, though, do you find yourself distracted while you write and almost annoyed with the fact that you must finish the story? Like it becomes it’s own demanding creature of sorts? I know it sounds odd, but I found myself there once. wondered if it was just a phase of writing or just odd little me. Thanks!
Laney
Molly Harper
January 23, 2010 at 9:26 amLisa- Thanks!
Molly Harper
January 23, 2010 at 9:29 amLaney, good question.
In every book I do, I hit a phase around the 24,000 word-mark where I get writer’s block. I think, “Ah, this is total crap. I’m a fraud. I can’t finish this! AHHHH!” Then my husband hands me a Coke, tells me to put my big girl panties on and deal with it. Seriously, I wouldn’t be here without him.
I only start to “resent” the story when I’m like two chapters away from finishing and I’m eager to start a new project.
Raquel Vega-Grieder
January 23, 2010 at 10:33 amAwesome Author Spotlight. Molly Your Books Sound Great. They Definitely Belong On My Reading List.
Hey Molly What Are One Or Two Things We Wouldn’t Normally Know About You?
Collette
January 23, 2010 at 11:55 amHere’s the burning question: Do you drink lots of Ale-8 to fuel your writing? 😉 I lived in Morehead for one short year and still got addicted to the stuff.
(Nope, not what you might be thinking, people–it’s a regional soft drink!)
Molly Harper
January 23, 2010 at 1:43 pmRacquel-
1) I am terribly, terribly afraid of clowns. Which sucks because people think it’s funny to shove coulrophobics toward clowns in clown-related situations. It’s not fun for me or the clowns.
2) I am allergic to real Christmas trees and cats. Or as my daughter puts it, “Mommy, you’re allergic to everything fun.”
Molly Harper
January 23, 2010 at 1:43 pmCollette,
Believe it or not, it’s hard to find Ale 8 around here! It’s mostly an Eastern Kentucky thing.
Marie
January 23, 2010 at 2:19 pmHi Molly, Loved ‘Nice Girls don’t have Fangs’!
Since Jane’s world is set in the south, does it bother you to have comparisons made to Charlaine Harris’s Southern Vampire series?
Can’t wait for the werewolf story!
Marie
Molly Harper
January 23, 2010 at 2:51 pmMarie, not really. And I do realize there are some similarities. But I think there are just as many differences. Harris is a great writer. And I enjoy her work.
Courtney
January 23, 2010 at 8:10 pmI would like to know, if any other books were inspiration for your books?
Molly Harper
January 23, 2010 at 8:23 pmCourtney,
Probably every vampire movie, TV show and book I’d ever read. 🙂
Angie
January 23, 2010 at 10:30 pmHi Molly! Thanks for this fun post. After Ana and Thea’s joint review I’m itching to get my hands on your books. I was wondering if you had an idea when you first started this series of the overall arc it would take and/or how many books it would involve or if it’s been more take one thing at a time for you? 🙂
Tiara
January 23, 2010 at 11:41 pmLoved your books. I borrowed the first two from a friend and then bought the third and I am having serious withdrawal. I hope you are going to be continuing them soon. I’ve grown quite fond of the bunch.
I actually have two questions.
One: Have you read JR Ward’s Brotherhood books?
Two: Do you have plans for vampires to gain more rights in the next Jane book because…honestly, they’re being treated like the stuff you find attached to the bubble gum on your shoe sole. 🙁
Kay
January 24, 2010 at 12:44 amI already own and read the books – and really loved them! I loved reading your story Molly, I definitely recognized the voice from the books in this short text. 😀
Molly Harper
January 24, 2010 at 7:39 amAngie, once I finished the first book, I knew there was more to say about Jane, so I mapped out the second and third books. The villain changed from the outline, to the finished third book, but everything else stayed pretty close to my plan.
Molly Harper
January 24, 2010 at 7:42 amTiara,
1) No, I hear great things about them. But I’m sort of afraid of being pulled into a good series and rendered incapable of writing until I read the whole thing. I might try them on my next vacation, though!
2) If I’m able to continue the series, I think I’m going to start granting them more rights… say, the right to be legally married? (Ah! I’ve said too much!)
Molly Harper
January 24, 2010 at 8:42 amThanks, Kay!
Dana
January 24, 2010 at 10:04 amDon’t enter me in the contest. I found out about the first book from the league of reluctant adults and spent four months grumbing with B&N to get it (long story). Bought the next two books as soon as they came out.
I love the humor in the books, its so hard to find. I am definely going to get the werewolf books. My question is Can you make them print faster?
Molly Harper
January 24, 2010 at 11:25 amDana-
Well, if ruled the world… yes. But sadly, as my evil plots for world domination have failed time and again, (stupid inept henchmen!) you’re going to have to wait. But the non-paranormal book I have coming out in August, AND ONE LAST THING, is plenty funny. Despite the absence of vampires.
Tanya
January 24, 2010 at 3:15 pmGreat Post…What do you do to get your creative juices flowing, when you have writer’s block (if you do get that)? 😀
Kelly
January 24, 2010 at 3:54 pmHi, Molly! Loved your post.
Q. What is your most treasured Stephen King “incident”? 😀
Melissa P
January 24, 2010 at 5:02 pmJust wanted to tell you I love the series! Great job!
Molly Harper
January 24, 2010 at 6:25 pmTanya-
Good question.
For minor block, like I can’t write the final 200 words of my 1,000 nightly word plan, I get up, drink a Coke, maybe take a shower. I usually get my best ideas in the shower. It’s like the shampoo works the idea loose from my brain.
For moderate blockage, I’ll stop, watch a good movie or CSI:NY. For some reason, watching Gary Sinise being all sciency and authoritative makes my brain reboot. (Mmmm… Gary Sinise…)
Major blocks, I mean, MAAAAAAAJOR problems, I’ll take a day or two off. But I don’t do that very often.
Molly Harper
January 24, 2010 at 6:28 pmKelly,
Probably the time I was reading “Among the Shadows” (A really good scary short story collection by LM Montgomery, it wasn’t always Stephen King.) tucked inside my textbook and I was so into the story that I didn’t realize my teacher had called on me twice and was standing over me until I finished it.
I got a note home on that one.
Poor Mom.
Molly Harper
January 24, 2010 at 6:28 pmThanks, Melissa!
AndreaS
January 26, 2010 at 12:31 pmMolly, have to say, love LM Montgomery. Although it sounds like “Amoung the Shadows” was more up your alley than mine. It creeped me out in the worst way possible, but I wanted to get through her whole backlist.
Was that your favorite Montgomery?
(Mine has been the Blue Castle for forever).
Molly Harper
January 26, 2010 at 9:02 pmActually, I haven’t read that much LM Montgomery. My favorite story in Among the Shadows was about Janet and Avery and the love potion. Or maybe the one about the paralyzed girl who faked being a ghost.
Which story creeped you out? I didn’t find any of them to be particularly scary.
Now if you want scary short stories, read the Ghost Writer by John Hardwood. Geez. It’s a collection of extremely creepy Victorian ghost stories framed by a weird, atmospheric detective story. One of them scared me so badly I slept with the light on for a week.
Marianna
January 27, 2010 at 2:18 pmLovely contest!
My question is: has there been a book you heard great things about, but when you read it it was a big disappointment?
And has the opposite happened and you have been pleasantly surprised by a book?
Molly Harper
January 27, 2010 at 5:59 pmMarianna,
I really don’t like to criticize other writers. Not so much because I’m trying to take a moral high road, but because there’s always a small chance I could run into them at a conference. (I have really bad luck when it comes to stuff like this.)
But I will say that I didn’t expect much from the Twilight series. Because I’m stubborn and don’t like doing things just because everybody else is doing them. But I ended up loving the books and reading them in like a three week span.
Raelena
January 27, 2010 at 8:38 pmHow many books will there be in this series?
Debbie Lester
January 27, 2010 at 10:20 pmjustpeachy36@yahoo.com
Molly, what was your inspiration for this series?
Please enter me in the giveaway,
Teri Crosby
January 28, 2010 at 11:30 pmI love the first book in the series and I was devastated to find my library only carried the one =( so I have to wait a bit for the other. My question is this:
What is the longest length of time you have been at a library in one visit?
Molly Harper
January 28, 2010 at 11:54 pmThere was this time in college I went to the university library to research a paper, found a book of ghost stories written by one of my professors… and realized six hours later that the library was about to close.
It was a really good book.
The Book Smugglers » Blog Archive » Guest Author & Giveaway: Molly Harper on Inspirations and Influences
September 13, 2010 at 6:01 am[…] are delighted to have Molly Harper visiting us again today! We had Molly blogging with us a few months back about her hilarious Jane Jameson Chick-lit/UF series and when we heard she had a […]
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