A Intimate Chat with Author Janet Evanovich

There are three names that can cause a flurry of discussion among author Janet Evanovich's fans: Stephanie Plum. Joe Morelli. Ranger. What usually follows is a heated debate about who Stephanie should end up with: Morelli, the dependable cop who has known Stephanie since she was a little girl, or Ranger, the elusive, ultra-sexy bail bondsman who sets every woman's libido into overdrive with just one look.

Evanovich, who says that Robert B. Parker is one of her favorite authors, started working as a temporary secretary after burning a full box of rejection letters. A forgotten manuscript pulled her back into the world of writing, and she's never looked back since. Realizing that mysteries were more fun and exciting, she gave up the romance novels, did some research on law enforcement, learned how to shoot a gun, and in 1999, released the first Stephanie Plum novel, One for the Money. Stephanie is a rookie bail bondswoman who has the worst luck with cars and catching clients who have jumped bail, as well as a very complicated love life.

She has introduced her readers to many characters besides the aforementioned three: There is feisty Grandma Mazur, who has moved in with Stephanie's parents, spends her evenings at the funeral parlor to view the deceased and carries a gun in her purse; Lula, the full-figured ex-hooker who goes along with Stephanie on her cases (she, too, packs a gun); and Stephanie's mother, who wishes her daughter would just settle down, get a real job and marry Morelli. Evanovich says that it is easier to write dialogue for Grandma Mazur and Lula, but that Ranger and Stephanie are more of a challenge, although one she enjoys. As for the love triangle between Morelli, Stephanie, and Ranger, Evanovich says that they are evenly divided on who Stephanie should end up with, but the Ranger fans are more vocal in letting her know their choice! (My vote is for Ranger!)

Authors usually fashion their characters from people they know, and Evanovich admits that some of her family members have influenced Grandma Mazur, who is a bit like her Aunt Lena and her grandmother Fanny. It's been said that Evanovich fashioned the character of Stephanie after herself, and she does not deny this. She says that they frequently think alike, and although she has better car karma than Stephanie, she did sideswipe a parked car once and remove its door.
There had been talk about her first Plum novel, One for the Money, being made for the big screen. Evanovich originally envisioned Sandra Bullock as Stephanie, but the way Hollywood is dragging its heels, Bullock will be on oxygen by the time the movie actually gets made. She now feels that Anne Hathaway would make a good Stephanie, although according to the poll on Evanovich's website, Bullock is still the overwhelming favorite. The polls have also selected their favorites for the other main characters: Morelli (Eddie Cibrian) , Ranger (The Rock), Lula (Queen Latifah - I can see that!), Grandma Mazur (Betty White - not sure about that), and Vinnie (Steve Buscemi).

As if she wasn't busy enough, Evanovich (just for fun, she says!) started a new series with Alex Barnaby. In addition, she co-writes one series with Charlotte Hughes (the Full series), and has started yet another series with Leanne Banks (Hot Stuff, coming out on April 28th). She brainstorms with the author to come up with a formula for the series, location, characters and plot line. Hughes then writes the first draft and Evanovich comes in to overwrite the draft and edits.

Evanovich once tried to write for herself, but discovered that it was more fun to write with the reader in mind. Thanks to her website, she gets tons of feedback from her fans but she always tries to pay attention to the big picture. Sometimes it gets difficult, because she is so overwhelmed. However, she has learned to choose the comments that are the most relevant and ignore the others.

Speaking of her website, Evanovich has kept it in the family by placing her daughter, Alex, in charge. Fans can read excerpts from each of the Plum books, enjoy monthly contests, keep up with Janet's book tour and find out the release dates for her latest books. Before you ask, her next Plum book, Lean Mean Thirteen, will be released on June 19th.