Harrison: The term urban fantasy has recently become popular, which suits me just fine. Genre categories are great for helping readers find what they enjoy, but I like being thought of as a fiction writer, and that’s where I usually find my books. But as you mentioned, I’ve seen them just about anywhere.
Damian: The conflicts and plotlines in your novels have followed numerous threads from book one to book six in an intricate pattern, and some of the characters, Rachel in particular, have grown significantly throughout the series. How much of the specifics were preconceived from the beginning, and how much evolved during the writing of each book? Did anything “surprise you” as it unfolded in later books in the series, anything that took a dramatic turn from what you had originally envisioned?
Harrison: I’m always surprised by where the books take me, but I’ve never lost sight of where I wanted to end up. I spend a lot of time plotting out the action of each individual book, heading for a particular series-arc end, but I never script out the relationships or character growth. They are too fluid. So where I could say that I’m a religious plotter, having to have extensive outlines and something clear to work from, I’m also a seat-of-the-pants person when it comes to the interpersonal relationships. It’s a good mix for me that keeps me focused yet lets me enjoy the writing process as surprises crop up and must be worked into the story line. Most of the revels in The Outlaw Demon Wails were planned from the end of Dead Witch Walking, but every one of Rachel’s emotional entanglements were a complete surprise. Kisten, Ceri, and David were all characters that I was not expecting, and working them into the ultimate end has been a pleasure.
Damian: Your characters often find themselves in dangerous and frightening situations, as they are increasingly forced to face their fears. What are some of the things that you find frightening?
Harrison: What do I find frightening? Online interviews. (grin) Really, I have fears just like everyone else, but why on earth would I want to tell the world so boldly what makes me tick?
Damian: I think that Rachel Morgan, Ivy Tamwood, Jenks, and other characters would translate extremely well into pictorial illustration. Have you ever considered working with an illustrator to develop the first book, Dead Witch Walking, or any of the other Hollows stories into a graphic novel?
Article comments
1 - Kim Harrison and Misty Massey
For fans of Kim Harrison they can find out a few new tidbits of information about her as an author.
2 - Brookie
I have just read you seventh book white with black cure . are you going to put out another please i would love for rachel and ivy to have a very happy ending . I know that jenks is going to die but he rocks. I have read Anne Rice , Stephenie Myers , and then I started on your there's so much imgination and realness to it i am going to read you other books coming out i have read all the short story that i find . can please email and atleast give a hint of when the next reacheal and ivy book comes out.it can't end with the gost.eventhough he's nice racheal and ivy can't be over yet! kim thankyou for your books i have two kids and they even like me ready little bits and pieces to . thank again i might not even make since right know . i just finished the 7th book my mind is racing . just can't wait for the next.
3 - Lisa Damian
Kim Harrison is planning at least two more books in the Hollows series, I believe. She is also working on a young adult series, separate from the Rachel Morgan story line.