Smokin' Seventeen question

Just wondering if you have a goal in mind as to when to stop the series? Will we ever find out who Stephanie winds up with or will you keep us hanging? Also curious to know why the next book is out uncharacteristically in Nov instead of next summer? No complaints, just curious. The last few editions have been a little superficial for the characters. Would love to see some more depth as in previous books. Stil entertaining but not juicy enough for what I am used to with your writing.

The question everyone wants to know the answer too is who will Stephanie choose. That is not the answer I want to know just yet becuase that would be like knowing what you got for Christmas a week before. It would take all the fun and excitement out of it. Suprises are fun=) What I want to ask is if Morelli and Ranger will ever confront each other about them both being in love with Stephanie? I haven't read the seventeenth book yet so maybe it's already happened and i just haven't found out yet but I still wanted to ask.
Also, I can't finish writing this without mentioning how much in love I am with your books!=) There freaking HILARIOUS! i love humor and this is one of the best things I've ever read that made me laugh so hard I almost fell over! Lady do you know how hard it is to put your book down at times? I also love how your writing just flows and creates the setting in your head without needing so many details. Stephanie is slowly improving into a better bounty hunter. I love the characters and I think that's part of what makes this series so awsome=) Please kepp the books coming! I'm a Morelli fan so I really hope she choose's him at the end;)

Obviously as a reader I form images of the characters in my mind and create my own "picture" of the characters in my head. That is one reason why it is always risky when Hollywood turns a book into a movie. People who read your books for the first time after seeing the movie will most likey see the Hollywood version of your characters in their heads as reading. I was wondering as author and creator of all the Plum characters... do you run the risk of you being influenced by what Hollywood has done to your characters when you write future books. For example, once I see a movie/tv show based on an ongoing book series I tend to see traits of the actors in my head in future books which were different from my initial images before "seeing" them. Was wondering if those same issues might influence or challenge you as writer and creator in future Plum books.

I have enjoyed several of your romances beyond the Plum series. Actually I got stalled at Four to Score and I'll have to try to get going again since there is a lot to catch up.
Do you have plans for any new single romance titles?

Love sll the Stephanie books, although sometimes the humor might seem a little forced, though EVERYONE I know at the library where I work laughs out loud at them. I like the idea of a series of Ranger books.

Delightful characters, all.

In your book, How I Write, you mention needing to know the characters, basic situation, the setting, conflict, and the ending of the story. Do you have a particular order these elements are processed in? Do you write "scenes" in sequence or do you write various scenes that come to you at the time and then organize it later?

Your books always make me laugh 'til I cry and my husband always knows when I am reading this series. How has your sense of humor affected your writing style and what you want to impart to your readers?
Thanks so much!!!

I am a big fan of the series, especially on audiobook form as the characters seem to really come alive with the right narrator. I was a big fan of the C.J. Critt versions until Lorelei King took over--do you, as the author, get a say in who narrates the audiobooks? How does it feel to listen to the dialogue you write be performed and interpreted by voice talent like these narrators? Have you ever listened to an audiobook of your novels all the way through?

Will the books continue after Stephanie chooses between Morelli and Ranger, or are you keeping that for the final book?

Will she be choosing anytime soon? This last book seemed to set the stage for a real commitment.

For the record, I'm pulling for Morelli. Ranger is a hot fling; Morelli is marriage material.

I have been a faithful reader of the Stephanie Plum series. I'm wondering about the significance of Stephanie having Rex? His inclusion in each book suggests some relevance to a need for companionship, nurturing, or connection for people, although in contrast to Stephanie's relationship with men. Or is Rex solely entertainment?

I read on your website that you read the Junie B. Jones books, which left me curious--what led you to reading that series? I, too, enjoy those books as I started reading them with my daughter when she hit Kindergarten.

I was wondering if you or the movie producers ever considered Sandra Bullock to be cast at Stephanie Plum? She was the first one who came to mind when I heard there was going to be a movie based on OFTM.
Also, I love Ranger - he's the best!

When will we see Stephanie do a little growing as a character? She doesn't seem to learn anything about being a bounty hunter or even an adult. Yes, she's funny, but it's time to let her grow, don't you think?

In my opinion, one of the amazing things about JK Rowling in the Harry Potter books is her ability to keep some familiar components throughout the series, but also to change things up in order to "grow" her characters. It must be incredibly difficult to do, especially when there are "tried and true" elements that work--why not continue to capitalize on them? So, my question to you, Ms Evanovich, is what do you see as the elements that need to be present in EACH book in your series--apart from the basic characters and their personalities, of course, and the genre of the books--and what things are you willing to change in some ways to keep your books fresh and "grow" your characters? Or, is that not something that you feel is important or part of your purpose for writing the Stephanie Plum series?

In one book, Stephanie's Mom was going back to school but there is no mention of it again. In book 16 she's still just a housewife. Also, in book 15, Lulu's car gets blown up but she still has it in book 16. Would you consider expanding the role of Stephanie's parents like you did Grandma?

I absolutey loved the Jeanne Ellen character in Hard Eight. The suggestion of a history between her and Ranger was very tantalizing since we know so little about Ranger's sex life beyond Stephanie. Do you ever plan on bring her back?

Do you see an end in sight for the Plum series?

In all honesty, at this point who do you think Stephanie is going to end up with? Do you have it all planned out or are you still not sure? Will she ever end up with anyone, because if you say Ranger, then all the Morelli fans will be pissed. If you say
Morelli, all the Ranger fans will be pissed. It's a difficult choice, but I just want to know if you've already decided who she's going to end up with or if you just make it up as you go along.
Thank you,

Sonya.
p.s. I'm crossing my fingers for Morelli

I just have to say that your books for me are a guilty pleasure. I laugh so hard and long after I have read your books. From the farting noises to all the things that always seem to happen to her.

I know that some say that you should choose one or the other for Stephanie's love interest but I would not know how to choose. I would miss the other if that were to happen. Of course I am more of a Ranger fan cause the mystery of him is definitely a turn on, but Morelli has his fine points too.

How did you develope the characters, especially Lula? I am laughing just thinking about her character.

Also if you have any power with the casting, we need a hotter Morelli. Who they picked for ranger is perfect.

Thank you so much for this opportunity. I love your books. I have read all of the series and most of the others. Thanks for making me laugh, A LOT!!!!!

I have been working through your earlier romance works, and love them especially 'Foul Play'. My question is, do you have any special way of sparking your muse to come up with new and unexpected situations for your characters?

And, one more thing. 200lbs is really not "big" today. I think you underestimated Lulu.....hahahahaha

I love the quirky FTAs that Stephanie has to pick up. Where do you get ideas for their crimes and reasons they didn't show up for court?

I've read all of the Stephanie Plum books, except for the new one.

My question is this: why has there been so much of Lula in the last few books? Has that changed for the 17th?

Lula is a funny character, but she's only good in small doses, IMO.

And is Stephanie ever going to move out of the Burg? How many scenes can involve a wake before that particular plot point runs its course? Oh wait, it has. The Burg must have a million old people, since there seems to be a wake about every other day in these books!

Okay, I've asked two questions. I'll stop while I'm ahead. The books are fun, enjoyable reads, but the plots seemed to be getting tired.

How on earth did you ever come up with the idea for exploding taxidermy in "Lean Mean Thirteen"? Four books later and I still crack up every time I remember it!

What or who did you base Lula on - she's great

After skimming through the questions already posted, I see that many people have versions of the same question that first popped into my head: what do you think of the casting of Ranger in the movie to be made of “One for the Money”? I’m actually fine with Katherine Heigl in the role of Stephanie, but in my mind, Ranger should be played by someone who looks like a young Johnny Depp. I’d also like to ask if you would be interested in adding another quirky but lovable character to the series: for example, a middle-aged divorced school teacher who somehow ends up with Ranger, thereby freeing Stephanie to get married to Joe. Your thoughts?

I'm a loyal fan....I love all the Plum novels. I always wonder what Ranger thinks when Stephanie blows up one of his cars. Would you ever consider writing a book about Ranger, Stephanie, and Morelli's point of view all at one time?

How did Janet think of her brilliant charcater, Stephanie, a broke young lady???

Are you waiting for Stephanie to make a decision on which guy she chooses until you end the series? I hope she chooses soon but that you don't end the series there. I love that this series combines adventure, mystery, humor, and a little bit of sexy. I'd be ok with a little MORE sexy tho.

Do you have a new direction planned for existing characters or are you planning on introducing any new characters? The plots of your books are great but characters need to move in new directions.

Do you use family members as the characters in your books

Age progression in charactors...Any thoughts as to how/when Stephanie will age? I ask because of Ruth Rendell's Reg Wexford (a sort of father figure for me) has aged to the extent that I am already grieving the future loss of him. Whether we are fictional or real people, aging is a natural part of life and so I've become curious about your future for Stephanie.

I vaguely remember that you eventually planned on ending the series. Is this still a possibility or will Stephanie and the gang live on in limbo forever? If you do end the series will anyone besides Deisel have a spin-off? I would love to see Ranger and his merry men have a series of their very own.

Thank you for hosting this discussion. My question is this, many authors have a clear defined vision for how a series will end. Do you have a definate end game in mind for Stephanie?

I enjoyed Wicked Appetite immensely. Are you planning to add titles to create a series? My entire family reads and enjoys the Stephanie Plum series. Thanks for the fun characters and wacky situations.

New Jersey has become a very important to pop culture with Jersey Shore, the Real Housewives of New Jersey etc. etc. Do you think your writing about the ultimate Jersey girl with her crazy Jersey friends, family and acquitances has changed throughout the years? How so?

My other question (that you might not want to answer) is who do you always imagine Stephanie Plum to end up with? Joe? Ranger? Diesel?

Like some of the others, I'm curious about your writing process. Some writers plan it all out, while others say they let their characters lead them. Some schedule specific times each day to devote to writing. Some partner with other writers to produce multiple series. Some get an idea for a book's main theme from current events, while others avoid real-life scenarios so there is no comparison. How do you write so you produce such fun characters that so many people can relate to while laughing out loud at the situations they find themselves in on a regular basis?

Ashley wrote: "Is there really going to be a Stephanie Plum movie? I heard a lot of buzz about it early last year and now you do not hear anything. If yes, do you know when we can expect it?!"
Yes, "1 for the Money" will be released in Jan.2012
You are a wonderful writer. The characters you have put in your Plum series are fabulous! Not sure why everyone so far keeps wanting Stephanie to be with Ranger or Morelli -- why not have a great new guy sweep her off her feet!!!

You usually have at least one zany addition to the characters, which is what keeps me reading the series.

Would you give us a hint of a new character in upcoming book?

What's the scoop on a movie?

In some of your between the plum's books you introduced the character Diesel. Then you wrote a book featuring him. My question is why haven't you given us an explanation of just who Diesel is and what he is all about.

I love Ranger and Joe, but I could totally see a new man showing up and sweeping Stephanie off her feet while Ranger and Joe are dumb-founded. What do you think?

There have been many comments about Stephanie not "maturing" but it isn't only the humans! Rex is immortal. Rex has lived well past the normal 2 year lifespan of a hamster. This is amazing since his diet is not a healthy hamster diet. If you want pet hamster advice from a hamster veterinarian, please let me know! I'd be glad to help.

Do you have an exact ending in mind for this series?

And you plan on writing how many books in the Stephanie Plum universe?

I was wondering if you have an end to the series in mind? A lot of authors say that they know how the series will end. Just wondering how many more Plum novels we can look forward to....

Will Stephanie ever get to see where Ranger really lives, where he has his personal "stuff"--the "Batcave"?

Something that has been nagging at me, Joe and Steph have had the condom conversation lots of times but Ranger and Steph not so much. So is the use of condoms implied or has Ranger been snipped?
He already has a daughter and his lifestyle doesn't allow for a growing family so I think he went ahead and had a vasectomy. am I wrong? or is this under the category of information not needed to further the story. Just wondering.

I have no doubt in my mind that Stephanie is going to end up with Morelli or Ranger (most likely Morelli) but my question is have you given thought to Stephanie and (insert name here) getting pregnant and having a baby?

I love all here books! that stephanie is a hoot and the grandma couldnt be better. when i read i can see each character and what there doing it makes me happy dont stop wring them

After writing such a enjoyable series of books. Do you have a pet project unrelated to the Plum series that you are interested in pursuing. If so, what inspired it? Is there anything keeping you from pursuing it or are you working on it now?

Do you ever get bored with your character(Stephanie) and wish you could go back and change the direction you've taken her development?

Have you ever thought about Stephanie getting annoyed with both Ranger and Morelli at the same time, and introducing a new love interest?

Is there an end in sight for the series? I love the books but eventually it seems she would get tired of tripping over the same rock and make some life changes including growing up a bit.