Q&A With Melissa F. Olson discussion

Have you written any short fiction?
Do you prefer writing novels over shorter work, and if so, why?

Great questions! I've written almost NO short fiction, actually. I've read comparatively little, as well. The reason is very simple: I'm so conditioned by novels that short fiction feels too short to me. I always end up feeling like we were just getting started, and then it's over, both as a reader and a writer. I do enjoy short stories that comprise a novel, like "Olive Kittredge," or short fiction that connects to a larger series, like the stories Jim Butcher published in "Side Jobs." I think some really interesting stuff is happening in urban fantasy with that right now. I've definitely considered doing some short stories set in Scarlett's world, and may be look into that in the future!

What was the inspiration for the character of Scarlett Bernard?

Originally, I was going to write a book about a different main character, but I couldn't connect to her - though I did end up using all the character development and research later, when I wrote her into Trail of Dead as an alternate love interest for Jesse. I kept playing around with powers, and came up with the null first. I was also fond of a short-lived TV show called Moonlight, and one of the things I thought was very realistic about the supernatural on that program was that they had their own cleanup crew. I realized a null would be a great candidate for that kind of job, and those were the first two building blocks for Scarlett! I was also inspired by Harry Dresden and Buffy, of course. In a weird way - and I haven't mentioned this before - I also sometimes have Die Hard's John McClane in my head as I write Scarlett. I'm sure there are more prolific examples of the reluctant hero, but that's probably my favorite. Scarlett doesn't seek adventure or action. She wasn't Chosen, and she never signed on to be a heroine or save the day. And yet she keeps getting into these situations where that's necessary, and she has to rise to the occasion.

Do you have a specific story arc in mind - with a particular end goal to work towards - for these novels, or are you adding material as you go? Neither is preferable - just asking.

A little bit of both, Bill. I have Scarlett's series arc worked out, in terms of her romantic and professional life, but I work out the details during the individual book, after a lot of research and plotting. For me it's kind of like points on a map: I know everywhere I want the story to get to, but I haven't necessarily planned my route yet!