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!)