The Teeth Behind the Tweets: True Blood Twitter Players Talk

I don’t think there are many people left in the United States, and maybe even the world (except for the places where the internet can’t – yet – reach) that haven’t heard of the phenomena known as True Blood. Alan Ball’s vision for Charlaine Harris’ characters has been bold, bloody and brilliant. The show has created a fan devotion in two short seasons that rivals many other, long running series. Some fans tuned in due to a pre-existing love for Sookie and her world, after reading the novels. Many, though, hadn’t even heard of Bon Temps, Louisiana until True Blood hit the airwaves.

 One of the most impressive displays of fandom can be found on Twitter, strangely enough. Just a few years ago, if fan clubs wanted to get together to watch shows, or roleplay stories based on their favorite characters, they had to do it live and in person. Thanks to the almost viral spread of Twitter’s popularity, fans from all over the world can quite literally do the same things, in 140 characters or less, telling stories and sharing opinions tweet to tweet. One group has developed a following of their own; gained approval from HBO and the creators of True Blood; and inspired fans of other series to use Twitter in the same fashion. These True Blood Twitter Players have added a very interactive element to watching the show each week, as well as helping to keep interest high between episodes and even seasons.

 As we all look forward to the season 2 finale on Sunday, September 13, we at GSB have also spent the week getting to know some of the core members of the TB Twitter Players. To preserve and protect the identities of the (mostly – we are dealing with vampires, here) innocent, we still call them by their Twitter call names. However, this interview has been OOC (out of character, for those not “in the know”) so we have pulled aside the curtain to peek at the people behind the pointy teeth and southern accents.

 The group has told me that they come from all over the place. SookieBonTemps related that they come from  three different countries. EricNorthman shared that some of them have been able to meet up, face to fang, at some public events.  The age range within the group is quite impressive, too, spanning the early 20’s through folks in their 60’s. Anything that has been able to bridge that sort of age gap, and find commonality, is impressive all in its own right.

 I asked the group what about the story caught their fancy, and was it the books or the television show that brought these characters into their lives. HoytFortenberry admitted he didn’t even like the show when he first saw it. On the flip side of things, JessicaHamby told me, “I love vampires, pure and simple. There’s a special place in my unbeating heart for True Blood and the Southern Vampire Mysteries. “ Luckily for True Blood followers on Twitter, VampireBill was introduced to it by a “former lady friend.” EricNorthman said, “I love Sookie and her brave, humorous voice.  I love the setting, since I know it like the back of my hand.  But most of all, I love the character of Eric.  That Viking came in and took over my life!”

 Once you’ve found a story you love, you grow attached to certain characters. As you can see these guys have taken devotion to a whole new level.  VampireBill was drawn to his character because he was “a tragic underdog. His love for Sookie is pure, while his actions may not always be.” As for TaraMaeThornton, she was drawn to Rutina Wesley’s brilliant portrayal of Tara on the show, not the character in the books. Viewers and readers alike know that ultimately, this story is about humanity, in all its flavors. Sookie Stackhouse stands at the center of that; on Twitter, this drew SookieBonTemps to her . “I’m drawn to Sookie’s strength of character.  I like that she is the moral compass for “humanity,” whatever that means, on both the show and in the books.  She has strong values and a strong sense of self that is incorruptible,” said SookieBonTemps.

 Bringing together a group of this caliber didn’t happen overnight. It began with SookieBonTemps, when she began tweeting in November 2008. She was then joined by EricNorthman, and they served as the basis for the current incarnation of the group. SookieBonTemps told us, “I don’t think you’re ever going to find another group of complete strangers who’ve managed to convey the close relationships these characters have so naturally.  It still amazes me how well we play together.  It’s probably rooted in our shared appreciation for the books and show characters.  While there are moments where we poke fun at our characters, we know that we’re playing in both Charlaine Harris and Alan Ball’s playground, so while we are offering up our own interpretation, we generally know how far we can push things without completely going off cannon.”

 This group has people from every walk of life (or undead life) including students, homemakers, and average Joe Geeks. Some never even roleplayed prior to joining the band of online players, and MaryannForreste said, “I’m the weirdest person I know.”

 I was curious about the process used by the group, and any tips they might have for other fan groups interested in developing the same sort of online roleplaying for other areas of fandom, such as Twilight; Smallville; Harry Potter, etc. SookieBonTemps recommended, “ know your characters, and know them well.  The decisions that you make, especially when you’re interacting with other characters, are not YOUR decisions — a lot of flub ups happen when you’re thinking with your own, not your character’s head.  The other thing to keep in mind is that this isn’t a one-man show.  In order to bring a town and these characters to life, we do have to work in ensemble.” MaryAnnForreste gave some excellent practical advice; “I have a notebook with character names, plots, stories, ideas. Keeps me organized along with online calendars. Thank the God who Comes for Google and its features.” HoytFortenberry told me, “Play off each-other.  If the group gels, you’ll figure out each-other’s strengths and weaknesses. “ JessicaHamby shared that, “it’s important to have fun or it becomes like a chore.”

 I had to know what the group would do in the off season. I was thrilled to hear that they will continue to tweet.  HoytFortenberry advised that, “You’ll see us come alive on our own pretty quick after the season finale.  If you ask me, there’s nowhere better to get your True Blood fix between seasons, and it’s my opinion that we’re better in the off-season, so stick around.”

 The Twitterwall competition was amazing. The fan support for the Twitter personalities, not the HBO actors, was almost overwhelming. I admit I voted many times, and posted tweets encouraging others to do so, too. I was just as caught up in the feeling that I was supporting the “hometown gang” when voting for the TB Twitter Players. I had to ask EricNorthman what he thought about it, as he came in second for the Mr. Twitterwall group. He told me, “I was completely taken aback!  I entered Eric for fun, thinking we might be able to drum up a few votes.  I had no idea that he would end up in second place behind Captain Mal Reynolds himself!  I’m a huge Firefly fan, by the way.”

 The gang could not pinpoint a specific favorite tweet, but they did share some great insights. They all have a real appreciation for the body part and inanimate object tweeters, like LafayettesThong. EricNorthman did say that overall he most enjoyed when they performed a piece of fan fiction by Terri Botta, for a charity fundraiser. KitchenBitch said, “I get so many great emails, tweets and voice mails…. but damn it PussyLover9 betta holla back!” VampireBill shared a small pet peeve, saying, “If I get one more tweet telling me that @SookieBonTemps needs me to save her, to go get her, I will drain someone. “ HoytFortertenberry summed it up nicely when he said, “I’m just happy when I can close the laptop at the end of the night feeling like I accomplished what I set out to do with the character for the evening.”

 To round things out, I asked the group to answer some “lightning round” quickie questions for the fans.

 Favorite Song:

EricNorthman – If There’s a Rocket Tie Me to it by Snow Patrol

VampireBill – impossible to chose one

HoytFortenberry: #41  by Dave Matthews Band – he also noted he and Jess use a lot from The Fray

JessicaHamby – Me, I’m a Thief by Sarah Slean

SookieBonTemps – All is Full of Love by Bjork

KitchenBitch – Mayberry Theme Mashup by Beyonce

TaraMaeThornton – That Time by Regina Spektor

MaryAnnForreste – Chariot by Gavin DeGraw

 

 If you were a fruit, what would it be?

EricNorthman – pear

VampireBill – he just laughed at me, saying, “how in the hell do I answer that?”

HoytFortenberry – Fortenberry (I admit, his last name WAS the inspiration for this question)

JessicaHamby – Mulberry

SookieBonTemps – fresh lychees

KitchenBitch – cherry – cause gurrr I gots de cocoa!

TaraMaeThornton – Clementine

MaryAnnForreste – grape

 

 If you were on a desert island, with no wifi, what three items would you bring?

EricNorthman – notebook, pen, sunscreen

HoytFortenberry – satellite internet box, Macbook, espresso machine

JessicaHamby – Alexander Skarsgard, journal/pen, pet dachshund

SookieBonTemps – bottle of bourbon, lighter, notebook

KitchenBitch – he just asked me, “is 3 menz bein’ greedy?”

TaraMaeThornton – endless supply of peanut butter and oreos, pen and paper

MaryAnnForreste – copy of Invisible Man, Carlos Santana Supernatural CD, a blanket

 Finally, when asked if there was anything any of them would like to share with their fans and the world, they were all very honest and open. MaryAnnForreste said, “we have the best followers on Twitter, hands down.” EricNorthman said, “I wish I knew some of you as my real self. Also?  MUCH love to HBO.  They have supported and encouraged us like champs.  I would never have expected a company to be as cool with us as they are.” HoytFortenberry, admitted,  ” I’m thrilled that people have stuck around to watch.  Come drop in and say hi.  We don’t bite… uh…. much.” And lastly, SookieBonTemps told me, “drinks @MerlottesBar are on me.”

Find any of the TB Twitter players you want to follow by checking the One Click Lists put together by KitchenBitch.