Since
we all love to read, I thought I’d share with you whose books inspired me to be
a writer, to be a better writer, and to be brave enough to write what was in my
heart.
The
#1 position is held by Mary Stewart. When I read “The Moonspinners” I was
entranced. I read it about six or seven times. It was that book that made me
want to write stories for other people to read – specifically to write love
stories. I was in eighth grade. I had written things before, but I’d never
thought about making a living doing it until then.
I
couldn’t make a list of authors I admire without including Margaret Mitchell.
Her “Gone with the Wind” is the essence of historical romances. The sweeping,
all-encompassing history and historical facts in her book are staggering. Yes,
there is no HEA, but the ending still stands for all time as one of the best.
Readers could write their own sequel (until the actual one came out…but it
doesn’t count because Margaret didn’t write it).
Truman
Capote inspired me to never stop learning how to write better and to go at your
own pace. I love the story of how he and Ernest Hemingway were in a hotel room writing
one day. They started in mid-morning and in the late afternoon Hemingway pushed
aside his typewriter and suggested they call it a day and head to the bar for
drinks. He glowered at Truman and said, “I’ve typed three whole pages of my
novel and you’ve sat there all damn day and typed one word!” Truman smiled and
said, “Yes, but it’s the right word.”
LaVyrle
Spencer inspired me to write historical romances. I had written only
contemporary stories until I read her books. “Hummingbird,” “Twice Loved,” “Vows,”
“The Gamble, and “The Endearment,” along with all her others, brought joy to me
and made me want to step back in time. She is a beautiful writer. Of late, I
read a book that reminded me of LaVyrle’s touching characters and storylines –
“Archer’s Voice” by Mia Sheridan. It’s simply wonderful and I’m a big fan of
hers now.
Finally,
I must give a bow to E.L. James. Yes, yes, I’ve read all the criticism of her
writing. Hey, folks, I’ve read a lot
worse that made bestseller lists, so chill. Besides, if you’re reading “Fifty
Shades of Grey” and you’re all wrapped up in bad sentence structure or weak
word choices, then you just don’t get it anyway. People don’t enjoy those books
because of the writing style. (wink, wink) I was totally wrapped up in Christian’s
character. I thought he was fascinating and I loved all three books. They
inspired me to write what was in my heart – what I’d wanted to write for 10
years, but had been afraid to branch off into a new direction with it.
There
are many other authors I love, but these are touchstones for me.
