One of the core questions asked of me when setting up my author’s note for my upcoming novel was what books inspired your writing. That’s a tricky question for me to answer. I LOVE books. Like love them, a lot. And I read a lot and quite quickly as well (much to my husband’s annoyance).
I also don’t read one specific genre over another, although I will say non-fiction and fiction fall further down on my list than fantasy, superheros, mystery and classic literature. But honestly, what constitues a good book for me is a beautiful use of words, a strong storyline with a character who actually grows and thinks and learns (and has flaws), a good world-build (if fantasy or superhero), and an engaging and engrossing story.
Everyone’s tastes are different. I can read Anna Karenina over and over again, but I will never get through War and Peace – the subject matter just doesn’t appeal, even though the language is the same. I love Gentlemen and Players by Joanne Harris and was not as enamored with her other books. They were good, just not Gentlemen and Players good.
The first round of books I’m sharing because they inspire my writing (and because I want everyone to know they exist) are all in the fantasy genre. They do inspire me, some of the writing has influenced my storyline (sort of), and I love their characters and their struggles. What makes one more interesting than the other? I’ve got no clue. I just know what I like.
So here are the first round of fantasy series that I absolutely love, in no particular order:
I like the October Daye series because the character goes through some shit. And she grows. And the crew around her grows as well. I also really like the world she lives in.
Kate Daniels, on the other hand, is a bad ass. And she collects stray people. And her motivations and reasons for doing what she does feels true and heartfelt and real. I also really like her relationship with Curran, because it is isn’t easy and it progresses at a normal pace (for books).
Mercy Thompson’s world is also really interesting. I love the different dynamics in the world between the Fae, the humans, and the werewolves. I also love that she’s special, but not powerful, and how she also wants to save everyone.
NPCs is a great series, especially if you are a DnDer or videogamer. It applies equally across both. If you’ve ever wondered what those NPCs do when they’re not standing around on a corner, this is the series for you. And it has loads of fabulous twists and turns and a rich story arc that runs the length of the series. And seriously, more people need to read Drew Hayes. All of his series are a-maz-ing!
So that’s it for this round. There’ll be more of these, with more fantasy, superheros, and then other genres and writers that I love to read and inspire me. There are too many to just list!
What do you think? Do you agree? Sound off in the comments!