Some of the books that have inspired me

[Teresa Edgerton]

A while ago I set myself the task of writing up reviews of some of my favorite older fantasies and posting them here at Chronicles. Those of you who visit my sub-forum -- well, those of you interested in reading about some of the books that have influenced and inspired my own writing -- might want to take a look at them.

Here is what I have done so far (the first one listed below was just posted today):

BOOK REVIEWS: The Broken Sword, and Kingdoms of Elfin

Book Review: THE WORM OUROBOROS, by E. R. Eddison

Book Review: THE DARK TWIN, by Marion Campbell

Book Review: RED MOON, BLACK MOUNTAIN, by Joy Chant

Book Review: THE LAST COIN, by James P. Blaylock

I think the next one I review will be Moonwise, by Greer Gilman.

However, I would love to hear from other Chronicles members who write -- whether you are serious about writing, or simply do it for your own amusement -- if you're willing to share the titles and authors of some of the books that have influenced and inspired you.

 

[dwndrgn]

This is a great post! I think everyone should definitely do the same. Although, I, as a non-writer, would only be listing books that heavily influenced my life-view rather than any artistic achievements. Not only does it give us readers insight into a small bit of the writer's mindset, but it also may inspire us in some small way.

 

[Teresa Edgerton]

Well, it looks like our writers here have not been inspired by anything ...

 

[Mark Robson]

Give us a chance! Much as I'd like to spend all my time in here, I'm a bit frantic right now. I'm sure that others will get around to it as well, when they've had a bit of thinking time. (Only joking - not really a rant, honest.)

Inspirations for me were many. Anyone who has read my first novel will no doubt be able to see that I've drawn heavily on Lord of the Rings, The Belgariad and one or two of David Gemmell's books.

My biggest inspiration for The Darkweaver Legacy series, however, was a series by Elizabeth Moon called The Deed of Paksenarrion. The trilogy was:

Sheepfarmer's Daughter
Divided Allegiance
Oath of Gold

I found the detail that Elizabeth built into her military settings fascinating. What I wanted to do was to emulate that, but without the depth of background or breadth of geography. I did start a thread about her series some time ago, but it rapidly took a different tack to that of discussing her work:

http://www.chronicles-network.com/forum/6685-elizabeth-moon-deed-of-paksenarrion.html?highlight=Elizabeth+Moon

I'm not sure that my Imperial Series has been that affected by other authors. I would find it hard to put my finger on any one or two who have helped to shape this story, and certainly not books, as I don't think I've ever read anything quite like this story before.

Books that inspired my love of fantasy would be easier to name than those that have influenced my own writing. Sometimes it's easier for the readers to pick out the influences than the writer, I think!

 

[GOLLUM]

Excellent thread!

I did actualy start a similar sort of post to this a while back, where I reviewed (more than my "great read, must read" style comments) "older" books but not as comprehensively or as detailed as your reviews and not in the "review" section of this forum, which is probably the place I should've posted them. It also had contributions by yourself and other members on suggested classics but it wasn't specifically on books that inspired me to write per se.

Anyway, you've motivated me to go dig up that older post and add some more "classics" over this weekend.

I've not read the Blaylock you mention and it has got me interested in chasing this up. I've just this week managed to get a second hand copy of "Black Mountain" on the strength of your recommendation, so I hope to start reading this in the next couple of months or so. All the other books you mention I think have now read and on the whole concur with your thoughts.

 

[Teresa Edgerton]

Sometimes it's easier for the readers to pick out the influences than the writer, I think!

Yes, that's true -- except if you leave it up to the readers, they'll occasionally see influences from books you never read.

But sometimes it's easier to recognize your own sources of inspiration (in literature and in real life) a long time afterward. While you're still inside the story, as it were, it can tend to fill up your vision.

Gollum, I think I remember that thread, and it would be a good idea to revive it. We can never have too many threads on the classics!


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Isn't there a thread somewhere around the forums where people describe words they live by or life lessons they've learned from books? It seemed to me that there was, which is why I limited my question to books that have influenced people's writing. But if you would like to share some books that have inspired you in ways unrelated to writing, dwndgrn, I'd be interested to hear what they are.

 

[Teresa Edgerton]

I've posted my review of Moonwise, probably the last review of one of these classic older books that I'll be doing for a while:

http://www.chronicles-network.com/f...oonwise-by-greer-ilene-gilman.html#post232738

It's a remarkable and frustrating and amazing and difficult book.