Who Influenced Your Writing?
Wow! That’s a really tough question to answer. So many different authors influenced my writing over the years; I hope I can remember those who had the most impact. I’ll do my best.
As I have said before, I fell in love with science-fiction at a young age. If I wasn’t reading comic books, then I was reading sci-fi. During my early years, I had some favorites: Arthur C. Clarke, George Orwell, Ray Bradbury, Jules Verne, and many others. My favorite comic books were Spider Man, X-Men, Batman, and Spawn.
At the same time, I also really enjoyed television shows like Lost in Space, Battlestar Galactica, The Twilight Zone, and Night Gallery. To this day, four decades later, I can still remember specific episodes that really caught my attention.
Science-fiction wasn’t my only interest though. I also enjoyed mystery books from authors like Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Agatha Christie as well as television shows like Starsky & Hutch, Fantasy Island, and The Love Boat. I guess you could say I was a kid of my time.
As a young adult, and to this day, a few authors stand out. Stephen King is my favorite storyteller. Dean Koontz is my favorite writer. Michael Crichton is my favorite speculative writer.
If I had to nail it down, I would say those authors and television shows directly contributed to my evolution as a writer. There were many more though and it wouldn’t be fair not to mention them here.
I love thrillers of all types, so I’m a big fan of Robin Cook, John Grisham, Thomas Harris and, more recently, Douglas E. Richards who started as a self-published author. I’ve said this before, but it’s worth saying again: If you want to be a great writer, then you’ve got to be an avid reader.
Although I’ve been influenced by books, television, and movies, I am very careful to not plagiarize. All of my works are entirely my own creations. My influences served only as a spark to ignite my passion for writing.
Below, I’ll list a few honorable mentions. If you’ve not yet read these books, I highly recommend you put them on your list.
Angela’s Ashes and ‘Tis by Frank McCourt
The Foundation Series by Isaac Asimov
The Alex Delaware Series by Jonathan Kellerman
Beyond Good and Evil by Nietzsche
Brave New World by Aldous Huxley
The Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle
I could write a list that goes on and on, but I’ll leave you with those. Take your inspiration wherever you can get it and keep writing.
Please don’t forget to subscribe to the monthly newsletter and post alerts; I really appreciate your support.
You May Also Like
Do I Need an Agent to be a Successful Author?
Have You Ever Felt Like Throwing In The Towel?
