Hi friends, and happy Wednesday! Today, I was thinking about authors who have paved the way before me and my peers, who have inspired me with their words, filled me with stories of hope, and even changed me as a person—helping me to see things in a new light or to deepen my walk with the Lord. Today, I thought I’d share two authors who inspired me deeply, along with a short list of my peers who continue to inspire me both with their stories and the examples of their writing lives.
Agatha Christie:
I first read Agatha Christie when I was gifted Murder on the Orient Express on my eighth birthday. Little did I know the impact it would have in directing me in the genre that I both love reading and especially writing. To me, there’s nothing like a whodunnit. I love how Austen set up her stories. How everyone was stranded there, and all were suspects. It’s amazing how she deftly wrote an assembled cast and yet realistically made each person a suspect. Made each person a distinct and fleshed-out individual. I read the book in one sitting, and to this day, I love to go back and read or watch them again (thanks to the movies with Kenneth Branagh). If you haven’t seen the movies, I highly recommend them, but Murder on the Orient Express remains my favorite both in print and film.
Jane Austen:
What list of influential authors could exist without Jane Austen on it? I’m amazed how Jane’s keen observations of society and masterful storytelling continue to captivate readers over time. Her stories are read, made into films, and adapted by a plethora of authors to this day. This shows the depth of her stories and the lightness of her pen. My favorite aspect of Jane’s writing, and it’s hard to choose just one, is her dialogue. Who doesn’t adorer the witty banter of Elizabeth and Darcy in Pride and Prejudice, or the playful matchmaking of Emma Woodhouse in the aptly named novel Emma. While Pride and Prejudice remains my favorite, Sense and Sensibility runs a close second. It’s brimming with emotion that grinds at the heart in the tissues-handy way.
Many of you have certainly heard this before, but Jane Austen was truly before her time, writing on topics such as social class, love, hardship, and hope. She has had the most impact on me to strive to explore themes of love and hope, to attempt to write dialogue in a way that flows so naturally (still working on that) and to explore and examine human nature, relationships, and character growth.
Modern storytellers that have impacted my short list:
Dee Henderson:
Her stories stretch my faith.
Deb Raney:
A glowing example of everything a writer should strive to be.
Katherine Reay:
Delightful stories that run deep.
Kristy Cambron:
Elegance in writing at its best.
Terri Blackstock:
The stories that keep me flipping pages late into the night.
How about you? Who has inspired you as a writer and/or a reader?
Thanks for spending time with me today!
Blessings,
Dani
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One of the authors who makes an impact on me as a reader is Kimberly Duffy. Her stories always challenge my thinking and expand my heart. And her writing brings her setting to life to the point that it feels as if I’m there.
That’s amazing. Such a gift when an author is able to do that. Do you have a favorite book of hers?
A Tapestry of Light
Dani, I couldn’t be more honored to be included on that short list, especially with other authors I admire so much! You have truly made my YEAR!
As for authors who’ve inspired me, the late Catherine Marshall tops the list. And besides YOU, Dani, other contemporaries who are my inspiration are too numerous to mention, but a strong Top 3 would include my dear writing critique partner, Tamera Alexander, Robin Lee Hatcher, and Angela Hunt. But again, there are SO many I admire, not only for their strong writing, but also for the way they live out their faith in the limelight.
Aww. Thank you so much. Wow. That is a strong, wonderful Top 3. Those ladies have led the way for some many by shining example. Lovely seeing you in NC.
Isn’t it amazing how words leave an indellible mark on us, even when we don’t immediately realize it? I think of stories I loved as a girl like the Little House books or Anne of Green Gables, my enjoyment of Encylopedia Brown’s mysteries, and The Black Stallion horse books. Even my early teen devouring of Sweet Valley High books shaped me. Then of course I found Christy, and a seed was planted for future Christian fiction. Is it any wonder I write books with strong, feisty heroines, horses, romance, and a dash of mysery/suspense? Story is not only something that is created, it is something with the power to continue creating in others.
Wow. I LOVE the statement. It should become a Karen Witemeyer quote: Story is snot only something that is created, it is something with the power to continue creating.
Jane Austen.
She’s the best! Love the gorgeous edition of P & P sitting on my shelve thanks to your kindness.
The most influential author for me was Eugenia Price, who was writing faith-filled historical novels based on real (but not famous) people long before there was a separate genre of Christian fiction. Two wonderful current authors who have influenced and encouraged me are our own Deb Ranty and Tamera Alexander. Both have been faithful friends and encouragers!
Faithful friends and encouragers are so invaluable. Can’t wait to spend time with you in November 🙂
Awww, thank you, D’Ann! You’ve been a blessing in my life too!
Some of my favorite authors have already been mentioned so here are 3 of mine not on the list. Jean Plaidy (one of several pseudonyms used by Eleanor Hibbert), Margaret Campbell Barnes, and Margaret Irwin. Great historical fiction authors! Their novels were on British royalty from the Conquest to the end of the Victorian era. Jean Plaidy wrote some novels about French, Italian, and Spanish royals. I brought the reissues of their novels as they were released here in the US in the late 2000s to 2010s.
I’d have too many to list. But one was the late Elisabeth Elliot. I “discovered” her books in college and have been reading them ever since. I had not come from a Christian family, and she did a lot to shape my thinking about living for the Lord and Christian womanhood.
One more recent discovery is Amanda Dykes. Her novel, Whose Waves These Are, was beautifully written, captured me from the outset, and stayed with my a long time after I finished it.
Another recently-discovered author who inspires me is Hannah Anderson. I started with her advent book, Heaven and Nature Sing: 25 Advent Reflections to Bring Joy to the World, and read it the past two Decembers. And I’ve read all but her newest book since then.
My two mentors: Laura Frantz, for her constant advice and encouragement, and for the way her words sing. And Sarah Sundin, for our shared love of everything 1940s, and her guidance as I attempt to match her high standards for research.