Everyone has their favorite authors, and I have had many
over the years. Starting with the Trixie Belden books back in elementary school
(yes, I am dating myself) up through the current selections from Dean Koontz
and Jennifer McMahon, I have enjoyed reading as my primary form of
entertainment. In my writing, I have gone through stages as well, devouring
mysteries, science/fiction fantasy, romance, horror, and even jumped on the
Twilight bandwagon for a bit! However, there are a few authors that have
influenced my writing, especially for my most recent Raven Mysteries. They have
spurred me in the idea of finding some familiar stories and well-loved characters
and turning them on their ear!
I stumbled over the very talented Stacey Rourke when
prowling for a new book to read. I love stories of the headless horseman, and a
good spooky read is always fun for me. I found the Legends Saga with the first book, Crane. It was wonderful, and I quickly devoured that one, and subsequently the others in the
set. I continue to read her books, eagerly waiting for the next release. I
liked that she was able to take a great old classic and make it new and fresh.
To check out her books, check out the Amazon link!
Or at: www.staceyrourke.com
The other author I have enjoyed reading these last several
months is A. G. Howard. Her tale of a twisted Alice in Wonderland kept me
looking for the next book in the series. I actually listened to the audiobook
of the first novel, Splintered, the
first in the Splintered series, and
then had to seek out the rest. In her books, she takes the familiar characters
and throws them into our reality before pulling us, the readers, into her own
form of wonderland.
My own book, Midnight Dreary, originated through an interest in
the works of Edgar Allen Poe. (In elementary school, I was learning to recite The
Raven for fun). I chose some of the creepy aspects of his work, adding the characters
of the raven and the names of some of my other personalities. I wanted to set
the scene in an all American town, and then throw the town into crisis. My secondary
character has traits that reflect a Sherlock Holmes type of investigation and
intuitiveness. I wanted to contrast the two main characters to add a little
tension, and yes, eventual romantic interest.
My release is tomorrow!
I encourage you to put these books on your list of 'to be reads'! You won't regret it (although you'll find it hard to put these books down!)