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What Books Inspired You to Write?

I get this question often and my answers always feel vague. The question isn’t as straight forward as it seems–I end up in a thought labyrinth as I over-dissect the exact meaning of the word “inspired?”

So here are a few answers for each of the ways I might take the question:

Are they asking: What books of fiction have had an observable influence on the stories you write? 

Lamb: The Gospel According to Biff |  by Christopher Moore.

Ismael |  by Daniel Quinn.

The Way of the Peaceful Warrior | by Dan Millman.

Though, if we are talking influences, I draw a lot from reading comic books in the 90’s and watching movies/TV shows.

Are they asking: What books of fiction have you enjoyed a great deal?

The Name of the Wind and The Wise Man’s Fears | by Patrick Rothfuss.

If I ever met Patrick Rothfuss, I would shake his hand and let him know that, as an author, his work profoundly humbles me every time I read it. It’s not just the man’s prose, but the shear scope of his world building.

The Dresden Files | By Jim Butcher.

The Iron Druid Chronicles | By Kevin Hearne

The Sword of Truth Series | By Terry Goodkind

At the time of this writing I am enjoying Peter V. Brett’s The Demon Cycle.

I am just gonna stop this list short, but I update my Goodreads profile from time to time if you want book recommendations.

Are they asking: What books do you feel people should read for the purpose of self improvement?

The Demon-Haunted World: Science as a Candle in the Dark |  By Carl Sagan

The Moral Animal | By Robert Wright

The Hero With A Thousand Faces | By Joseph Campbell (you guys probably saw that coming)

Are they asking: What books have helped you with the craft of Writing itself?

I found Stephen King’s book: On Writing incredibility helpful. That said, I would add the caveat that one should read this as they are attempting to write their first novel.  Said person should absorb this slowly–only read a chapter or two a week.

Stephen King expresses a lot of his own self doubts throughout the book and it helps to hear a successful author describe the exact same feelings you’ll soon find yourself experiencing.

What Books Inspired You to Write?

4 thoughts on “What Books Inspired You to Write?

  • May 9, 2018 at 8:33 pm
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    One of my favorite series (other than yours of course) has to be The Demon Accords by John Conroe.
    I also enjoy the Iron Druid and the Ender series by Orson Scott Card.

    Reply
  • November 22, 2018 at 6:47 am
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    So it’s nearing the end of the year, and I was hoping we could possibly get some news on the status of the third book? I’ve been trembling with anticipation ever since I read the last page of The Never Paradox.

    Also, fantastic work with the story and writing. The Chronicles of Jonathan Tibbs were the best things I’ve read this year. I wish you the best of luck with your writing career.

    Reply
    • November 22, 2018 at 6:01 pm
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      Thanks for reading! I’d say first draft is about 60% done. I hit a real slow patch on the last 10%. Mostly due to babies, but also because I overhauled the first half after deciding to change some plot points.

      Wish I could give a specific timeline but I don’t like making promises that might constrain me to deadlines. I like keeping the freedom to make sure its the best book I can produce, that often means a lot of rewrites. Just last night I had some new ideas that will change the stories direction in ways I think are better then my original conception.

      Thanks for your interest and questions, appreciate your interest in the series!

      Reply
      • November 23, 2018 at 6:30 am
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        Thanks! Glad to hear it.

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