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.
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.
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.
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!
Thanks! Glad to hear it.