There have been a million and one memes floating around lately. I usually don't participate, for a variety of reasons. This one, though, is too cool not to participate in. I got it through Facebook, but it comes up on DorothyL sometimes, and other listserves.
Who are you influenced by? What writers have had such an impact on you that when asked to list them, you'll think of them immediately?
To satisfy the meme's mission, I decided to list mine out - along with the one book or story or play or poem that was the most influential to me with a random tidbit as to why. It was hard to keep the list to 25, as you'll see...
25 Writers:
1. Vladimir Nabokov - Lolita
I've never been as affected by a novel as I was Lolita. It taught me voice, and passion, and how an unreliable narrator can squeeze out your soul. Something I've never forgotten.
2. Virginia Woolf - A Room of One's Own
Because I've always ascribed to the belief that, "a woman must have money and a room of her own if she is to write fiction." Amen to that, Sister.
3. Harper Lee - To Kill A Mockingbird
My first moments of social awareness.
4. Mary Stewart - The Wicked Day
I've always been fascinated with the Arthurian Legend, and this book, from Mordred's point of view and partially set in Wales, is my favorite of the lot.
5. Ayn Rand - Atlas Shrugged
I read it at the suggestion of a boyfriend in high school I wanted to impress, and was blown away by the concepts. Her short novel Anthem is my favorite book.
6. Sun Tzu - The Art of War
I fancied myself a Taoist for a while, but the logic of the simple dictum make sure your enemy has a way to escape stuck with me. Fitting for war, and life. And how can you not love a book that's influenced the art of war throughout history?
7. John Connolly - Every Dead Thing
His first, and possibly one of the finest debut novels I'll ever read. Connolly has long been an influence on my writing - his literary style is unmistakable and effective.
8. John Sandford - Mind Prey
The book I was reading when I decided I wanted to try my hand at writing again.
9. Carolyn Keene - Nancy Drew and The Secret of the Old Clock
After reading the Nancy Drew' books, I spent several years insisting on being called George, even going so far as to sign my school photographs George M. To say I was a tomboy is putting it mildly.
10. Ernest Hemingway - Short Story: Hills Like White Elephants
I've never been so affected by a story in my life. Possibly the best example of metaphor ever written, and certainly one of the best shorts of all time.
11. Mary Shelley - Frankenstein
I always hated the movie, because the book gave Frankenstein's monster a conscience. I've always felt that evil is a choice, and this book encapsulates that concept for me.
12. Emily Bronte - Wuthering Heights
I'm in love with Heathcliff, mental illness and all. There, I said it. And I thought the most recent BBC offering of the story was grand, if a little off the mark.
13. Jane Austen - Pride and Prejudice
I'm also a bit in love with Mr. Darcy. And I married my own, so this book was a helpful guide to the path of true love.
14. Diana Gabaldon - Outlander
The book that precipitated my shift away from politics and back to writing. Grand, sweeping, and another main character I've got the hots for.
15. Niccolo Machiavelli - The Prince
The art of the State, an essential book for me when I was planning my political career.
16. A.A. Milne - The House at Pooh Corner
I felt a great affinity for Christopher Robbins, because my stuffed animals had lives too.
17. Lee Child - Running Blind
My first Child book, with one of the most incredibly effective and affecting scenes I've ever read. A true impetus to get it right.
18. C.S. Lewis - The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe
I was an imaginative child, so fantasy novels really worked for me. I cried so hard when Aslan died, and found joy again when he resurrected. I saw what power writers have and started writing.
19. Elizabeth George - Write Away
One of the first writing books I ever read, and a great influence on how to build a story.
20. Stephen King - On Writing
The most important book in my toolbox, simple, straightforward, and definitely a help in improving my writing.
21. Percy Bysshe Shelley - Ozymandias
This poem is one of my favorites - succinct yet powerful.
22. Alfred, Lord Tennyson - The Eagle, A Fragment
My all time favorite poem - I recited it for an assignment in third grade, my first speaking part. It spoke to me, touched something in my soul. It still does.
23. Joseph Conrad - Heart of Darkness
A journey into the heart of man, one not easily forgotten.
24. Jean Rhys - Wide Sargasso Sea
The idea of one of the greatest novels of all time (Jane Eyre) having a backstory floored me. Lush and evocative.
25. Shakespeare - A Midsummer Night's Dream
This was impossible to narrow down, because I'm a Shakespeare fiend. But this is one of my favorites, along with Taming of the Shrew.
So what about you? Who are your influences?
Wine of the Week: A gift from a friend, the best way to enjoy wine.
2005 Nickel & Nickel Branding Iron Cabernet Sauvignon