Quote:
Originally Posted by GOLLUM  So I'll ask one of the obvious one, which authors have influenced you?
Also any suggestion what I should begin with? I confess I've never read any of your work to date. |
I find that harder to answer than to say which authors I like. I think only readers can see the influences. When I was a kid, I read Tolkien and became fixated on LOTR, which I re-read every year or so till I was about 18. I also loved series, like Dr Dolittle and Mary Poppins, when I was smaller.
As I grew older, I discovered Dickens and really love his books, all of which I have read and re-read. And Shelley. I did an English degree so was exposed to all the greats. I developed a passion for Malory, which endures to this day and for myth and legend in general, especially Celtic and Norse.
Of contemporary writers, I read all Margaret Atwood, Anne Tyler, Kate Atkinson and among YA authors my favourites are Diana Wynne Jones, Margaret Mahy, Jan Mark. Oh and I am a great Discworld fan.
As for what to read by me, start with Stravaganza: City of Masks if you want fantasy+history or The Falconer's Knot if you prefer straight history.
Mary