IWSG Asks: Have you ever read a line in a novel or a clever plot twist that caused you to have author envy?
Of course, I have! There are so many books I've read where I think, "That's it. I'll never write as beautifully as that. That was amazing!"
Surprisingly, instead of discouraging me to write my own books, these authors inspire me. The better the book, the more I feel the need to write, too. Not that I want to compete. Not that. And I don't feel exactly envious. That's too negative. I admire them. I want to be like them. I want my books to be on the same shelves as those outstanding authors.
When I started my writing journey, whenever I visited a bookstore, I would check the area where my books would be located, imagining one day being published and selling my books in brick-and-mortar stores. I'd trace my finger along the shelves, searching for where my name would fall alphabetically. When I'd find it, I'd wiggle open a small space between the books where mine should be. Then I'd check to see how close I was to my favorite authors.
A few books away? Right next to mine? Maybe a shelf under or above?
It was a game I'd played, and I've heard other authors played this game, too. It must be a writer thing. :)
But it was because of the words these authors wrote, the clever plot twists and the amazing characters they created, the stories they wrote that made me want to be an author, too.
I've read so many authors that have impressed me with their writing talent, but here are a few that come to mind immediately when it comes to particularly outstanding lines.
Georgette Heyer was incredibly talented at capturing the language of the Regency era. Her books truly pull readers into that world, so much they can lose themselves in her almost poetic writing. I'm always in awe of her character's wit, humor and perfectly turned phrases.
Maggie Shayne is another one that amazes me with her storytelling abilities. Her creativity, plot twists, and characters have made her one of my favorite authors. One that is on my auto-buy list!
And Julia Quinn. I've been raving about The Bridgertons since I first read an ARC of Romancing Mr. Bridgerton during my days working at Waldenbooks. I'm ecstatic that her stories have made it onto Netflix! A dream come true for any author! And now so many more people are enjoying her stories. Her writing style flows so smoothly, and there were several moments while reading her books when I found myself emotionally teary-eyed because of her writing.
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Yeah, I don't think envy is the right word. It's more about inspiration and trying to be just as good or better!
ReplyDeleteWell said! I completely agree! :)
DeleteFun idea to see where your book would sit on a store shelf.
ReplyDeleteDelightful post. I've never played the game of discovering how close your book will be to a famous author when it is published. Great idea!! That is an incentive to get it published.
ReplyDelete