Favorite Authors' Favorites

Welcome to my new feature all about author favorites. One thing I really love about the internet is the access it gives us to authors. Heck, I’m a fangirl and I’m not afraid to admit it, and I LOVE to be able to help readers get to know their favorite authors as well as discover new ones.

When I put the call out to authors to answer my ‘Favorites’ questions, I didn’t expect for my to-read list to grow so fast. Grab a pen and paper, or log onto Goodreads, because more than likely you’ll find a title or two to add to your very own list. Please visit the authors’ websites and browse their work. Be sure to come back weekly to learn more about many awesome authors!


I asked authors to share with us some of their favorite middle grade fantasy books.

Noah Zarc: Mammoth Hunter  by D. Robert Pease I just recently read and reviewed this one. The action and the characters were exciting. The main character is in a wheelchair, so it is a good story for kids with a great message about what kids can do if someone has faith in them. –Christina Weigand (Christina writes Christian Fantasy fiction for kids and teens.) 

The Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling. Don't give me that look! I know everyone's probably picking Harry Potter, but there is that moment in this book where Harry is choosing his path. Young, brilliant, all of life stretching out before him, and he consciously and willingly chooses to face Voldemort, knowing he could die. One of the most poignant, beautifully written scenes I've ever read in any book. –Dianne Hartsock (Dianne writes m/m erotic romances, both contemporary and fantasy, psychological thrillers, and anything else that comes to mind.) 

Percy Jackson and The Olympians Series by Rick Riordan. Percy made me laugh throughout the whole series (example: “Hercules, huh?” Percy frowned. "That guy was like the Starbucks of Ancient Greece. Everywhere you turn--there he is.”), and I enjoyed the imaginative rendering of the Greek gods. –Erin Albert (Erin writes fiction for the young adult crossover market.) 

I also asked authors what book inspired them to write. The Harry Potter series did it for me. While I was waiting for the release of book 5 in the series I decided to keep myself occupied by making up a world of my own. Beware of the White (and the Underworld city of Concord) was born.

The Diary of Anne Frank. I read the book for the first time when I was in school and it really moved me. To date, one of the most inspiring books I've ever read. –Jo Linsdell (Jo is an author and illustrator of children's picture books and also non-fiction - mainly marketing and Italy.)   

The Percy Jackson series inspired my middle grade fantasy. I reread parts of those books while I drafted mine. I have Post-it notes all over the series because certain passages are just that good, whether because of the voice that draws the reader in or the tension and pace of the action scenes. –Kelly Hashway (Kelly writes write fiction for kids and teens.)

As much as I hate to admit it, Twilight was one of the last books to finally push me over the ledge to write professionally. –Sheri Larsen (Sheri writes about the unseen and the average teen/tween who's not so average.) 

Comments

  1. S.A. LarsenッJuly 29, 2014 at 5:27 PM

    I hadn't seen the post-it statement from Kelly. I so do that, too! I'm honored to be included here. #happysummer

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kai Strand, AuthorJuly 30, 2014 at 8:05 AM

      I've been known to highlight passages that resonate with me for one reason or another. Sometimes I can't quite figure out why & it remains an elusive thing that I'd love to emulate, but can't.

      Delete
  2. Jo LinsdellAugust 6, 2014 at 3:24 AM

    Thanks for featuring me Kai :)

    ReplyDelete

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