Whether you’re a reader, a writer or both, there are bound to be authors who inspire you–writers you can always turn to knowing you’re going to get a good read. Here are some of my favorites:
Francine Rivers – This woman has such range! There are epic series like “The Mark of the Lion,” sweet contemporary stories like “Leota’s Garden,” and Biblical retellings like “Unveiled.” I love that I can read such variety knowing it’s all going to be good. www.FrancineRivers.com
Jan Karon – I always find Jan Karon’s books to be so comforting. She writes lovely stories with good messages that are like easing into a hot bubble bath at the end of a long day. Ahhhhh. www.mitfordbooks.com
C.S. Lewis – Oh how I wish I could have met this man. I think he’s the single, greatest Christian thinker I’ve ever had the privilege to read. From “Mere Christianity” to the Narnia series to his foray into science fiction with his Space Trilogy the man was a genius blessed with an immeasurable talent.
Jane Austen – I’ve read her novels again and again and find them forever witty, sharp and delicious. And I have no illusions of ever writing anything even remotely like “Pride & Prejudice,” so I can just savor her books without wondering if I could write that well. I can’t. (And if I could it probably wouldn’t sell in today’s market.)
Q4U- Who are your favorite authors? Why do you love their work?
Meet Sarah
Well, you took 3 of mine, but I have not read CS Lewis’s Space Trilogy. I generally do not like sci-fi stuff, but I’ll check those out. I would add John Grishom because he holds my attention from page 1 to the end and presents some things to make me think about. Kristin Hannah has some good stories about relationships and I love Sue Grafton, though I came late to her series and read A-U in less than a year’s time. Her main characters are people you would really like to know. Wonder what has happened to V?
And I know which one ISN’T your favorite. That’s okay, more Jane for me! Lewis’ sci-fi books are very different (although maybe not when you consider the Screwtape Letters and the Great Divorce). They’re fantastic allegory, though and I loved them for that.
Of course, Jane! I keep finding new authors and then forget to look for more by them. But on my list would be Barbara Kingsolver, Anita Shreve, Sarah Addison Allen (Garden Spells), and Carol Goodman (The Lake of Dead Languages)- all I can’t wait until they write another one.
Oh–Sarah Addison Allen–and a local Western NC writer, too. She’s coming out with The Peach Keeper in March this year. That’s Jane’s only disadvantage–no more books!
I love Kaye Gibbons. Ellen Foster. A Virtuous Woman. Just incredible stuff. Also love William Styron, and Sophie’s Choice is just the least of it.
Prodigal Summer by Kingsolver and Ellen Foster by Gibbons are two of my favorite books. Also LOVE Reynolds Price!
MY favorite Reynolds Price novel is Roxanna Slade and I am so dismayed that I have lost my copy that was riddled with yellow highlighter! RIP Reynolds Price. Thank you for the gift of your words!