What book influenced you?

71writer · 06-10-2012, 06:16 PM

I was just wondering if you had to say a book influenced you to want to be a writer, which one would it be?
I've thought long and hard on this and I am writing right now a YA novel and then have plans for a MG novel. So when I think back over the years I believe that it would have to be "Harriet The Spy" that really kicked me in the butt on writing.
I can't tell you how many times I read that book as a kid and wanted to live her life. Who knew it was possible? Lol.

MsJudy · 06-10-2012, 07:49 PM

The Phantom Tollbooth by Norman Juster. The way he plays with words... I was sitting on the couch, listening to my dad read it out loud, and I just had the really clear thought: I want to do that when I grow up.

Also the Chronicles of Prydain by Lloyd Alexander. The mix of warm, human characters with epic fantasy--they were my favorite books growing up. I must have read them ten times.

Al Stevens · 06-10-2012, 08:33 PM

Bill Mauldin's A Sort of a Saga, memoirs of his childhood and teen years in rural New Mexico. I read it as a young boy, and he seemed to be telling my story. I was influenced in many ways by Mauldin's words and pictures.

71writer · 06-11-2012, 04:36 AM

Thanks guys! I am interested in reading those if I can find them.

06-10-2012, 06:16 PM	#1
71writer figuring it all out Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Sumner, Illinois Posts: 65	What book influenced you? I was just wondering if you had to say a book influenced you to want to be a writer, which one would it be? I've thought long and hard on this and I am writing right now a YA novel and then have plans for a MG novel. So when I think back over the years I believe that it would have to be "Harriet The Spy" that really kicked me in the butt on writing. I can't tell you how many times I read that book as a kid and wanted to live her life. Who knew it was possible? Lol.

06-10-2012, 07:49 PM	#2
MsJudy practical experience, FTW Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: california Posts: 5,673	The Phantom Tollbooth by Norman Juster. The way he plays with words... I was sitting on the couch, listening to my dad read it out loud, and I just had the really clear thought: I want to do that when I grow up. Also the Chronicles of Prydain by Lloyd Alexander. The mix of warm, human characters with epic fantasy--they were my favorite books growing up. I must have read them ten times. __________________ represented by Jenny Bent of the Bent Agency. Most happy.

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06-10-2012, 08:33 PM	#3
Al Stevens practical experience, FTW Join Date: Mar 2011 Posts: 2,506	Bill Mauldin's A Sort of a Saga, memoirs of his childhood and teen years in rural New Mexico. I read it as a young boy, and he seemed to be telling my story. I was influenced in many ways by Mauldin's words and pictures.

06-11-2012, 04:36 AM	#4
71writer figuring it all out Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Sumner, Illinois Posts: 65	Thanks guys! I am interested in reading those if I can find them.