The Books I Love

This page is to honor the authors who have written the masterpieces that inspire me in my own writing. These guys are amazing!

“If you don’t have the time to read, you don’t have the time or the tools to write.”

– Stephen King, On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft

• Victor Hugo’s Les Miserables has been a companion for me since I was ten years old. I wish I had read every novel in the world – then I could authoritatively argue that it is the greatest novel ever written. From reading this story (a couple of times) and studying it, I am learning how to add contrasts to my stories, how to carry my own worldview through in my writing, and how to describe characters and settings using strong vivid adjectives and beautiful similes. I could go on about more that it’s taught me, but I’ve decided to let you go and read it for yourself.  (It’s quite lengthy – there’s an adapted version, but it skips over much of the beauty.)
• J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings is one of the most exciting and beautifully intricate stories I’ve ever read. Although it is not intended to be an allegory, its inspiring message of loyalty and courage has taught me ways to add symbolism and representatives of ideas I believe in to my stories.
• C.S. Lewis’s The Chronicles of Narnia was a huge part of my childhood. This marvelous allegory of the Gospel has taught me that I don’t have to hold back from stating big themes in my stories (without it being message-driven rather than story-driven).
• Betty Smith’s A Tree Grows in Brooklyn has taught (and is still teaching) me the importance of creating characters entirely true to real life – characters with admirable strengths as well as deep flaws. Its voice, descriptions, and honesty are the work of a master. 🙂

Now that I’ve mentioned these amazing stories, you’re free to go on and read some of mine!

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(I write with Aslan and Samwise Gamgee by my side!)