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Five Books Which inspired Me

6/4/2013

11 Comments

 
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April is month of blogging A-Z for 26 days. #AprilBlogChallenge Check it out! 

** F is for FIVE books **

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As a writer, I am often asked who my favourite writers are. My default is Audrey Niffenegger as 'The Time Travellers Wife' is one of my favourites of all time, but I have developed a better answer than this.

These are the five books which have most inspired me. 

REBECCA - DAPHNE DU MAURIER

This book inspired me to read a wider range of genres. I was recommended it by a friend, and was a little wary... I have not enjoyed historical fiction or classics in the past, but I thought I'd give it a go. 

I was glued from page one, with that famous opening. 

“Last night I dreamt I went to Manderley again.” 

The story took turns I didn't expect, and the change in genre by Du Maurier from romance to a ghost story was inspirational to me as a writer. It is very well written and I'd recommend it on, paying it forward, to anyone. It's in my top 10. 

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TRAVELS ON MY ELEPHANT - MARK SHAND

Mark Shand's book was given to me as a gift from an ex boyfriend from years ago. He knew my favourite animal was elephants and knew I liked reading, so this gift was perfect! 

It's an easy read, interesting and humourous in parts. I loved it. The book certainly fuelled my love for the beautiful beasts, and last January I got the chance to work with elephants in South Africa. A dream come true, and encourage in part by this great book. 

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THE HELP - KATHRYN STOCKETT

'The Help' again, inspired me as a writer. The main character, Skeeter, is a strong woman who works hard for a cause she believes in. I am a passionate person about a couple of subjects, and I would love to find a serious job writing for a living. 

This book is another of my top 10 favourite books. Inspiring, awareness-raising, sad yet heart-warming. 

Plus, Skeeter proves curly hair and glasses is gorgeous. 

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SUCCESSFUL NOVEL PLOTTING - Jean Saunders

Back in 2008 I decided to take writing more seriously and joined a writers's group in Milton Keynes. 'Speakeasy', the group based in MK, had a guest speaker the first night I attended, a writer called Jean Saunders. 

She said she'd written hundreds of books but I'd never heard of her.... She was a great speaker, encouraging, friendly, talented and celebrated. Jean was selling copies of these books that evening and reading it over the next couple of weeks inspired me to move my writing up to the next level and write THAT book. 

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Her Fearful Symmetry - Audrey Niffenegger

This book, by my favourite writer, inspired me to take a day trip to London - today, in fact! I met with two friends from school who now live in London and we visited Highgate Cemetery. 

Highgate Cemetery was opened in 1839 and it features in the modern contemporary story written by  Ms. Niffenegger. The twins in the book have a flat which looks out over the cemetery. I was intrigued to visit, and it was worth it. The three of us girls had a lovely day out and the weather was the best we've had this year yet!





That's it from me and the A to Z Challenge today. I'm lucky I've managed to post today as I moved house yesterday and had to work out the wireless in the new place. Don't forget, tomorrow is Sunday which we A to Z bloggers don't post on. 

See you Monday!

Lou x

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11 Comments
Michelle link
6/4/2013 05:23:59 pm

Of these books, I've read <em>Rebecca</em> and <em>The Help.</em> Both really, really good, and I really enjoyed them, despite both being outside the genres I normally read.

Right now, I would say some of my favorite authors are Courtney Milan, Gail Carriger, and Brandon Sanderson. All three write fantastic stories and I absolutely cannot get enough. :-)

Reply
Louise link
7/4/2013 05:19:10 am

Thanks for commenting Michelle - I might try out these writers! Any books in particular of theirs that you recommend?

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Ruby Wilbur link
7/4/2013 11:14:09 am

I LOVE Niffennegger. I even have her art book "The Three Incestuous Sisters" which is pretty great too. Since you are a fan, I'll have to check out your other authors here. Thanks!

Ruby is participating in the A to Z Challenge
<a href="http://rubywilbur.com/blog/">Ruby Wilbur</a>

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Lou link
7/4/2013 11:59:57 am

Hi Ruby - I also have the coffee table book of the 3 Incestuous Sisters - very different, but beautiful book.
Take a look at http://www.literature-map.com/audrey+niffenegger.html if you want to find other authors similar to Niffenegger. This is a great tip for any reader!

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Wayne Kelly link
8/4/2013 05:13:23 am

Great post again. I am yet to read any of those books, but Rebecca does look particularly appealing. I had a similar experience when I read The Book Thief - really didn't think I would like it and was blown away by it's beautiful prose, original style and fantastic story.

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Lou link
8/4/2013 06:06:02 am

Thanks so much Wayne!
I read The Book Thief last year - loved it! A real one for the Kindle though, I got wrist ache holding it haha!
Lou x

www.borntobeatourist.co.uk
@misswriteuk

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Wayne Kelly link
8/4/2013 06:57:04 am

Funnily enough, when I first read it, it was on a Sony reader. Recently bought hard copy and couldn't believe how big it was! It was so easy and quick to read I hadn't realised it was so substantial!

Kate link
8/4/2013 06:10:39 pm

I've never read Successful Novel Plotting, but I'll have to look it up. I'm a sucker for craft books.

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Louise Gibney link
9/4/2013 02:25:26 am

It's a good 'un! Thanks for commenting, Kate.

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Jessica link
7/5/2013 08:43:20 pm

I'm so ashamed to say that I haven't read any of those. I'd love to read The Help though, and the author's journey inspires me. Congrats on completing a-z. :)

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Louise link
8/5/2013 04:11:37 am

Hi Jessica, thanks for your comments - definitely read The Help, one of my favourites!

www.borntobeatourist.co.uk

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    I'm a writer from Bristol, UK, with an unhealthy obsession with stationery and baking. I mainly blog for my own sanity, but I'm also working on a novel. Still. 

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