I actually haven’t read too many different fantasy authors. For most of my teenage and college years, I read romance. Now that I’ve decided to write romance, I’m trying to change that. Today, I’d like to talk about a fantasy writer that is going on my favorites list: Mercedes Lackey.
I haven’t read all of her books, but then again, she’s written a lot of books. According to her website, she’s written more than a hundred stories in two decades, and is still going. That’s a lot of books, and also the kind of career that every author would dream of.
One of the things that I like about her books, is how she takes fairy tales and re-imagines them. She takes the helpless heroes and heroins of the tales and turns them into competent characters who can take care of themselves. These characters all live in fully-fleshed out worlds full of color, magic and excitement. I like the way her fairy tales go because while these stories are certainly inspired by the ones you heard as a child, they aren’t the same ones you saw in a Disney movie: they’re better. Her Little-Red Riding Hood kills werewolves. Her Sleeping Beauty talks to animals and falls in love with a blacksmith. Her Cinderella never marries the prince but becomes a fairy godmother.
One thing Mercedes Lackey has taught me is to think outside of the box when you’re telling a story. Don’t just tell the same tale that everyone else is hearing: tell something different. There is one unique thing about each story you are writing, and that is you. I couldn’t write like her to save my life, but then again, I don’t need to. I just need to write like me, and to think outside of the box.
What authors have inspired you? Let me know. I’d be happy to hear!
Living with the Pun Master 