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Friday, October 05, 2012

Who Would You Choose for Your Writing Dream Team?


Who would you choose for your writing dream team?
I admit it, I’m hooked on the TV show, Castle. The main character, Richard Castle is a larger than life writer. He’s the talented, rich alter ego most of us dream of being. He lives in New York City and meets with several other famous writers for a weekly poker game.

It’s that fictional weekly poker game that got me thinking. I couldn’t resist, I began to compile my own list of famous writers. These are the secret crushes I’ve harbored for years—those I’d love to hang out with on a regular basis. In my mind, every time I write a story I secretly wonder how it would stand up in a discussion with my dream team.

Have I piqued your curiosity? No worries, I’ll share all.

Anne McCaffrey
For brainstorming, I’d have to choose Anne McCaffrey. In a lot of ways she’s this century’s Grande Dame of science fiction. I’d love to pick her brain on world building and reminisce about the characters she created. And even more, I’d spend time brainstorming my own worlds with her. I get goose bumps just thinking about the possibilities.



Isaac Asimov
For sheer writing craft, I’d have to go to Isaac Asimov. He’s another science fiction icon, known as one of the most prolific writers of our time. His quote when asked what he’d do if he found he only had six months to live is posted above my desk. “I’d write faster.”






Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
For overwhelming intellect, I’d go to Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Although, the others on my list all have the well-deserved reputations as genius’s in their own right, I can't get past his ability to create an enduring character like Sherlock Holmes. It just blows my mind. His ability to surprise and amaze still inspires me, no matter how often I read his stories.





Barbara Mertz, aka Elizabeth Peters/Barbara Michaels
Finally, for the joy of creating I’d choose Barbara Mertz, aka Elizabeth Peters/Barbara Michaels. Not only have her books been bestsellers for years, she’s been TWO bestselling authors in one. I’m convinced no one can write characters like her and not be an inspiration.

Okay, I’ve bared my soul and confessed my writer-crushes, now it’s your turn. Who would you pick as your writing dream team? Any and everyone is fair game. 


Edie Melson is a freelance writer and editor with years of experience in the publishing industry. She’s a prolific writer, and has a popular writing blog, The Write Conversation. She’s the co-director of the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference, as well as a popular faculty member at numerous others. She’s also the Social Media Coach at My Book Therapy.

10 comments:

  1. Francine Rivers and Kristin Hannah. Wow, that would be cool!

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  2. What a fun post.

    I'd have to pick CS Lewis, and JRR Tolkien. Lewis for logic and his wonderful way of turning a phrase, Tolkien for his world-building. I'd add Jonathan Rogers and Shannon Hale so I could soak up some voice, and Nate Wilson for plot help. Finally, Lucy Maude Montgomery for characters that feel like best fiends.

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    1. Oh Sally, can you imagine how amazing it would be to meet with CS Lewis & JRR Tolkien with their group, in the pub in England? Great choices for all. It's hard to stop once you get started isn't it? Blessings, E

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  3. OH MY WORD, how fun! Love your interesting choices. I've heard of Barbara Metz through my agent, just haven't gotten my hands on one of her books yet.

    Okay, for depth of character I'd pick Thomas Hardy. For plot structuring, I'd pick Agatha Christie or Daphne du Maurier. For poetic value, I'd pick Theodore Roethke. And for out-of-the-box thinking (ahead of its time), I just might pick Stephenie Meyer. I know, I KNOW! But she was on the cutting edge, way back when...plus I liked her take on aliens in The Host.

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    1. Heather, those are super choices. And you're right, Agatha Christie & Daphne du Maurier would be so wonderful to hang out with, as well as your other choices! I think Stephenie Meyer would have a lot of wisdom to add about the climate of publishing today. Great choices every one. Blessings, E

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  4. Hmmmm...Stephen King for characterization. Dean Koontz for Odd-ball plotting (pun intended). Francine Rivers for emotional depth. (Wait ... I know what you're thinking, King, Koontz, and Rivers in the same room?)

    Last, but by no means least, Karen Kingsbury for speed! This is going to be a massive hit so we need to get it out quick!

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    1. Michael, I'd love to be in the room with all four of those! Definitely good choices. Blessings, E

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  5. Robert Liparulo, Vince Flynn, Chris Fabry, Sibella Giorello, and Lisa Samson for contemporary writers (pacing, thrills, beautiful and meaningful prose). And so many more like J. Mark Bertrand, Steven James, and Gina Holmes.

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    1. Nicole, we live in a bountiful time when it comes to good writers. Great choices, all! Blessings, E

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