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.
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.
Francine Rivers and Kristin Hannah. Wow, that would be cool!
ReplyDeleteSally, oooh, yes definitely. Great picks!
DeleteWhat a fun post.
ReplyDeleteI'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.
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
DeleteOH 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.
ReplyDeleteOkay, 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.
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
DeleteHmmmm...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?)
ReplyDeleteLast, 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!
Michael, I'd love to be in the room with all four of those! Definitely good choices. Blessings, E
DeleteRobert 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.
ReplyDeleteNicole, we live in a bountiful time when it comes to good writers. Great choices, all! Blessings, E
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