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.

Read More