I am first an avid reader. I think that this is true of many writers. This is likely the first medium through which we learn to write – from other authors’ works. And through those pieces, we fall in love with the written word and the power it has to create worlds, make connections, drive stories, and stimulate imaginations. I wouldn’t say, however, that there have been hardly any authors that I have had an “author crush” on. This is a love relationship you have with an author’s works. You are so enamored with their work(s) that you have developed somewhat of a little crush on their writing (not them personally). And, after truly considering the works I have enjoyed over the last several years, think I have two:
Michelle Moran. She writes Historical Fiction. Good Historical Fiction. She has spent time on dig sites and visiting foreign lands and deep in research. She knows her stuff. And it shows. She proves to us that truth is weirder than fiction too. At the end of her books, in her author note, she talks about the details in her story based on fact. And, the stuff you were just sure was fiction, was, amazingly somehow, based on actual events. She weaves her stories together with these real events in such an entertaining and relatable way though that the seams of fiction and reality blend perfectly. Amazing.
Melanie Dickerson. Another Historical Fiction writer. But she specializes in taking fairy tales and placing them in a real time with characters that could have been real people. She takes out the mysticism and magic and anything that could not happen and what you are left with is a very believable story. Dickerson has a gift for pulling the reader into the story and into the plight of the characters that is truly unique I think. I have read three of her books in the last couple of weeks and cannot stop. I’m in love with her work.
And so, my friends, I hope you find time in the midst of the craziness that can become the Christmas season to slow down and relax, maybe take in a good book (I have a couple of authors to recommend). I wish you happy reading!