This happened to me recently when I was reading Craig Johnson's latest Longmire mystery, Daughter of the Morning Star
It had all the elements I love in a mystery plus so much more. Though it didn't follow the usual mystery pattern, it had a wonderful Native American theme, full of supernatural elements. And Mr. Johnson can write!
I watched all the Longmire TV series, and though I enjoyed it all, it doesn't have the same magic as the books do.
While reading the story I couldn't help but question my own writing. The descriptions in this tale were so wonderful as were all the characterizations. I highly recommend it. What I read made me want to do better.
No matter how old we are we can always learn and use what we've learned in our writing.
My book that is closest in theme to Johnson's latest is Spirit Shapes. And I'm having a .99 cent sale on it from Novermber 15th through the 20th.
Here's the link if you're interested.
Marilyn
4 comments:
Very good post. I think authors learn most of their skills from reading other books. And, yes, I bet it's normal for very good authors, like yourself, to stumble upon books that you think are better written than yours or, at least, catch something you don't think you've ever pulled in quite that good.
I know there are many authors more talented than I am--but when I read this particular book, it really made me think. Did it discourage me? No, I'll keep on writing until I can't.
I've never read any of the Longmire books, but loved watching the series. Too bad we can't get a Longmire movie special every once in a while as well. As for wondering if another author is as talented, much of it depends on taste anyway. I've noticed stuff in books by famous authors that go against writing rules I've learned, yet they get away with it. As long as you have your own audience, you'll be fine.
Thankfully, Morgan, I do have my own fans. But that particular book was exceptional, and it was Johnson's latest in the series. Reading an earlier on now and it's not affecting me like the last one did.
Post a Comment