Books you wish you had written

[serria]

Here's a little ice-breaker: what existing book do you wish you had written? Whether it's because the story really resonated with you or because the book was similar to your own style in terms or writing or themes, is there any book out there that you wish had your name on it?

For me, my favorite genre is fantasy, and I absolutely love elves, dragons, and other fantasy elements that have been done a million times now. In that regard, it's tough not to be a little jealous of Tolkien. His stuff isn't even my favorite in the fantasy genre, but I'd love to be on record for "revolutionizing" a genre, or establishing elements that would later become tropes.

Comments

[lunabee34]

I am trying to read the Fionavar series and kinda failing. I'm a ways into the first book, and it's not that I'm bored exactly. I think the narrator irritates me somewhat? Maybe? It's like the narrative just swims along without letting the reader into enough of the context or backstory. IDK Tell me what you like so that I may ride upon that joy to finish these books. LOL

[sarillia]

I actually haven't read that one yet because from what I've read it has the least of the things that appeal to me about Kay's work. I have The Summer Tree though and I'm planning on reading it soon.

A big part of what I like is the settings. He does historical fantasy that are highly based on a particular time and place, which a lot of people do, but I particularly appreciate the variety of his settings and I think he does it best. I'm not really sure what about that style of worldbuilding appeals to me since I enjoy drawing from all kinds of sources to create something completely new but at some point I would like to try this kind of historical fantasy.

I also really like his approach to characters. He doesn't tend to do Good vs. Evil, but just multiple sides that each have a point. I don't feel like I'm being told who to like and who to hate. GRRM is known for that too but I prefer Kay's approach which feels more sympathetic whereas I feel like Martin has a more pessimistic view of people.

[lunabee34]

Cool.

Thanks for sharing with me what you like about him as a writer. Off to see if I can find that in this series. :)