AAA: Jessica Spotswood, author of Born Wicked: Authors Who Have Shaped Me Into The Writer I Am Today

Ever since I first heard of Born Wicked, I knew I was in for a treat. When it released earlier this year, as soon as I got my hands on a copy, I devoured it and absolutely. fell. in. love. A trio of sisters, forbidden romance, plus witchy goodness; add Spotswood’s eloquent, rich prose, dazzling descriptions and beautiful characters and you’ve got GOLD. It is with great excitement that I present the wonderful Jessica Spotswood, who has kindly stopped by to share a ‘Top 5’ post – enjoy!

Top 5 Authors Who Have Shaped Me Into The Writer I Am Today

1. Louisa May Alcott
LITTLE WOMEN was my first true book love, back in elementary school. As an aspiring writer and the oldest of three sisters, I loved Jo best. In a high school production, though, I played Beth - and I died splendidly. I reread LITTLE WOMEN recently and it was a little dated - it feels like Jo settles for the Professor, and the moral lessons are pretty unsubtle - but I still love reading (and writing) about that complicated mix of love and jealousy between sisters.

2. L.M. Montgomery
My other elementary school favorites were the ANNE OF GREEN GABLES and EMILY OF NEW MOON series. These, I think, hold up way better - except for the third Emily book, which I find kind of disturbingly dark. I love these spirited, smart, stubborn heroines - but what I really admire is L.M. Montgomery's lush sense of setting. Prince Edward Island comes roaringly, startlingly alive in these books; they read as much a love letter to that place as anything. They taught me how important setting is.

3. Margaret Mitchell
GONE WITH THE WIND is the book that made me write books, for its mix of swoony romance and history and deeply flawed but sympathetic characters. I can't tell you how many times I've reread this book; my paperback copy is falling apart and taped back together and it's one of the things I'd save if my house caught fire. Scarlett O'Hara is an incredible heroine - selfish and thoughtless and stubborn, but a survivor - a strong, independent, smart woman in a society that doesn't respect or value that.

4. Richelle Mead
VAMPIRE ACADEMY was one of the first YA novels I read when I started writing again, after grad school. I loved the balance between romance and the incredibly important friendship between Rose and Lissa and the fast-paced plot. And when I started to query, I put Jim McCarthy on my list because he represented Richelle. And now he's my awesome agent too!

5. Kristin Cashore
The GRACELING series is my very most favorite. I love all three books with an intense, evangelical passion. They feature completely amazing world-building, and strong independent heroines who are flawed but sympathetic, and swoony romance, and the writing is just beautiful. I can't even decide which one is my favorite. I think everyone should read all of them. When I went to one of Kristin's book-signings earlier this summer, I was such a dork, like: "Hi? I'm a Penguin author too? I LOVE YOUR BOOKS." I'm hoping to write a fantasy series after the Cahill Witch Chronicles, which has definitely been influenced and inspired by her work.
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Find Jessica on: Goodreads | Website | Blog | Twitter | Facebook

Thank you Jessica for stopping by to share this wonderful post with us! I didn’t think it was possible, but after reading her response, I appreciate Jess even more. And did you see what she wrote…a fantasy series might be on the cards for Jess after she finishes the Cahill Witch Chronicles - exciting much!

If you’re a fan of Jessica, be sure to take the time and appreciate her! You could write a post, or if you don’t have a blog, a sweet tweet or facebook message does the trick as well!

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