My favorite author (and yes, I'll clarify to add at this point in my life) is Nora Roberts. I waffled a bit with Janet Evanovich as she is the turning point in who made me want to be a writer, but La Nora wins as a person who's books I have to read. Even her alternate ego of JD Robb holds me captive.
Now the big question - why?
Because I think as I've grown as a reader, she's grown as a writer. When Nora first started her Eve Dallas series as JD Robb, Eve was a tough heroine. Ballsy, strong, outspoken. I hadn't read anything like it, and I loved it. Oh what fun to read about her and Roarke banging heads (and other parts) together as they tried to sort out their lives and their relationship.
And then, Nora started bringing the same type of heroine, the strong woman, into her novels. Northern Lights, with feisty heroine Meg Galloway just knocked my socks off. I've read that book over and over again. And Nate, the wounded hero. Not too soft that Meg just stomps all over him, strong enough to play a perfect foil to her strengths. It was brilliant reading.
High Noon, another book that kept me enthralled with heroine Phoebe MacNamara trying to keep her family together, while people a hostage negotiator and mother. Strong yes, and tough. But loved wearing girl clothes still when she went out with Duncan, the affable (yet still, oh so strong) hero.
For me, what makes her my favorite author is she makes her characters so three-dimensional. You can believe they say what they say, that they do what they do. And now that I've started writing, I appreciate that rarely, very very rarely do I get pulled out of a Nora book by a mis-characterization. She's goooooood.
=)
So there you have it. Janet Evanovich inspired me to write, Kathleen Woodiwiss inspired me to read historical romance, but Nora Roberts holds me captive as my favorite author.
=)
carrie
I must be the only person on the planet who can't stand Nora Roberts. (Sorry, Carrie!) Her head hopping makes me nuts. Have never enjoyed a single book she wrote yet. (Sorry, Carrie)
ReplyDeleteNora is the queen for a reason, I think! I love her books for the reason you stated: characterization. She's soooo good at it! Same with Janet E. I may get annoyed at Stephanie Plum every now and again, but she is always true to the character that Janet sees...
ReplyDeletehey, everyone's entitled to their opinions! no prob D'ann....=)
ReplyDeleteKristi, I agree on both counts....their characters come alive for me....=)
D'Ann--You're not the only one. I can't stand her repetition. I got it the first time you said it, I don't need to read it twenty times in each book of the series.
ReplyDeleteWhile I loved the first ten Stephanie Plum books but for me, the character hasn't grown and it's hard to keep reading. I think Janet should marry her and Morelli off and see how they navigate marriage along with crime.
I was trying to be broadminded in my blog post, but I'd probably put Nora as my #1, too. Just got Happy Ever AFter this week, and can't wait to start it. Every book is new and different in the way the character journey unfolds. Love that she still finds those differences after over 100 books!
ReplyDeletelol..so far it's an even split!
ReplyDeleteUh..sorry Carrie, I'm taking sides with D'Ann. Nora's a great writer. I've enjoyed many of Nora's books, but her head hopping makes me dizzy. I need to check out her JD Robb stuff.
ReplyDeleteHi Carrie!
ReplyDeleteI have so many favorite authors it's hard to pick one. But the one author who I read every one of her books is Lisa Kleypas. But new author Victoria Dahl is also a must read for me.
I'll come down on The Nora's side. She's had a few I haven't been able to get into, but probably five out of 100 or so that I've read, so it's hard to argue with those odds! Head-hopping doesn't bother me a lick.
ReplyDeleteI just finished HAPPY EVER AFTER and think it's her best series yet. It's fun and had all the criteria I need: I laughed, I cried, and I couldn't wait for the next book!