Victoria Scott | Influences on Writing

I'm often asked what books have influenced my writing, and quite honestly, the list is exhaustive. But today I'd like to chat about the three books that most influenced me while writing THE COLLECTOR!

PARANORMALCY

First is PARANORMALCY by Kiersten White. I opened the first page of this book in a store years ago and was blown away by the power of White's voice. She has this ability to toss snark out there better than almost any author I know.  Before reading PARANORMALCY, every YA book I'd read had a very dark, formal tone to it. But this baby changed my view on how a strong, funny narrator can enrapture a reader.

FIRST KILL

I commend Heather Brewer for writing a dark and humorous book from a male's perspective. This book gave me the confidence to write from a guy's POV and believe that readers would be receptive. I adore Brewer's strong world-building and commend her for taking a chance in the paranormal genre. Her risk led me to take one of my own.  

OBSIDIAN

Jennifer L. Armentrout has many talents, but my favorite of hers is her ability to not get in the way of the story. I can't count the number of books I've read in which the world-building weighed down the plot. Jennifer jumps right into the meat of the story. She gets us introduced to the characters quickly and spends her time there, making us care about them in a deep way. OBSIDIAN has influenced my writing by showing me that what readers want is quality time with characters and action, action, action!   These three books, and many, many others, have led to THE COLLECTOR. If you haven't read the three gems above, I highly suggest you pick them up. And to the authors of these bad boys...thank you! Buy on Amazon Buy on Barnes & Noble Victoria Scott is teen fiction author represented by Sara Crowe. She's the author of THE COLLECTOR trilogy (Entangled Teen) and the FIRE & FLOOD trilogy (Scholastic). Victoria lives in Dallas with her husband and adores cotton candy. You can visit her online.

Comments

15 comments posted.

Re: Victoria Scott | Influences on Writing

Thank you for telling us about these fine authors. Good luck with "The Collector".
(Kathleen Yohanna 3:18am April 24, 2013)

Looks.really great
(Kent Cook 9:42am April 24, 2013)

I have heard the buzz on Jennifer L. Armentrout, but I haven't
had the chance to pick up one of her books. I am however
interested. Thank you for sharing your writing influences.
(Lazydrag0n Puff 10:44am April 24, 2013)

I have read Kiersten White's series and understand how it could influence you. My daughter is a big Heather Brewer fan. I will have to check out Jennifer L Armentrout. Thank you for the tip.
(Carla Carlson 11:11am April 24, 2013)

Looks like a great book :)
(Aimee Robison 12:15pm April 24, 2013)

The entire genre/subject is new to me, but I would be interested in reading it if I were to win.
(Cynthia Blain 1:31pm April 24, 2013)

Sounds like some more books I need to delve into, thanks for the recommendations!
(Tracie Travis 2:07pm April 24, 2013)

looks like good reading!!
(Lisa Fitzgibbons 5:01pm April 24, 2013)

The Collector sounds good. Dante Walker a soul collector and his assignment to get his permanent ticket out of hell. I do enjoy reading YA Paranormal fiction. I definitely want to read this! Thanks for sharing your writing influences!
(Linda Luinstra 5:16pm April 24, 2013)

You've piqued my interest, both in your new title and your inspirations
(Janet Martin 8:22pm April 24, 2013)

sounds very interesting now i want to read it!
(Debbi Shaw 11:08pm April 24, 2013)

The Collector and Paranormalcy sounds very interesting to read. It's difficult to figure which book to read first. Both sound just too good to decide.
(Kai Wong 12:14pm April 25, 2013)

Interesting idea for your story. Thanks for the chance to win.
(Sue Galuska 3:41pm April 25, 2013)

Thanks for the book recommendations. The Collector sounds like a very interesting paranormal book.
(Rich Cook 5:51pm April 25, 2013)

I always love to know a little of the thinking process behind
the writing. THE COLLECTOR does pique my interest.
(Mary Preston 6:25am April 26, 2013)

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