The Name Challenge

[Lily]

When I thought about fav authors, both indie and traditionally published, I began to see a common factor for what I love most about a book. It's a cool experience. So, I present this challenge to you.

Rules:

1. Name a fav traditionally published author and briefly explained why.

2. Name a fav indie author and briefly explained why.

The authors can be anyone, throughout the history of publishing.

[Lily]

Okay, I'll go first.

1. Neil Gaiman. I'm always blown away by his imagination and how much care he puts into every word of his stories. Not a word is wasted.

2. Oak Anderson. His novel is so fast-paced, I'm amazed how much is packed into it and not a word is wasted.

[Jacek]

1. Jack Ketchum. Why? Because he's been able to tell really disturbing stories in really disturbing way and I totally fell for it.

2. Maggy Farrell. I don't even know why. There's just something convincing in the only book of hers I've read. And there haven't been many indie books that I really liked that much.

[Courtney]

1. Neil Gaiman - the man is delight. He tells fantastic, whimsical stories that are also poignant and horrific in their own way. It is impossible for me to hate his stories - not only because he is an astounding storyteller but such a wonderful person I simply refuse to dislike him. He's a muse and a role-model for authors.

2. Addison Moore - I honestly could have named Shalini Boland or Tracey Ward also but I'm going to praise Miss Moore for being a genius of comedic dialogue, mean-spirited mishaps and frightfully flawed protagonists all warped up in a YA fantasy series that actually has a decent mythos!
I don't know - if it's allowed I'll gush another set of authors later because it's so hard to say "one and only" great author for me :)

[Lily]

Heh, we could devote a whole topic to Neil Gaiman ;)

I decided to make this challenge only one, not for the purpose of praising only one author, but for the purpose of comparison. I'm sure any pair could work.

[Tabitha]

Fun.

1.Janet Fitch. She writes the most gorgeous, poetic prose and the world comes gorgeously alive through her words. Also, no matter how bleak the subject matter, she manages to create beauty in the darkest of places.

2. Ruth Ann Haefner. It's hard choosing just one indie, especially have read so many good indie novels lately. RAH is a total mystery. I believe she's only published one book, which I'm currently reading, and it has no reviews here or on Amazon, which completely astounds me because I've been charmed, delighted, enthralled by her story. It's simple, beautiful; it's people I want to meet in a world I want to visit. So lovely.

[Justin]

Elmore Leonard- I love the way he tells a story and his characters are so straight forward and badass. He is a great writer of westerns and crime novels and both are usually packed with action.

David Haynes- A great writer of Macabre and Victorian era Horror. His Macabre Collection series are some of the best books I've read by an indie. He really tells detail with such simplicity.

[Jason]

I'm joining the Neil Gaiman bandwagon, both as an author and as a human being. His worlds are immersive, fantastic, and utterly believable.

Indie authors - I'm gonna go with Monica Enderle Pierce, a fellow fringie. Her book Famine was absolutely incredible. I can't remember the last time I enjoyed an indie book as much.

[Yolanda]

Wilbur Smith, cos he writes/wrote about the early days of Africa. First 'adult' book I stole from my brother when he was in the army. I was about thirteen, (a long time ago lol).

J A Konrath. Although his books are full of violence and well...disturbing. I enjoy them.

[Misha]

I love both JRRs and JKR. Also Terry Pratchett. Do I have to pick?

As to indie authors- I'm not sure, but I think Ann Somerville is one, some of the time anyway.

[Ashe]

Hmmm, i think for traditional publishing, I gotta got with Stephen King. I've gotten lost in each of his books I've read and the Dark Tower got all up in my brain meats. He's been a great source of inspiration.

Indie, well, that distinction goes to Edward M. Erdelac. We became friends due to my love for his Merkabah Rider books and he's been an inspiration and source of encouragement as I've started on my journey as a writer. And the man writes a damn good story.