Recently, I created a list of 25 books that made the biggest impacts on me in the past 3 years. But in looking at that list a few days ago to share the link with a friend, I realized that this list doesn’t mention all of the authors whose books I love but also whose dedication to the craft, the industry, their love and appreciation for reading and readers and writers (emerging and established) and words, and spreading all of the above into the YA community – all of which I appreciate so, so much. Not to mention, they’re awesome people.
This lack of acknowledgment didn’t sit well with me because I got to showcase some amazing books but there were other amazing books that I didn’t get to feature because I knew in my mind that some authors themselves had even bigger impacts on me. I see their work but that’s not all that I see and appreciate about them so, I want to take this time to acknowledge those wonderful writers for the above and showcase their wonderful books as well! Here we go!
Susan Dennard
Susan is the author of Something Strange and Deadly, A Darkness Strange and Lovely, and Strange and Ever After, a trilogy for zombie lovers everywhere and the upcoming, Truthwitch which is one of my most anticipated reads. If I were to call one author a mentor, it would be Susan. I can’t even begin to describe how thankful I am for all of the advice and encouragement and good vibes she has given on her blog (and Publishing Crawl with a number of other authors), on Twitter, in email and even in person. And I am forever grateful for her co-running YA Runs A 5K in its launch year and putting in more than I would have ever asked of her. Her selflessness goes beyond and I am just so in awe of her and all that she does and is. I am so, so glad that this video made it into my Twitter stream one day in 2012 because that was the seed to the beginning of a great friendship.
Lauren Oliver
I link this post a lot but that is my love letter to Delirium and Lauren’s work as a whole, really. I hadn’t written in years or read seriously in years until I picked up Delirium. Delirium changed everything for me, reaffirmed everything for me, and without going into detail did so much for me and all of her work speaks to me on such a level I can’t even begin to explain. So, basically every time I see her tweets in my feed or meet her at a local signing, I get giddy and am just so thankful that this author and her words are in my life. Lauren is the author of the Delirium trilogy, Panic, Vanishing Girls, the adult novel, Rooms, and The Spindlers as well as Liesel & Po for young readers.
Lenore Appelhans
Lenore is the author of The Memory of After (also known as Level 2) and Chasing Before. Lenore is so incredibly supportive of books, such an encouragement to writers, and is overall, such a light in this community and a joy to have around. She’s smart, kind, funny, fun, and a fellow Lauren Oliver fan which brings me to saying that I am so grateful that our love for Oliver’s work brought us together a handful of years ago and I’m so happy that I can call Lenore a friend. She really is an awesome bookish friend to have. I am so grateful.
Marissa Meyer
Marissa is the author of The Lunar Chronicles series which is a must read for anyone who likes sci-fi and/or fairy tale retellings. I’m inspired by Marissa’s passion and drive and discipline and so many things and did take a day to go through her entire blog for inspiration as a writer and I can happily say that I would do it all over again.
Jessica Spotswood
Jessica is the author of Born Wicked, Star Cursed, and Sisters’ Fate (which I love because…witches!) and the upcoming anthology, Petticoats & Pistols which any historical fiction fan should be very excited about! If you’re a writer, you will find Jessica’s blog to be encouraging and relatable and all around lovely. Also, consider checking out Manuscript Critique Services which Jessica runs with three other authors. I have used the service and the feedback has been invaluable.
Ellen Oh
Ellen is the author of Prophecy, Warrior, and King as well as the upcoming, Spirit Hunters. I am in awe of all that Ellen has done with We Need Diverse Books and as a minority, I am so thankful for all that she has done and continues to do to bring diverse stories to the forefront and more. Thank you so much for all that you do, Ellen. Endless thanks.
Dan Wells
Dan is the author of the Partials trilogy which is how I first found him, The John Cleaver series, and three standalones. He is also co-host of the Writing Excuses Podcast which quickly became one of my favorite podcasts for writers and by quickly, I mean the moment I started listening a few years ago, I knew I had found a good thing. I also suggest writers watch his Story Structure panel which I watch at least twice when writing and revising each manuscript of mine.
Dahlia Adler
Dahlia is the author of Last Will and Testament, Behind the Scenes and its upcoming companion novel, Under the Lights, as well as the upcoming Just Visiting among other titles that I cannot wait to read. I found Dahlia through her absolutely amazing blog which all writers should take a weekend to devour (before querying). Her advice on her blog and on twitter has been such a huge insight for me over the years and I am so grateful for all that she gives out to the community. Also, she’s an awesome person and that just makes everything ten times more amazing.
Lindsay Cummings
I’ve been following Lindsay’s career since before The Murder Complex released and am so proud of and inspired by her journey and her spirit and cannot wait for the sequel to her debut, The Death Code which releases this month on the 21st! Lindsay is also the author to the MG series, The Balance Keepers which right now includes The Fires of Calderon and The Pillars of Ponderay.
Stephanie Diaz
Stephanie is the author of Extraction, Rebellion, and the upcoming Evolution. Like Lindsay, I’ve been following Stephanie’s career for quite some time and I am just so incredibly proud of and supportive of my peers who have such drive and are so smart and encouraging and kind and just all around lovely people.
Beth Revis
Across the Universe, A Million Suns, and Shades of Earth is a trilogy that any sci-fi fan will love as well as The Body Electric and for writers, a must read is
Paper Hearts: Some Writing Advice which is all of Beth’s writing advice from her blog compiled with even more advice added along the way. I devoured her writing advice when she posted it on her blog so for it all to be in one convenient place is just so amazing. I’m telling you, you need to read this book, writers. It’s a Godsend.
Courtney Summers
If I could describe her writing in one word it would be fearless. If I could describe her tumblr in one word, it would be fearless too. Courtney is so honest and open and thoughtful and faces hard questions head on in her books, in conversations with her readers and the YA community, and knowing that a percentage of that is affecting me and my writing and my being and not just me but so many others is truly one of the most beautiful things. Courtney is the author of Cracked Up To Be, Some Girls Are, Fall for Anything, This Is Not A Test, Please Remain Calm, and All the Rage.
Mindy McGinnis
Not a Drop to Drink and it’s sequel, In a Handful of Dust as well as the upcoming, A Madness So Discreet. Two words for the latter… insane asylum. As for the former, check out my review of Drop here. And if you love Drop, you’ll love Dust! And if you’re a writer, I highly suggesting following Mindy’s blog and pouring yourself into the many author interviews that she has conducted because it’s kind of a gold mine of information.
Jennifer Ellision
I’ve watched Jennifer’s journey of self publication from the very first day that she announced she was going down this path and I am in awe of all that she does. Anyone looking into self publishing and studying authors who’ve done it well before, I’d study her. Jennifer is the author of Threats of Sky and Sea and the upcoming sequel, Riot of Storm and Smoke.
Ava Jae
Ava is the author of the upcoming, Beyond the Red and writers who are looking for bite size inspiration and advice, Ava’s blog is the perfect place to go! It’s amazing the punch she packs in such small blog posts. I love it and I am so grateful for all of her words.
Notable Mentions: Natalie Whipple, John Scalzi, Chuck Wendig