Tons of people were/are inlfuenced by Poe... what's your point? I'm a little amazed to not see Neil Gaiman anywhere... hm. My list: Tolkien Neil Gaiman China Mieville Dan Abnett William King Robert Jordan Arthur C. Clarke Isaac Asimov
Stephen King, hands down. Not only are his ideas original and frightening enough, but his writing is just beautiful. It's nothing like I've ever read before and it's not normal. It takes you so deep into the story and makes you think. There was this time I was reading the Shining and there was a scene were he wrote about his character locked in this freezer type room eating a box of tiscuits and I thought it was SUCH good writing. Seriously, writing about a guy eating tiscuits! and I loved it!
I don't know who mine is. I've never found an author that I'm "Totally crazy about". I have, however, found several great authors. Right now I'd say my favorite is Scott Westerfeld, because of his unique style.
Neil Gaiman for the win. I gave Anansi Boys to my English teacher for Christmas, and he loves it. Others: -Terry Pratchett -Douglas Adams -Robert Rankin
I don't have a complete favorite author, but the ones I do like are: Kafka Tolstoy Orwell Kierkegaard Richard Matheson Paul Auster Pasternak Ray Bradbury
Because a lot of Stephen Kings story's aren't spooky. They don't scare me or get to go Oh you tricky bastard you. In the case of Edgar Allan Poe the stories make me smile for each stroke of geniuses and intelligence.
I can't believe everyone forget Kurt Vonnegut. I find is writing style to be very original. He is my favorite over all others.
I'd have to say Wendy Mass. She's not very well known, but every single one of her books I am in love with.
Complain about King's 'lack of originality', but at least he's miles better than Dean Koontz, who actually wrote a pathetically-written book about a guy running out of time to live, and named the main character Jimmy Tock. Tock?! And the guy had tick tock days to live.
I've got one of Kings and Kootz books for Christmas. Not read either of them yet. One was the Shinning and Kiss the girls.
That's true! I didn't mean to start anything, I was just saying that some people belive King isn't as origenal as most people think. But every writer has copyied things, just some poeple are really anal about those who have fame.
right now it is Mercedes Lackey. I have always loved stories about elves and dragons and mythical creatures. Hers are almost believable the way she writes them into the stories.
Gah! Going through these make me think up more "favorites"... So far... Douglas Adams Orson Scott Card Anne Rice <<(what can I say?) Scott Westerfeld And yes, I read King and Koontz, too. *(I agree with the person who mentioned that Koontz isn't that original, but I still like his style a bit. Mostly, though, I like his Odd Thomas series.)*
