Who’s Your Idol?

Many writers have authors who were heavy influences upon their work. Their “idol,” if you will.

For me, I’d say I have several influences, but hands down the greatest is LaVryle Spencer. I have every book she ever wrote and I’ve read most of them 5-6 times. What makes her such a compelling author to me is the characters she created. I felt like I got to know each of them intimately, and when I reread old favorites, I think about which “couple” I want to experience again.

Jude Deveraux is another influence on my work. I discovered her in the late 1980s, through a medieval she wrote The Maiden. I went on to devour her work and I loved the fast-paced, fun reading.

Johanna Lindsey I’ll always remember as an author who wrote sexy historicals, with bad boy heroes who made me swoon.

And more recently, I like Julia Quinn and Susan Elizabeth Phillips for the humor they use. Both have influenced me in the tone of my work.

Who are some of your favorite authors?