Today I thought it would be interesting to discuss our QUILTBAG literary influences. If you’re a writer, this could be authors who inspire you or have influenced your writing. For readers, why not share some of the authors who introduced you to QUILTBAG fiction and/or who keep you coming back for more?
My own relationship with QUILTBAG fiction began with slash fan fiction, as I have stated before. From there, a friend and fellow author introduced me to the works of Bob Vickery. That was my first experience of MM stories featuring original characters, and Vickery’s gentle use of humour caught and held my interest. Following on after that, I came to read other QUILTBAG stories through my work as an editor, before finally commencing QUILTBAG reading for pleasure too.
I certainly take away something from every book I read, and use that to (hopefully) improve my own writing, but in terms of MM fiction, I would say that Bob Vickery remains one of my primary influences. The injection of a touch of light, subtle humour into otherwise serious stories is something I do a lot more in my MM works than in my mainstream writing, and I think that stems from Vickery’s works having been my introduction to the genre.
Is there someone in particular who’s influenced your writing? Or is there an author whose prose style keeps you turning the pages? Perhaps amongst the responses we’ll all find some new favourites.
