By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills
Reading excellent novels invites me into a story world where I lose track of time. I meet new characters who have a compelling story, dive into unique personalities, and share an adventure with them. I admire how they solve problems and face life. In short, I’m a picky reader. A book has to grab me in the first sentence and then on to the first paragraph or I’m finished.
Outstanding novels also inspire me to be a better writer.
The writers who impress me with their creativity and storytelling abilities always teach and inspire me with their skills. When I’m in the middle of one of my own romantic suspense novels, I want to be reading a favorite writer whose work challenges me to deepen my own craft.
So who are the writers who entertain me?
Joel C. Rosenberg
Rosenberg’s highly researched contemporary novels brings the uncertain realities of the world to life with highly developed characters and plots that keep me up all night.
Steven James
Steven is a friend, a fabulous writing teacher, outstanding speaker, and the creator of dynamic novels. I read his books because I enjoy the way he spins story.
David Baldacci
Baldacci’s novels take the reader into plots and twists that I’d never imagined. Always a thrilling ride.
Harlan Coben
Coben’s mystery and thriller novels offer the reader masterful plotting and well-defined characters.
Other writers who deliver great stories:
Who are some of your favorite fiction writers?
We had such a huge response from last week’s blog – Dear Reader, It IS About You. Thank you all so very much for your suggestions and comments. I now have plenty of blog material for many weeks.
We decided two winners will enjoy a $30.00 Amazon Gift Card. Congratulations Mindy & Joanne!
DiAnn’s Library Corner
Start a Pinterest Page that’s unique to your library. Include programs, activities, lots of pics, and of course books!
My favorites are:
Ted Dekker
Frank Peretti
Dee Henderson
Tess Gerritsen
Susan May Warren
Irene Hannon
Of course Diann Mills
Thank you! I appreciate your post.
Max Lucado inspires me. His writing is like leaving ladders of various heights so that all who read may be able to apply the truths and lessons.
Hi Frances, I so agree. He is one of my favorites.
In addition to those excellent suspense writers, I enjoy Christian romances. Two of my favorite authors are Robin Lee Hatcher and Maureen Lang. Both have the ability to pull me into a story to the extent that I think about the characters and their situations long after finishing the book.
Thanks Judy, Not only are Robin and Maureen excellent writers, they are friends!
Wow! You mentioned many that I read. Some others that keep me captivated are Tim Downs, Lisa Harris, Lisa Phillips, Dee Henderson & Kathy Herman.
Thanks Lisa, I love the way our list keeps growing.
WOW I have read many of the authors suggested but one of my all time favorites is Dee Henderson. She can write a suspense novel that keeps me wanting to skip work and just read. Her characters are so believable and I always wonder if I were faced with the issues they were faced with would I come out the other end as well as they do.
Hi Nancy, I agree! Dee Henderson writes a superb story!
Besides Diann Mills, Terri Reed, Hope White, Margaret Daley, Christi Barritt, Denise Hunter, Lynette Eason, Shirley McCoy, Colleen Coble, Melody Carson, Debby Giusti, to name a few, and many others!
Hi Tina
We all now have writers to follow and read their books!
Frank Peretti, Ted Dekker, Tosca Lee, Laura Frantz, Dawn Crandall, Dani Pettrey, Kristy Cambron, Jaime Jo Wright, Becky Wade, Thoene, Lynn Austin. This is just a sampling of authors I enjoy. 😉
I like the various genres. Thannks!
I enjoy so many in both the general market and the Christian market, but I like Davis Bunn, Charles Maryin, Cynthia Ruchti, and Jamie Langston Turner.
Thanks – I love it when readers mention friends. 🙂
Greetings DiAnn! Well you are for sure and Laura Frantz, Liz Curtis Higgs, Rachel Hauck oh goodness there are more but my break time is limited!! Nice post!
Thank you! Now we all have plenty of reading material.
Wow! Here goes: Diann Mills, Dani Pettery, Lynette Eason, Irene Hannon, Dee Henderson, Beth White, Jody Hedlund, Jessica Dotta, Richard Mabry, Colleen Coble, Mary Connealy, Angela Hunt, Patricia Bradley, Davis Bunn, Teri Blackstock, Sarah Sundin, Ann H.Gabhart, Judith Pella, Gilbert Morris, Robert Whitlow, Rosanna M. White , Julianna Deering. To name a few! Can you tell I like to read? Happy reading everyone!
Hi Paula
Thank you! Wish I could pass on these fine writers’ personalities.
Hi Paula,
Yes! You enjoy your reading!
I am an avid reader and like all those mentioned…as well as Ruth Logan Herne, Terri Blackstock, Dan Walsh, Richard Paul Evans, Colleen Coble, Rachel Hauck, Tracie Petetrson……oh the list goes on and on. I am thankful for the great writers!
Hi Jackie
You have several of my friends on your list!
There are too many to choose from. Of course a lady by the name of DiAnn Mills but the list goes on. Dani Pettrey, Roni Kendig, Mary Connealy, Richard Mabry, Steven James, Alton Gansky, Davis Bunn, Lynette Eason, Susan May Warren and the list goes on.
And that’s a mighty fine list!
DiAnn Mills of course, Irene hannon, Candice Calvert, Karen Kingsbury, Dr. Richard Maybury, Laurine Snelling, Nancy Mehl, Dee Henderson, Angela Hunt, Susan May Warren, Janice Cantore, Beverly Lewis, Tracie Peterson, Judith Miller, Sarah Sunden,
Robin Jones Gun, Melody Carlson, Janette Oke, Jody Hedlund, Colleen Coble, Wanda Branstetter, Hannah Alexander, Thomas Kincaid/Katherine Spencer
Hi Nancy, Love your list!
Charles Martin
Cathy Lamb
Becky Wade
Yes, I agree!
I enjoy Dani Pettrey,Karen Kingsbury and Shannon Taylor Vannatter books
Great writers!
I deffinitely have my “big-gun” favourites!! You are at the top, then Lynette Eason, Dani Petrey, Candice Calvert, & Irene Hannon!! All Christian suspense with a dash of love!! Blessed to have this writers in our lifes!!
Hi Carlien, thanks for the kind words. I know everyone of our fav writers. 🙂
You’ve named some of my faves: Steven, Lynette, Dani. I also enjoy Ted Dekker and of course, DiAnn Mills. Have you heard of her? 😉
Hmm. Let me see what she’s written 🙂
Hmmm…some of my top favorites – DiAnn Mills, Irene Hannon, Dee Henderson, Kimberly Rae Jordan, Lynette Eason – way too many to list – but those are always authors that I am waiting on the next new book to come out – so hard to pick my favorites when there are so many great ones out there ! Way too many to list as I love to read in my free time.
I agree. My to-be-read stacks keeps getting higher.
And thank you, DiAnn! I love your stories, too!!!
We are a mutual admiration society!
Aw… thanks Linda!!
Ooh, how to choose! My short list is getting longer, but DiAnn Mills, of course. And not because I’m on your blog. LOL Angela Hunt, Tamera Alexander, Harry Kraus, Lynette Eason, Brandilyn Collins, Jocelyn Green, Ronie Kendig. I feel like I’m leaving someone out, but those are the creme de la creme!
It’s so hard to pick out a few great writers when so many are so good.