More Author Insight: Leave your mark

All artists and writers hope to leave their mark in the world. When you're gone, what would you like yours to be?

"Oh, gosh, I'd just be happy if someone found my book in a used bookstore a hundred years from now and eagerly opened it, being as obsessed with the past as I was. I read books from antique shops all the time - obscure pulp novels by virtually forgotten writers, especially. I'd be honored to become one of them." - Lia Habel, author of Dearly Departed.

"Showing that kindness and compassion wins.  I really think that's where happiness comes from." - Geoff Herbach, author of Stupid Fast.

"I'd like to be remembered for telling stories that make people happy.

I have a Post-It stuck to my desk that says, 'MAKE IT FUN.' I believe that first and foremost, stories should be entertaining. They should take you out of your life for a little while, whip you around on a tour of someplace awesome with people who are awesome, and then deposit you back into the real world with a smile on your face. So I'd like to be remembered as someone who did that -- who created an escape for people who needed to flee for a few hours." - Sarah Beth Durst, author of Drink, Slay, Love.

"I want readers to fall in love with my characters and count them among their favorites. Really, I would like to be known for writing independent, interesting girls and swoony kissing scenes." - Jessica Spotswood, author of Born Wicked.

"I would like to die having written one book that is...special. I don't know how else to put it. I would like it to be a book that makes people talk and think and have passionate opinions. A book that stays in print because there's something timeless and universal about the issues it raises. (I realize this is a lofty goal. I'd also be happy to be remembered as someone who wrote a book that got a few kids to love reading for the hours they spent with it.)" - Marianna Baer, author of Frost.

"That I told a really good story your kids and grandkids should read." - Ilsa Bick, author of Ashes.

"It’s simple: I want to write stories people love. I want to give people characters they love. And I want to write as many books as I possibly can because there is always a story to be told." - Angie Frazier, author of The Eternal Sea.

  "You know, I had tricked myself--until very recently--into thinking I didn't want to leave a mark. I protected myself with this false story that I was doing this to earn a living. But I've discovered that's a lie. I do care. I want to be remembered. And I would like to be remembered for being an entertaining, twisted storyteller with a good heart who inspired people to believe they can fight the bad guys and win. And that love is real and they're worthy of it." - Stacey Jay, author of Juliet Immortal.

 

 

"Being kind." - Stephanie Perkins, author of Lola & the Boy Next Door.

 

 

"Books that made people feel something. Books that became a familiar safe space for at least a few readers." - Amy Garvey, author of Cold Kiss.

 

"I think of my books as a light, fun escape from everyday life, so if I've done that for anyone I'll be very happy.  My favorite reader letter ever was from a woman who said she bought my book in the hospital gift shop and read it while sitting with her sick mother. She said it gave her the first laugh she'd had in weeks.  That, to me, is priceless." - Gemma Halliday, author of Deadly Cool.

 

  "To be the best wife to my husband, mother to my children and daughter/sister to my family. A legacy for them is my deepest wish. Also, I hope to do more for autism awareness and to fight against the sex-slave trade." - Brena Pandos, author of The Emerald Talisman.

 

"I try to write books that mean something — that explore important issues and deal with them in empathetic ways.  And I believe that sentences matter—their shape, their music.  I would love to be remembered, then, as someone who wrote meaningful books and who cared about advancing the shape and beauty of language. Mostly, though, my legacy is my son.  I care that he is happy.  That’s the mark I’d like to leave." - Beth Kephart, author of You are My Only.

Come back Tuesday to find out what the authors' five necessities are while writing!
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