Karen Prechtel-Thomsen asked Leah Evert-Burks:

Love your work, Leah! What authors have inspired you?

Leah Evert-Burks Oh so many inspirations Karen... But I’ll focus on a few here. First John Gardner, who is not only one of my favorite novelists, he’s one of my favorite teachers. When I was allowing myself to consider whether I could actually write a novel I turned to his book, “On Becoming a Novelist.” Not once but multiple times. A devout curmudgeon in his too short of life, he was an absolute encourager of young writers. He provided so many lessons within that text; one of which I carry with me as a measuring stick for my own writing. Gardner talked about sustaining the “continuous dream” when writing; meaning that if you do something through language, in a plot line or an insincerity to a character’s character, you pop the reader out of the “dream.” This dream is essential in good literature. Breaking that dream, to Gardner was the highest of crimes and I agree.

Another writer I have to mention here is Fannie Flagg. She is to me one of the greatest storytellers of our time. A dyslexic actress, she develops the most memorable of characters and stories. She takes you to places and circumstances you might think, “I won’t get this,” but you do and embrace the inhabitants of her stories with compassion and yes, laughter.

Anne Tyler. When asked this question on panels I have said and I stand by this - I could sit in a room with her characters and do nothing but listen to them. I don’t need action. Her prose and her dialogue would carry any day.

For more-check out who I list as my influences in my profile.

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