Q&A with Roger Eschbacher discussion

My primary influences come out of genre fiction -- both fantasy and sci fi -- Tolkien tops the list which also includes Frank Herbert, Clifford D. Simak, Rowling, CS Lewis, Heinlein, Stephen King, and many more. Basically, I'm a great admirer of any author that can spin a great tale. Who are some of your favorite authors/influences?

Your writing clearly shows a Senor Sock influence. Either that or Jim Beam.

My own favorite authors include Richard Brautigan, Michael Connelly, Fredric Brown, Richard Stark (aka Donald Westlake), Harry Whittington, Ross MacDonald, Ed McBain, Douglas Adams and Art Buchwald. I have been infuenced by them at various times.

Senor wrote: "Your writing clearly shows a Senor Sock influence. Either that or Jim Beam.

My own favorite authors include Richard Brautigan, Michael Connelly, Fredric Brown, Richard Stark (aka Donald Westlake..."

Yes, I see strong influence from both gentleman.

While I was hooked on Tolkein and Lewis quite young, I gravitated to sf writers like Larry Niven, and then found inspiration in Chandler and Hammet. Lately, I've been trying to learn the lessons taught by the pantheon of Fitzgerald, Hemingway and more modern writers, as well.

I don't like the idea of being confined to a genre, and I like stories that can pull together ideas and influences from a wide range of authors.

What I have liked and tried to gain inspiration from most recently I have discovered is called "magic realism": Gabriel Gacia Marquez, Mark Helprin, Bulgakov, for example.

An interesting approach, Scott. Thanks for sharing. I have to say that I pretty much stay within the realm of sf/f in terms of reading and (I'm guessing) any future writing. I do enjoy mashups between the two, however. "Implied Spaces" and "The Dragons of Cuyahoga" are two titles that come to mind.