“People were never right in saying I was Anne. But in some respects, they will be right if they write me down as Emily.” L.M. Montgomery
Like many mystery writers, I grew up on Nancy Drew, graduated to Agatha Christie, and have discovered many other favorite authors since. But unlike others, Nancy wasn’t my first inspiration, nor was Dame Agatha. In fact, my inspiration came from a Canadian author who didn’t write mysteries.
L.M. Montgomery is best known for her Anne of Green Gables books, and yes, I’ve read those. But it was her Emily of New Moon books, specifically, Emily Climbs, that first made me think, “I want to be a writer when I grow up.”
The book was a Christmas gift from friends of the family when I was about eight-years-old, and it’s still on my bookshelf, despite many moves and bookshelf-thinning since. For those of you unfamiliar with Emily Climbs, here’s a brief synopsis:
Emily Starr was born with the desire to write. As an orphan living on New Moon Farm, writing helped her face the difficult, lonely times. But now all her friends are going away to high school in nearby Shrewsbury, and her old-fashioned, tyrannical aunt Elizabeth will only let her go if she promises to stop writing. Fortunately, cousin Jimmy provides a solution: Emily can’t write a word of fiction. While Emily isn’t convinced this is much of a concession, it paves the way for her future success as she hones her skills as a journalist and storyteller.
I so loved this book that I promised myself that when I wrote my first novel, the main character’s name would be Emily. When I started writing The Hanged Man’s Noose, the first book in my Glass Dolphin Mystery series, Emily Garland came to life, and she’s back in A Hole in One. Thank you, Lucy Maud Montgomery, for creating a character who quite literally changed my life.
What about you? Do you have a favorite book that changed your life?
Hi Carol, I think, as writers, we have so many influences in the books we read/have rad. The hope is that one day, we influence someone and make a difference.
Judy, your post arrived just when I picked up the Blue Met Festival – Montreal’s literary festival celebrating its 20th anniversary and asked dignitaries which book most influenced them in their twenties. Interesting connection.
I so like that your character Emily is based on Emily Starr. So neat.
As to which book changed my life. Oh, my God…there are so many books that changed small parts of my life. Too many to mention here. But one book that really comes to mind is Virginia Woolf and Her World. But that was much later, in my twenties.
When I was much younger there’s one book I loved and I no longer know neither title nor author but it was about children around the world and their cultures. It stimulated my curiosity on differences.
Lovely story Judy. I’ve been reading so long and been inspired by so many writers I don’t think I can pin it down to one book. But one of those on the list would have to be Jack London’s Martin Eden.
Hi John, yes, I can see that as an inspiration. Imagine it’s held up for over 100 years. Good writing stands the test of time.
Great story! The Hardy Boys were my first foray into mysteries. I bought and read the first 40-plus books as a kid. Now passing them down to my grandsons.
🙂
I loved Nancy Drew (read them all) and also read most of the Hardy Boys. My husband still has many copies of Hardy Boys and also Doc Savage. I love that the stories never grow old.
Anne and Emily resonated more than Laura Ingalls, as an orphan, I could relate to them. They were my friends and gave me many happy hours. 🙂
I think, too, because they were Canadian girls. I grew up wanting to visit PEI. Still haven’t made it there. Thanks for stopping by Janice.