Since the theme for JPC Allen Writes this year is how to write a novel, I’m spending January discussing aspects that prep you for writing a novel. So what are your three favorite novels and what does this have to do with writing one? Well, usually what you love to read will be what you want to write. Also, it’s impossible to write a well-crafted novel in a genre you aren’t familiar with as a reader.
My question asks you to name three favorite novels, but as I worked on this post, I realized I’d have to include more than three. So feel free to answer the question with the titles of as many of your favorite novels as you want.
My criteria for a novel to qualify as a favorite is that I like to read it over and over again and still enjoy it. So here are some of my favorite novels in no particular order:
- Death on the Nile by Agatha Christie. I still think this is her best novel.
- The Time Machine by H.G. Wells. This was the first story to used a machine, instead of magic, to travel through time.
- Watership Down by Richard Adams. A wonderful fantasy adventure.
- Plot It Yourself by Rex Stout. One of my favorite novels from my favorite mystery series.
- Fantastic Voyage by Issac Asimov. A sci-fi adventure with a mystery.
Your turn. List your favorite novels and why you love them.