The only writer's group I'm still involved in (that originated with Harry Potter fanfiction) is really just an IRC chat where about ten of us hang out and chat all day. A few of us still write our HP fanfiction, but most of us have moved on in our lives. Hell, one of us is going to publish a book! THAT IS, IF HE EVER FINISHES IT!!! (Hope he hears me, he's only got about 4 chapters to go.)
I would say that Simon Brown (Keys of Power) has penned one of my favorite series to date. I just picked up his second series, the Chronicles of Kydan, last weekend at Windycon, and if I like it, I'll promote him to one of my favorite authors.
David Eddings, perhaps, ruined my ability to write for several years. I don't mean that figuratively. I was doing a fine job at writing, and then I picked up his Belgariad series and just...the spark went out. Not to say I didn't enjoy it, but I think it's sort of like how a smoker enjoys a cigarette. Yeah, it's great and all, but it'll kill you slowly.
I read a LOT of Raymond E. Feist, and his first dozen or so books were phenomenal imo--they were what drew me into the fantasy genre in the first place. Unfortunately, once he hit the Conclave of Shadows, it just went downhill pretty fast. First book was good, second was ok, I never even bothered with any after that.
Kristen Britain is in the middle of a 5-ish book series starting with the Green Rider. I really enjoy this series, and I think she's a very good writer. If only she wouldn't wait over 2 years between releasing books.
Total agreement.
I would say that Simon Brown (Keys of Power) has penned one of my favorite series to date. I just picked up his second series, the Chronicles of Kydan, last weekend at Windycon, and if I like it, I'll promote him to one of my favorite authors.
David Eddings, perhaps, ruined my ability to write for several years. I don't mean that figuratively. I was doing a fine job at writing, and then I picked up his Belgariad series and just...the spark went out. Not to say I didn't enjoy it, but I think it's sort of like how a smoker enjoys a cigarette. Yeah, it's great and all, but it'll kill you slowly.
I read a LOT of Raymond E. Feist, and his first dozen or so books were phenomenal imo--they were what drew me into the fantasy genre in the first place. Unfortunately, once he hit the Conclave of Shadows, it just went downhill pretty fast. First book was good, second was ok, I never even bothered with any after that.
Kristen Britain is in the middle of a 5-ish book series starting with the Green Rider. I really enjoy this series, and I think she's a very good writer. If only she wouldn't wait over 2 years between releasing books.