This is a question for the writers out there:  In your genre, what stories do you look to for inspiration?

And, as I have (as always) an ulterior motive, let me further explain what I'm getting at.  I've been a long-time reader of both FM and FMG fiction.  More than that, even in mainstream literature and media, I have always had a strong preference for strong female characters (GI Jane, Undercover Blues, Shards of Honor, Barrayar- there are many others, too many to name).  Recently- very recently, I've started dabbling in writing, primarily in the genre of female strength and power, but I've also made a couple (exactly TWO at the time of this posting) stabs at FMG sequences.  It is, for me, possibly the most difficult style of writing to do and do well.  I don't think I've really managed it, yet, at least not to my satisfaction.  That said, I do have a couple of stories that I look at as, well, standards that I would like to someday meet.  Stories that, were I a better writer (as I hopefully will be with time,) I would emulate.

Strictly within the genres that I am writing in (in other words, I'm not going to tell you all about my favorite mainstream movies or plays or novels), the stories I look to include, but are not limited to:

FMG:  The Massive Potential series by Scoundrel (And he has a yahoo group now: YAY!)

A variety of stories written by Paul Smith- really just the origin stories for Caroline Everson and others of her ilk.  The other stories aren't properly FMG, but are rather FM- fun, but not the same.

The Coping With Power stories by demented20, particularly the chapters dealing with Moira's and Lisa's big fight.


FM/FSP: Once again, I have to give a shout out to demented20.  Love his stories, and I love the depth he gives his characters.

Gym Conqueror by 007- no real plot, but a very steamy, sultry read, nonetheless

Going Super and Modifications, both by Happiest in Shadows, because I aspire top make characters who are both powerful and interesting...

Okay.  Anybody have any suggestions for more stories they think I ought to investigate?  Let me know and, if I haven't already read them, I will.  If I have, I'll peruse them again with your comments in mind...

It was not my intention to tease.  I was just lazy.

Scoundrel's (and Cancuz's) yahoo group is:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/cancuz_scoundrel_art/?yguid=116778210

you have to tell them why they should let you in, but it's totally worth it.

That's cool that your ideas are your own, PT.  I think most authors generally work from their own imaginations first (I know I do)- what I'm thinking of, though, is what, stylistically, informs your writing?

I'm sorry if that's a little vague- I'm living in a bit of a white haze, at the moment, informed entirely by not enough sleep and way to much caffeine...

I think the problem in FMG - and indeed, all bodily transformation cliches - is that you can go "I have an original idea!" and then read all the stories there are and go "Oh... that's been done before".

I think that good stories are more likely to make me think "I should go off and do some writing!" than anything... although, ironically it was a dearth of stories to my liking that made me go looking.

When you say literary, I assume you're speaking of established authors that have been published in the mainstream, rather then on line.

My range of being strong inspired / influenced in my style of heroic sci-fantasy storytelling would have to include, but not strictly limited to, writers such as Robert Heinlein, Keith Laumer (Worlds of the Imperium & Jamie Retief, the Two-fisted Diplomat), Clifford Simak, Tolkein, James P Hogan, Edger Rice Burroughs, Dean Ing, Robert Adams (Horseclans & Castaways in Time) and S.M. Smith (The Draka Trilogy).

Others such as Tom Clancy, Leon Uris and Clive Cussler, have had their influences, too.