Inspired: How a Book is Born

One of the most basic ideas in writing is taking a simple idea, and building on it until you have something new. If you look at any book, movie, television show, etc., you can get an idea of where those ideas come from. In some cases, the story has changed so much that the inspiration is hard to see, but in others it is very clear. Some, including a few of my personal favorites, make their sources intentionally obvious.

Many recent Young Adult novels base their story lines on historical events, mythology, fairy tales, or similar ideas, and have been amazingly successful. This list includes some of my favorite novels with clear source material.

1.) Percy Jackson and the Olympians (Rick Riordan)

Probably one of the most well known mythology based series, this young adult book and its sequels take inspiration from ancient Greek myths. The spin-off/sequel series Heroes of Olympus adds in a take on myths from ancient Rome as well.

2.) The Lunar Chronicles (Marissa Meyer)

This futuristic series is based on classic fairy tales. The first book takes inspiration from Cinderella, with the rest of the series based on Little Red Riding Hood, Rapunzel, and Snow White, all set in a post-apocalyptic future.

3.) The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel (Michael Scott)

This series combines mythology of several different sources, including Greek, Egyptian, Celtic, Norse, Biblical, Japanese, and Arthurian legend. The books also include various historical figures and events, all meshed together in modern-day cities.

4.) The Blackwell Pages (K.L. Armstrong and M.A. Marr)

A similar concept to the Percy Jackson Series, this series combines the modern world with ancient Norse mythology.

Please feel free to comment any book suggestions for this list, and I will consider reading them! Thanks for reading!