Team Daxsi Presents:
Delving into the Creative Minds Influencing Hugo Smienk’s Literary Inspirations
Have you met Hugo Smienk, the avid bookworm with an insatiable appetite for literature?
Here’s a little secret: Hugo’s literary tastes have been evolving lately, and he’s found himself drawn to American writers. It’s a curious shift, considering his past infatuation with Dutch and UK authors during his formative years.
While he used to devour 50 to 70 books annually, lately, he’s been slacking a bit, only managing to read 25 to 35 books a year. But fear not, dear readers, for Hugo has exciting plans in the works – he’s gearing up to release at least several books over the next year(s) or so. Who knows, perhaps he’ll even find himself among his own list of favorite authors someday!
So, without further ado, let’s delve into Hugo’s list of literary influences. Take a peek at his favorites and feel free to share your own recommendations in the comments below.
Question: Did Any of Them Have an Impact on You?
Hello, it’s Hugo here. Below, you’ll find a comprehensive list of authors who have profoundly influenced my life. If any of them are unfamiliar to you, simply click on the author’s name to learn more about their work.
I’ve included a brief description with each author to provide insight into their significance to me. However, what I’m truly eager to discover is your favorite writers – excluding, of course, my own books! Feel free to share your preferences in the comment section below.
Elmore Leonard
I’ve read all of this great master’s books, except for the one on how to write books. Oops, I hope I didn’t miss out on the secret to becoming a bestseller. Maybe I should have started with that one instead of reading all the others.
Dean Koontz
I have a confession to make: I’m kind of in love with Jane Hawk. She’s a total badass! I mean, have you read the Dean Koontz books she’s in? They’re amazing, especially the adult ones. I remember reading one years ago where the bad guys could track you via satellites in the sky.
Pretty scary stuff, right? Except now, it’s not just in books, it’s real life! But I can’t remember the title… do you happen to know? Maybe I should ask Jane herself, she’d probably know how to evade those pesky satellites
Roald Dahl
As a kid, I read a Roald Dahl story where a lighter flick could win a car. Now, every time I light a cigarette, I think of that book. I must be getting old because I can’t remember the title. It was scary back then, and I’d love to read it again before they rewrite it, too. Maybe I’ll place a bet to cut off my fingers or lose a car, just to see what happens. Let me know if you know, what I would like to know. All scary stuff aside, on this day I realize how big an influence he was.
Tom Wolfe
A Man in Full, what a book! I’m so happy to have been one of the few to read it. Just kidding, millions of readers went before me. Tom Wolfe was a delight to read, and his book was so hilarious and telling that Charlie Croker’s deliverance from his tribulations provides an unforgettable result. I mean, who wouldn’t want to read a book that sketches America with pastels?
Charles Bukowski
People say I got my heavy drinking – red wine – from Bukowski, but the truth is I was born with a corkscrew in my hand. My parents owned a restaurant, so I was basically weaned on the stuff.
I love Bukowski’s work, and I’ve also seen the movies made from his stories.
Have you? Of course, you have. Who hasn’t?
Carl Hiaasen
I read Double Whammy and was hooked.
Hiaasen is now one of my top three favorite authors.
Perhaps it’s because I love Florida and he does too. Plus, I used to live just down the road from him. So, maybe I’m a little biased. But whatever it is, his books make me laugh, and they make me think. And that’s what I love about writing.
Gregory McDonald
Whenever I’m faced with a problem, I turn to my trusty friend Fletch. He’s always got a solution, no matter how crazy or convoluted it may be. I love reading his books because they’re always full of humor and suspense. And it’s great to know that Fletch still lives on… in our hearts.
Anton Quintana (Dutch Author)
Back in the day, my mother was an avid reader of Anton Quintana books. After finishing, she handed them to me. I devoured them like they were candy.
This Dutch writer had such a big impact on me that we named our son after one of his characters. Can you believe that?
Katy Byron
The first time I became aware of Katy’s work, I was staying in a Buddhist Sangha. Isn’t it magical how the ever-loving energy of spirituality works, but is it true?
How do we know?
John Grisham
Mega bestseller John Grisham. There’s nothing more to say about him, right? We all know him, and we all love his work. But funny thing… I read all his books, and at one point in time I notice… What the heck?
He’s getting better and better.
Is it true? I did Katy’s work, and guess what? Yep, it’s true.
Quentin Tarantino
Okay, I’m going to brag a little here. One critic compared my debut novel (came out a long, long time ago) to the style of Quentin Tarantino. What an honor! Of course, he’s one-of-a-kind.
I’m not going to lie, it felt pretty good to be compared to one of my idols. Tarantino is a master of storytelling, and his films are always so much fun to watch. I’m so glad that someone else sees the similarities between our work.
Not sure if I’ll ever be as good as Tarantino, but I’m going to keep trying my best. I love writing, and I’m constantly looking for new ways to improve my craft. I hope that one day I’ll be able to create something that people will love as much as they love Tarantino’s films.
Gregory David Roberts – Shantaram
I’ve been to India so many times, I’ve got a permanent tan. I’m uncertain if it’s from the sun or the curry, but I’m not complaining.
Before I walked barefoot on India soil, I read “Shantaram.” It’s a beautiful, heartbreaking, and inspiring story about a man who finds redemption in India after a life of crime.
When I finally arrived in India, I was blown away. The country is so much more than I could have ever imagined. It’s full of color, chaos, and beauty.
But hey, you can read all about that in my book: The Broken Traveler.
Go ahead, give it a go.
Lynne MCTaggart
It took about 10 years after it was first published before I read: “the Field”. Talk about aha moments. Ever since then, I uncovered more and more about the field of… many things, and no, not only red wine. I already knew a lot about that from experience.
Thich Nhat Hanh – The Book: Anger
“Anger?” you say. “That’s a downer of a title!”
I know, I know. But don’t get mad at me, it’s not my fault. The Dutch title (freely translated), “Embrace your Anger,” is much better. It’s like saying, “Don’t be afraid of your anger. It’s a part of you. Embrace it and learn from it.”
Read The Broken Traveler and see for yourself how important this book is for me.
And who knows, maybe for you?
Ernest Hemingway
“But man is not made for defeat,” he said. “A man can be destroyed but not defeated.”
― Ernest Hemingway, The Old Man and the Sea
Click the link to read more quotes. And to be honest with you, I’ve read several of his books, but Old Man and the Sea, is the only book that made an impact.
Charles Dickens A Tale Of Two Cities
Talking about a timeless writer, it sure is Dickens. Just replace the coaches with cars, the gaslights with modern-day lampposts, and voilà we have the books of Charles Dickens. The story, a tale of two cities, made the most impact on me. It’s scary to see how history is on the verge of repetition.
It’s like Dickens was a time traveler. He wrote about the future, but he set it in the past. He knew that the rich would always get richer and the poor would always get poorer. Likewise, he knew that there would always be war and famine and disease.
And he knew that love would always triumph over hate.
I could go on with books that influenced me. The ones I mention here are definitely making the cut. But perhaps you got one I must read?
Let me know in the comments below. I love to hear from you.
All the best – Hugo
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