Okay. I’m going to tell you something I shouldn’t. After I tell you, you must forget that I ever mentioned it. Promise? Good.
Harry Potter.
I like Harry Potter, but I suppose that like every other artist out there, I want to be recognized as a unique storyteller.
I like to tell people the story of where my book was birthed: I got the idea for my books as I walked through German farmland, exploring old villages and castles… very cool.
But for some reason, even though I have tried hard not to be Harry Potter… I found it an easy reference point to explain to people what my book might be like. (Not that I even pretend to be that good of have any expectations for ever being that big in my life. I actually feel a little pretentious even mentioning it right now.)
But I’m not Harry Potter. Nope. Nope. I am me, myself, my own.
And now I have just received my first review. And guess what?
He says I’m Harry Potter… ish. Very nicely. But he nailed it closer than I’ll comfortably admit.
You see… while I lived in Germany, there were very few English books around for me to read. But one day I found some, tucked in a back box in the corner of a room next to mine. I’d been avoiding them to that point but upon the discovery of something English to read… I couldn’t help it.
Yup. You guessed it. Harry Potter.
So those long inspirational strolls I took? Usually I had a book with me. And I liked them.
Did this influence my writing?
Probably.
…
But you already promised to forget.
Tapping the Muse 
September 2nd, 2010 at 9:30 am
hehe Oh Dear Mrs.Gosling.. to be likened to a world renowned successful artist in ones own field is truly a double-edged sword. And believe I know your pain. How so? I'm sure you've said it to me before too.. when I sing.. what's the first thing people say usually? "You really sound like that guy from The Barenaked Ladies". š I suppose now it would be "you really sound like that guy who used to be with the Barenaked Ladies" š And then there was that one girl named Melody who said I sounded like Cat Stevens! Oh I liked that one more š hahaPoint being that people will often compare it to something they know and that other people know. When I read your writing I'm always blown away at the creative imagination and wonder you bring. I'm always stoked to read Charity Gosling. And yeah.. it shares both whimsy and young male protagonist who may have an auspicious and meaningful scar….. but I mean.. really.. that applies to lots of guys I know at one time or another š In other words… you write well enough to be compared to one of the most successful creators in your field.. and everyone is so very lucky that there is a new voice and a new vision about to unleash her new stories upon us all š š
September 2nd, 2010 at 9:47 am
Ahhh… Jordan. You're making me blush. Go write another whimsical tune.
September 2nd, 2010 at 10:25 am
I've been making videos recently š hehehave you seen any of them? I made one on Cloud Photography. And one involves geese :S š hahahttp://youtu.be/e5LWwAS12O8
September 2nd, 2010 at 12:26 pm
Your cover is awesome! When is your book out?
September 2nd, 2010 at 12:51 pm
Every writer has their muse. Yours is Harry Potter mixed with German Farmland. Every time you dip into that memory of reading Harry Potter and walking in the German Farmland and remember exactly how you felt when you did that, I am sure it is just like a dam breaking with a rush of ideas flowing freely out of it. Whatever the plot, I suspect what you write will attempt to reproduce that German farmland/Harry Potter feeling in the reader.
September 3rd, 2010 at 5:50 am
I really love your story… I think it stands alone, it is unique, and very appealing! Then again you already know that! š And Tavin is older than Harry when he started — which may explain why he seems like a stronger character to me. š Either way, I'm with Jordan — it's easier to get people to read a book sometimes if you tell them "It's like so-and-so's story…"