From Fantasy to Science Fiction
Fantasy (myths and fairy tales)
My love of fantasy and mythology started with my father reading the Narnia series to me at a young age and continued to grow as I read Greek myths. From there I have added to my knowledge the Norse myths, a few Celtic ballads, Arthurian legends, and novels like Inside the Walls of Troy.
Science Fiction
I spent most of my childhood reading science fiction books from Star Trek and Star Wars to Isaac Asimov and C.S. Lewis. I have a special fondness for 1930's pulp science fiction when the only limit was your imagination.
Steampunk
Steampunk combines my love of Victorian aesthetics and machines with science fiction and fantasy elements. I have a peculiar fondness for sentient robots and steampunk novels seem to have plenty of them.
I like the many variants including wild west steampunk, decopunk, dieselpunk, and of course, the father of the genre cyberpunk.
Alternative history combines the 'what if' of science fiction with real world possibilities.
Historical Fiction
I didn't realize how much historical fiction had inspired me until I wrote down a list of the books that inspire me the most. From my grandpa, I received Roy Rogers books (and a lasting obsession with finding more) and A Spy In Williamsburg by Isabelle Lawerence. I read Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte, Weedflower and Kira-Kira both by Cynthia Kadohata, and Inside The Walls of Troy by Clemence McLaren.
Historical fiction or fiction written in the past such as Jane Eyre gives you an unparalleled glimpse into the past.
What are your favorite genres?