We are so excited to dedicate this week’s edition of Inspired By to the lovely Colleen Oakes, author of Wendy Darling. Here, she shares the five books that inspired her most while writing Wendy Darling.

Peter Pan by J.M Barrie

Obviously, the main inspiration for Wendy Darling came from the original Peter Pan story, written by the great J.M Barrie. I grew up listening to the story of Peter Pan and his Wendy, mostly on an old audio recording of the book, complete with sound effects. This timeless classic has always touched my heart, and it was my honor and privilege to borrow Barrie’s Neverland for a new take on Wendy Darling. 

The Magicians by Lev Grossman

Lev Grossman is one of my favorite authors. His derivative, dark and NAUGHTY fantasy that pulls from Harry Potter, Narnia and many others is one of my favorite contemporary reads.  His warped humor pars so perfectly with Quentin, the world’s best anti-hero, and my favorite goose.  His books remind me that fantasy doesn’t always have to be SO serious.

Garden Spells by Sarah Addison Allen

I love the way that Sarah Addison Allen uses magic in her books. It’s slight, it’s romantic, quirky and always unexpected, and that makes it all the more believable.  Garden Spells is my favorite among her incredible cannon. I tried to channel her romantic use of lyrical, lovely language for describing Wendy Darling’s Neverland.

The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe by CS Lewis

Oh, where do I begin?  C.S Lewis is the undisputed master of the children’s fairytale. Jadis (The White Witch) is a villain to be reckoned with, and I wanted one as well that represented all that she did – a darkness most lovely, a malice hidden behind a glamour of charm and wit. Also, I really love lampposts and the name Lucy.

Lord of the Flies by William Golding

Lord of the Flies was the perfect book to inspire the Lost Boys, a group of feral children without parents at the mercy of a leader who both needs and manipulates them.  I still remember this book affecting me when I read it in middle school, and keenly understanding the power of the adolescent tribes and the damage they can do.