Mary Stewart-An Inspiration to YA Authors
I was sad to read of the death of Mary Stewart earlier this week and just wanted to take a few minutes to honor her and celebrate her life. She was such an inspiration to me growing up. The first book of hers that I ever read was My Brother, Michael. I think I was probably about 10 or 11 when I read it and soon had worked my way through all of her romantic suspense novels. I especially loved Airs Above the Ground, which was about a missing Lippizaner stallion and fed my obsession with animals and love of reading at the same time.
I have to admit that I haven’t thought about Mary Stewart for years, but reading of her death brought it all back to me and I realize now just how much of an inspiration she has been to me. As I write my novels, I want to create spunky, independent young women, just like she did, although she was way ahead of her time.
Anyway, I have nothing but great things to say about her and hope you will take a moment to remember your favorite Mary Stewart book, or look them up if you haven’t yet had the privilege of reading any. I’m off to find my copy of The Moon Spinners and find out if my VHS machine still works.
Amy Reece 