A Look at Gail Simone’s Literary Influences
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Early Reading Influences
simone fondly recalls “Peter Rabbit” as her first library checkout, its farm setting resonating with her childhood experiences. Discovering “Justice League” issue #100 at a garage sale introduced her to Wonder woman, a character who stood out for her agency and self-sufficiency. “She defied her mother, left the island, didn’t need anyone to rescue her – I loved her,” Simone shared.The Power of Unconditional encouragement
When asked about influential figures, Simone credited her mother’s unwavering support for her reading habits.”My mother didn’t censor anything that I read,” she explained. “I could just read whatever.” This freedom to explore different genres and authors fostered a deep and lasting love of books. Simone also fondly remembers the local bookmobile, which brought the world of literature to her rural home. “I was excited by that bookmobile like other kids were excited by an ice cream truck,” she admitted.Current Reads and Future Adventures
Simone’s current reading list includes the “Bridgerton” novels, which she’s enjoying as a delightful escape after watching the popular television adaptation. She’s also recently finished audiobooks by Kamala Harris and Michelle Obama. Looking ahead, Simone has her sights set on “Hollow Earth” by john Barrowman and the “Thursday Murder Club” series by Richard Osman.A Touch of Horror and a Presidential Flip-Flop Moment
This author is a big fan of cozy mysteries, but their reading tastes are quite diverse. When asked for a recommendation, they take the time to understand the individual’s preferences, whether it’s a certain genre, character type, or even movies they enjoy. Their most recent suggestion? Stephen King’s “Fairy Tale”, a book they found utterly gripping. While they delve into the world of horror, they draw the line at bedtime reading. One unforgettable moment stands out for this author – speaking at the White House during the Obama era. The topic? Media portrayals of LGBTQ+ individuals and those with disabilities.The call came during another convention, leaving them with incomplete attire – jeans, flip-flops, and Aerosmith T-shirts. A speedy shopping trip secured a suit from Macy’s, but the appropriate footwear remained elusive. “Please,no one tell my mom I’m wearing flip-flops at the White House,” they quipped at the start of their speech. The lighter tone resonated apricot. Attendees, seeing themselves reflected in the humor, shared their own “Superman” socks and other quirky accessories. It was a moment of connection and shared identity. Originally Published:## A Conversation with Gail Simone: Literary Inspiration and the Written Word
**Archyde:** Welcome, Gail! Congratulations on the release of your debut novel, “Red Sonja: Consumed.”
**Gail Simone:** Thank you so much! It’s been a rewarding experience to dive into the world of novels after years in comics.
**Archyde:** We’re excited to talk about your transition to prose and the literary influences that have shaped your journey as a writer. Let’s start with your early reading experiences. What are some of the books or authors who sparked your initial love for reading?
**Gail Simone:** Oh, it’s hard to narrow it down! I was a voracious reader from a young age. I devoured classic adventure stories like ”Treasure Island” by Robert Louis Stevenson and anything by Edgar Rice Burroughs. Those fantastical worlds and swashbuckling heroes ignited my creativity.
**Archyde:** And what about within the realm of comics? Who were some of your early inspirations?
**Gail Simone:** Growing up, I was drawn to strong female characters. “Wonder Woman” was a huge inspiration, as was “Ms. Marvel.” I also loved the dark humor and social commentary of ”Sandman” by Neil Gaiman.
**Archyde:** These influences are certainly evident in your work,particularly in your phenomenal runs on titles like “Birds of Prey,” “Wonder Woman,” and “Uncanny X-men.” What did you learn from those experiences that helped shape your approach to writing “red Sonja: Consumed”?
**Gail Simone:** Characters are at the Heart of everything I write. It doesn’t matter if it’s a comic book or a novel, I want to create characters that readers connect with—characters with flaws, complexities, and inner strength. I learned so much about pacing, dialogue, and world-building during those comic book years that I was able to apply to this new medium.
**Archyde:** We noticed you mentioned Neil Gaiman. He’s known for blurring genres and embracing fantasy elements. Is that something you aspire to in your own writing?
**Gail Simone:** Absolutely. I love exploring different genres and experimenting with storytelling.While “Red Sonja: Consumed” is definitely a fantasy novel, I hope it also touches on themes of identity, redemption, and the complexities of power that resonate with readers beyond the fantasy genre.
**Archyde:** We can’t wait to see what you do next! Thank you for sharing your insights with us, Gail.
**Gail Simone:** The pleasure was all mine!
[[1](https://www.cbr.com/gail-simone-the-variants-interview/)]
## A Conversation with Gail Simone: Literary Inspiration and the Written Word
**Archyde:** Welcome, Gail! thank you for taking the time to chat with us today about your literary journey.
**Gail Simone:** It’s my pleasure! I love talking about books.
**archyde:** You’re known for your powerful storytelling in comics, but your debut novel, *Red Sonja: Consumed,* shows you’re a master of the written word across genres. Let’s delve into your early influences. What sparked your love for reading?
**Gail Simone:** I have a fond memory of checking out *Peter Rabbit* from the library as a child. It resonates with me because we lived on a farm, so the setting felt familiar. Discovering *Justice League* issue #100 at a garage sale introduced me to Wonder Woman. She was my hero! I loved her independence and strength.
**Archyde:** It’s inspiring to see how these early encounters shaped your own writing.
**Gail Simone:** Absolutely! My mother played a significant role too. She never censored my reading material, which allowed me to explore diverse genres and authors freely.
**archyde:** That’s incredible. It sounds like she fostered a true love of reading. How about your current preferences? What are you reading these days?
**Gail Simone:** I recently enjoyed the *Bridgerton* novels, which offer a delightful escape.
I also enjoy listening to audiobooks, and I recently finished works by Kamala Harris and Michelle Obama.
For upcoming reads, “Hollow Earth” by John Barrowman and Richard Osman’s “Thursday Murder Club” series are on my radar.
**Archyde:** A blend of romance, politics, and mystery – a diverse palate indeed! What advice do you have for someone looking for a new book?
**Gail Simone:** I always try to understand a reader’s individual preferences. Genre, characters, even their favorite movies can offer clues! Recently, I recommended Stephen King’s “Fairy Tale” to someone who enjoys gripping narratives.
**Archyde:** You mentioned enjoying cozy mysteries. Any particular favorites you’d recommend?
**Gail Simone:** Oh, absolutely! I love a good mystery that’s both intelligent and comforting.
I might hold off on horror novels before bedtime, though – those tend to keep me up at night!
**Archyde:** Speaking of memorable moments, you’ve had some incredible experiences in your career. We’ve heard a story about a unique attire choice at the White House.
**Gail Simone:** (laughs) It was during the Obama era. I was invited to speak about media portrayals of LGBTQ+ individuals and people with disabilities. The call came during another convention, and my wardrobe wasn’t exactly White House-ready! Jeans, flip-flops, and an Aerosmith T-shirt weren’t going to cut it.
I found a suit at Macy’s,but there was no time for shoes.
**Archyde:** So you
embraced the flip-flops?
**Gail Simone:** I did! I started my speech with a joke, “Please, no one tell my mom I’m wearing flip-flops
at the White House!” It broke the ice and connected with the audience. People shared their own quirky accessories, and it became a moment of shared identity and humor.
**Archyde:** What a wonderful way to make people feel agreeable.
**Gail Simone:** I believe it’s significant to be authentic and have a little fun.
**Archyde:** Thank you, Gail, for sharing your insights into your literary influences
and your incredible journey. We wish you all the best with your future endeavors, both in comics and novels!
**Gail Simone:** It’s been my pleasure!