Diana Wynne Jones, 1934-2011: A Personal Tribute
On 6 June 2010, in response to the news that Diana Wynne Jones had decided to cease chemotherapy treatment for cancer, I spoke of how I had: ” … known, loved and valued her work since my early teens. The first book I recall reading was A Power of Three—and I loved it. Within the next few years I read both Eight Days of Luke and Cart and Cwidder, which together are possibly still my favourite of all her books. But it is hard to say, because I don’t believe I have ever read a Diana Wynne Jones novel that I didn’t like and sometimes the book one likes best can depend on reading mood.”
I also said, in answer to the rhetorical question as to whether Diana Wynne Jones had influenced my own development as a writer, that the answer had to be a resounding “yes.” In particular, I have always admired the way:
- she draws the reader in through juxtaposing a sense of wonder with the completely everyday; and
- explores the furthest boundaries of imagination;
- her youthful heroes and heroines never lose their realism, no matter how extraordinary their adventures;
- she managed to write stories with layers of meaning that nonetheless never “preached” at her readers; and
- sustained the quality of her writing over such a prolonged period.
In short, as I also said on June 6, I love both her stories and the way in which she told her stories and I felt immeasurably sad when I learned that she had left us on Saturday 26 March.
Haere ra, Diana Wynne Jones: you’ve left some pretty big shoes to fill.
I adored her The Tough Guide to Fantasyland – and used it in a book for younger readers – a librarian gives it to my protagonist, a young would-be fantasy writer. After reading it, she decides to mention the socks her characters are wearing. Godspeed, Diana Wynne Jones – and thank you.
I think everyone loves “The Tough Guide to Fantasyland”!:) And I definitely second the “thank you.”
What a wonderful legacy to leave behind. I’ve read so many author blogs since she died naming her as a huge influence and a life-changer with her stories. I can’t imagine a better way to be remembered.
I can’t help feeling that as a writer it’s the only way to be remembered—that people loved reading what you wrote, and that you inspired them.