Rules: Link to the person that tagged you (that would be the Ink Mage), post the rules somewhere in your meme, answer the questions, tag six people in your post, let the tagees know they’ve been chosen by leaving a comment on their blog, let the tagger know your entry is posted. (I, uh, might not do the last things.)

Who’s you all-time favorite author and why?

I usually answer “Jane Austen” here; while that’s a true answer, I think “Charles de Lint” might be equally true. I love Jane Austen because she’s an amazing writer and she still wrote some of the best love stories ever. That, and I’d marry Henry Tilney in a heartbeat. (What? You thought I was going to say Mr. Darcy?) Charles de Lint, though, has written more books, and I love Newford so much.

Who was your first favorite author and why? Do you still consider him/her among your favorites?

Carolyn Keene. I don’t remember loving any books prior to Nancy Drew nearly as much as I loved Nancy Drews. No, I wouldn’t consider them as among my favorites anymore (how many Carolyn Keenes were there?).

Who’s the most recent addition to your list of favorite authors, and why?

Shannon Hale, I think. She writes beautifully, and I love everything she’s written so far.

If someone asked you who your favorite authors were right now, which authors would first pop out of your mouth? Are there any you’d add on a moment of further reflection?

Charles de Lint, Shannon Hale, Terry Pratchett — that would be the first list. After that, I’d probably add Tamora Pierce, Neil Gaiman, and Sherwood Smith. I might mention Jane Austen, but she’s so cliché as a ‘favorite author’ that it almost isn’t worth it. It depends on who asks.