I have recently finished reading, 'The Haunting' by Margaret Mahy, which won the Carnegie Medal years ago. Brilliant prose. As soon as I had finished, I ordered another of her books online. I know I wont be disappointed.
What authors have had a profound affect on you?
Terry Pratchett, Mike Jefferies, J.K Rowling, Tom Holt, Shakespeare, Conan Doyle... the list goes on. (Admittedly authors don't stick in my mind too well if I have only read one of their books.)
Almost anything by Thomas Hardy. I started off with 'far from the madding crowd' and went from there. I think he fulfils the melancholic side of my nature. Also George Orwell's 'coming up for air' was a light bulb moment followed by Animal farm and 1984. More recently I have found Dickens use of words Dickens both inspiring and mind blowing. If only I could write like that. I am also a sucker for historical fiction and will happily read anything by Bernard Cornwell for light relief.
Stephen King