K.M. Jackson: Inspired by Jackie Collins, Terry McMillan

K.M. Jackson, author of Through the Lens, writes women's fiction. You might find the authors who've shaped her fiction world view an interesting mix, ranging from Jackie Collins to Terry McMillan. I'll let her take it from here …

K.M.: When I first set out on this path to be a novelist I had nothing but a head full of ideas and an overflow of paperbacks in my basement. What did I know about writing? At the time I was a fashion-designer-turned-stay-at-home-mother. But, behind me pushing me forward, was this wealth of women, writing these wonderful stories that made me feel like this writing thing was something that, yes, even I could do. To them I owe my never-give-up spirit and getting my debut book, Through the Lens, finally published.

Jackie Collins: Oh how I loved Lucky the heroine and wild child of her 1981 book, Chances. How happy was I that Ms. Collins brought her back all grown-up and as a mother herself recently, still wild and fearless but dealing with her own untameable children in her newest book, Goddess of Vengeance? Somehow I feel like Lucky and I have grown up together. Lucky with her fiery tangle of jet-black hair and kick-ass attitude has been a heroine to cheer for and step lightly around.

Terry McMillan: I was and still am a huge fan of Ms. McMillan. When I first read Disappearing Acts, I instantly fell for the opposites-attract, against-all-odds couple of Zora and Franklin. Zora was an artist and an intellectual and seemed to be the every woman's woman of that time and Franklin was a total man's man, a carpenter and down-on-his-luck construction worker, working with his hands. He came with tons of baggage, not that Zora didn't have plenty of her own. They were sizzling from scene one and though they seemed to have all odds against them you still rooted for them all the way. Just what you want in a romance.

Elizabeth Hoyt: The Prince Series. If you want dark brooding men, she has 'em. Oh yeah! In The Raven Prince, Edward de Raaf is so darn dark that he's scared off two previous secretaries. Well, it's a good thing that feisty Anna has some backbone to stand up to him in any and every way. And in The Leopard Prince, it's Harry Pye whom the strong-willed aristocrat Lady Georgiana must deal with. Then finally in The Serpent Prince, it is Viscount Simon Iddesleigh, who despite his red-heeled dandy appearance is a fearless fighter and a tireless lover. When he meets up with Lucy Craddock-Hayes, she brings out the very best of both these qualities.

Helen Fielding: What can I say about Bridget Jones' Diary and keep in my word count? I think this may be the book that took me over the edge and made me actually put fingers to keyboard. Oh gosh, here was a heroine who was talking. Literally talking, in a diary, and there the words were on the page sounding just as they would be in my own head. It somehow felt shocking as I was laughing out loud with Bridget. I was all in and in love by page two. All these years later I still find myself saying Bridget-isms in my head, like "smug-married" and "sexy knickers." Also, is there anyone who can compare to Mark Darcy? Well, maybe just Mr. Darcy himself.

Elizabeth Gilbert:Eat, Pray, Love was the first book that I actually bought multiple copies of to gave to friends. I loved how Gilbert was so open with sharing her journey while simultaneously taking us on a beautiful getaway that many of us can only dream about. Though it may be fleeting I'm sure there are plenty of women and some men who have that "get away from your life" feeling, even if it's for just a while. Isn't that what reading is all about? It's what I try to do with my own work. Create a world that, while grounded in reality, still gives a bit of fantasy and is an escape from the drudgery of the day to day. A place to put your feet up and for a moment, borrowing from Ms. McMillan, exhale.

For more information about K.M. and her book, you can visit her website, Kwana.com.