--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: My influence is probably more from…" description: "\"My influence is probably more from American crime writers than any Europeans. And I hardly read any Scandinavian crime before I started writing myself...." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c7a/jo-nesbo-8743_books_my-influence-is-probably-more-from-ameri_2150623.jpg" --- # My influence is probably more from American crime writers… ![“My influence is probably more from American crime writers than any Europeans. And I hardly read any Scandinavian crime before I started writing myself. I wasn't a great crime reader to begin with.” quote by Jo Nesbo](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c7a/jo-nesbo-8743_books_my-influence-is-probably-more-from-ameri_2150623.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c7a/jo-nesbo-8743_books_my-influence-is-probably-more-from-ameri_2150623.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c7a/jo-nesbo-8743_books_my-influence-is-probably-more-from-ameri_2150623.jpg) > “My influence is probably more from American crime writers than any Europeans. And I hardly read any Scandinavian crime before I started writing myself. I wasn't a great crime reader to begin with.” [Jo Nesbo](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jo-nesbo/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. His writing style is shaped more by American crime authors than European ones, reflecting his reading habits before he began writing. **In simple terms:** American crime influences dominate his work. Key Takeaway Explore diverse literary influences. Themes influence genre reading writing culture Mood reflective introspective Type literary personal When to use this quote - author interviews - creative workshops - writing retreats - literary criticism Key Concepts Literary influence cross‑cultural inspiration Questions to Reflect On - How do your reading habits shape your creative voice? - What can you learn from other genres? A Different Perspective His limited exposure to Scandinavian crime may limit authenticity. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Books](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/books/) [Crime](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/crime/) [Influence](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/influence/) [Scandinavians](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/scandinavians/) [Writing](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/writing/) ## Related quotes > [Scandinavian crime fiction has become a great success all across the world and rightfully so. Sjowall and Wahloo ushered in a whole generation of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/camilla-l-ckberg/scandinavian-crime-fiction-has-become-a-great-success-all-across-the/) [Camilla Lackberg](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/camilla-l-ckberg/) > [I feel more related to some American crime writers than I do to Stieg Larsson.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jo-nesbo/i-feel-more-related-to-some-american-crime-writers-than-i-do-to-stieg/) [Jo Nesbo](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jo-nesbo/) > [Ever since the '70s, Maj Sjowall and Per Wahloo were the godfathers of Scandinavian crime. They broke the crime novel in Scandinavia from the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jo-nesbo/ever-since-the-70s-maj-sjowall-and-per-wahloo-were-the-godfathers-of/) [Jo Nesbo](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jo-nesbo/) > [“familiar with Scandinavian crime fiction – Maj Sjöwall and Per Wahlöö, Karin Fossum, Håkan”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stieg-larsson/familiar-with-scandinavian-crime-fiction-maj-sj-wall-and-per-wahl/) [Stieg Larsson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stieg-larsson/) > [My liking for Scandinavian crime fiction led me into exploring literary writers from the same countries.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/diane-setterfield/my-liking-for-scandinavian-crime-fiction-led-me-into-exploring/) [Diane Setterfield](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/diane-setterfield/) > [The nature of Scandinavians is that they don't talk so much, there will be these dark secrets, and most things are under-communicated.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jo-nesbo/the-nature-of-scandinavians-is-that-they-don-t-talk-so-much-there/) [Jo Nesbo](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jo-nesbo/) > [Many Scandinavian writers who had made their name in literary fiction felt they wanted to have a go at the crime novel to show…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jo-nesbo/many-scandinavian-writers-who-had-made-their-name-in-literary-fiction/) [Jo Nesbo](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jo-nesbo/) > [“Guns and dope are the soup and sandwich of American crime.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/don-winslow/guns-and-dope-are-the-soup-and-sandwich-of-american-crime/) [Don Winslow](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/don-winslow/) > [I read a lot of thrillers, especially American crime novels.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kate-mosse/i-read-a-lot-of-thrillers-especially-american-crime-novels/) [Kate Mosse](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kate-mosse/) > [There are many things in common with my life and my character in 'American Crime.' My upbringing has definitely helped me out in this…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/richard-cabral/there-are-many-things-in-common-with-my-life-and-my-character-in/) [Richard Cabral](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/richard-cabral/) > [I want to do an American crime gangster movie.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gareth-evans/i-want-to-do-an-american-crime-gangster-movie/) [Gareth Evans](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gareth-evans/) > [When you look at "American Crime" and you have the character Terri LaCroix is a pharmaceutical executive - why does that character always have…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/regina-king/when-you-look-at-american-crime-and-you-have-the-character-terri/) [Regina King](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/regina-king/) > [I'm always interested in what classic crime writers got into when they stepped away from the genre stuff they were known for. That's why…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/todd-haynes/i-m-always-interested-in-what-classic-crime-writers-got-into-when/) [Todd Haynes](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/todd-haynes/) > [Most crime fiction, no matter how 'hard-boiled' or bloodily forensic, is essentially sentimental, for most crime writers are disappointed romantics.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-banville/most-crime-fiction-no-matter-how-hard-boiled-or-bloodily-forensic-is/) [John Banville](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-banville/) > [“Crime writers, I've noticed, can be jumpy. They live in a world where there are murderers on the loose and they haven't been caught…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sara-sheridan/crime-writers-i-ve-noticed-can-be-jumpy-they-live-in-a-world-where/) [Sara Sheridan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sara-sheridan/) ## More by Jo Nesbo > [My father grew up in Brooklyn, N.Y., with my grandparents. In Norwegian my name is pronounced 'Yoo' but my father used to call me…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jo-nesbo/my-father-grew-up-in-brooklyn-n-y-with-my-grandparents-in-norwegian/) [Jo Nesbo](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jo-nesbo/) > [What we humans think we know is nothing compared to what we need to believe to numb the fear and pain.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jo-nesbo/what-we-humans-think-we-know-is-nothing-compared-to-what-we-need-to/) [Jo Nesbo](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jo-nesbo/) > [At nineteen I was pretty sure I was going to be a professional soccer player. At that time I played for one of the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jo-nesbo/at-nineteen-i-was-pretty-sure-i-was-going-to-be-a-professional-soccer/) [Jo Nesbo](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jo-nesbo/) > [The nature of Scandinavians is that they don't talk so much, there will be these dark secrets, and most things are under-communicated.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jo-nesbo/the-nature-of-scandinavians-is-that-they-don-t-talk-so-much-there/) [Jo Nesbo](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jo-nesbo/) > [I wasn't that into crime novels at all, but a friend introduced me to the work of Jim Thompson - I loved all his…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jo-nesbo/i-wasn-t-that-into-crime-novels-at-all-but-a-friend-introduced-me-to/) [Jo Nesbo](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jo-nesbo/) > [I think I was righteous. I saw myself as the good guy in my own movie. I didn't get into many fights when I…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jo-nesbo/i-think-i-was-righteous-i-saw-myself-as-the-good-guy-in-my-own-movie/) [Jo Nesbo](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jo-nesbo/) > [When I propose a candidate for a job I don't do it because the person in question is the best but because he is…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jo-nesbo/when-i-propose-a-candidate-for-a-job-i-don-t-do-it-because-the-person/) [Jo Nesbo](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jo-nesbo/) > [Many Scandinavian writers who had made their name in literary fiction felt they wanted to have a go at the crime novel to show…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jo-nesbo/many-scandinavian-writers-who-had-made-their-name-in-literary-fiction/) [Jo Nesbo](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jo-nesbo/) > [“And the rest of the story?" he asked, trying to force a smile. "Is that like everything else in POT, on a need-to-know basis?"…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jo-nesbo/and-the-rest-of-the-story-he-asked-trying-to-force-a-smile-is-that/) [Jo Nesbo](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jo-nesbo/) > [“Ceri loves Sci-Fi - " Game of Thrones " also - Harry Hole , Lisbeeth Salander, Funky Scando Fiction, Supports Swans, Nirvana,”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jo-nesbo/ceri-loves-sci-fi-game-of-thrones-also-harry-hole-lisbeeth-salander/) [Jo Nesbo](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jo-nesbo/) > [I was a really bad taxi driver. I only collided twice but it was one time too much.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jo-nesbo/i-was-a-really-bad-taxi-driver-i-only-collided-twice-but-it-was-one/) [Jo Nesbo](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jo-nesbo/) > [As I say, we Norwegians love our woolens, and you can buy some beautiful knitwear in Oslo. They might cost you a bit -…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jo-nesbo/as-i-say-we-norwegians-love-our-woolens-and-you-can-buy-some/) [Jo Nesbo](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jo-nesbo/) > [Everyone has a need to do penance. It's a basic need, like washing. It's about harmony, an absolutely essential inner balance. It's the balance…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jo-nesbo/everyone-has-a-need-to-do-penance-it-s-a-basic-need-like-washing-it-s/) [Jo Nesbo](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jo-nesbo/) > [The only pressure I feel is to write good books. And to not replicate the previous book. Whether you have a thousand readers or…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jo-nesbo/the-only-pressure-i-feel-is-to-write-good-books-and-to-not-replicate/) [Jo Nesbo](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jo-nesbo/) > [You get spoiled as a novelist because you get to be the director and the editor, and you play all the parts, but as…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jo-nesbo/you-get-spoiled-as-a-novelist-because-you-get-to-be-the-director-and/) [Jo Nesbo](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jo-nesbo/) [Explore all 73 Jo Nesbo quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jo-nesbo/) ## More Books quotes > [I think a new world will arise out of the religious mists when we approach our Bible with the idea that it is not…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/aiden-wilson-tozer/i-think-a-new-world-will-arise-out-of-the-religious-mists-when-we/) [Aiden Wilson Tozer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/aiden-wilson-tozer/) > [If I had a dollar for every time I couldn’t sleep, I could buy a billion locks and finally read a book in peace.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/aesop-rock/if-i-had-a-dollar-for-every-time-i-couldn-t-sleep-i-could-buy-a/) [Aesop Rock](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/aesop-rock/) > [If what I write is literature, I guess you'd better emphasize the 'litter.'](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lydia-lunch/if-what-i-write-is-literature-i-guess-you-d-better-emphasize-the/) [Lydia Lunch](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lydia-lunch/) > [My sentences got sharper and my stories more efficient, and I gradually learned to imagine the reader more clearly and to empathize with that…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/karen-thompson-walker/my-sentences-got-sharper-and-my-stories-more-efficient-and-i/) [Karen Thompson Walker](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/karen-thompson-walker/) > [Young men, especially in America, write to me and ask me to recommend “a course of reading.” Distrust a course of reading! People who…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/andrew-lang/young-men-especially-in-america-write-to-me-and-ask-me-to-recommend-a/) [Andrew Lang](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/andrew-lang/) > [“Within the pages of books, I've journeyed to Mandalay, the Milky Way and Santa Fe, without once having to leave my armchair.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kevin-ansbro/within-the-pages-of-books-i-ve-journeyed-to-mandalay-the-milky-way/) [Kevin Ansbro](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kevin-ansbro/) > [The Rosary is the book of the blind.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/fulton-j-sheen/the-rosary-is-the-book-of-the-blind/) [Fulton J. Sheen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/fulton-j-sheen/) > [“Tacitus did not write a most dangerous book. His readers made it so.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/christopher-k-krebs/tacitus-did-not-write-a-most-dangerous-book-his-readers-made-it-so/) Christopher K. Krebs > [“Take some books and read; that’s an immense help; and books are always good company if you have the right sort.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/louisa-may-alcott/take-some-books-and-read-that-s-an-immense-help-and-books-are-always/) [Louisa May Alcott](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/louisa-may-alcott/) > [Reader, if you are gifted with nerves like mine, aspire to any character but that of a wit.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/charles-lamb/reader-if-you-are-gifted-with-nerves-like-mine-aspire-to-any/) [Charles Lamb](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/charles-lamb/) > [I have many who keep me going, I am very fortunate in this sense. There is nothing like a child who knows more about…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/floyd-cooper/i-have-many-who-keep-me-going-i-am-very-fortunate-in-this-sense-there/) [Floyd Cooper](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/floyd-cooper/) > [I think books in which people are really happy and things are going well are probably the most challenging novels there are to write,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anna-quindlen/i-think-books-in-which-people-are-really-happy-and-things-are-going/) [Anna Quindlen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anna-quindlen/) > [It's like the query letter problem that I just mentioned, magnified a hundredfold. You might be good at telling a story, but that doesn't…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/patrick-rothfuss/it-s-like-the-query-letter-problem-that-i-just-mentioned-magnified-a/) [Patrick Rothfuss](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/patrick-rothfuss/) > [“Be careful about reading health books. Some fine day you'll die of a misprint.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/markus-herz/be-careful-about-reading-health-books-some-fine-day-you-ll-die-of-a/) Markus Herz > [But editors are still the world's readers. And thus the eyes of the world.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/betsy-lerner/but-editors-are-still-the-world-s-readers-and-thus-the-eyes-of-the/) [Betsy Lerner](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/betsy-lerner/) [Browse all 59,485 Books quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/books/) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "My influence is probably more from American crime writers than any Europeans. And I hardly read any Scandinavian crime before I started writing myself. 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