--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Ross McDonald had a greater influence on…" description: "\"Ross McDonald had a greater influence on me than any other writer. His style of writing, the repeated theme of the past coming out to grab somebody, th..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/1a4/michael-connelly-1004_books_ross-mcdonald-had-a-greater-influence-on_2273622.jpg" --- # Ross McDonald had a greater influence on me than any other… ![“Ross McDonald had a greater influence on me than any other writer. His style of writing, the repeated theme of the past coming out to grab somebody, that's very attractive to me as a reader and, now, as a writer.” quote by Michael Connelly](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/1a4/michael-connelly-1004_books_ross-mcdonald-had-a-greater-influence-on_2273622.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/1a4/michael-connelly-1004_books_ross-mcdonald-had-a-greater-influence-on_2273622.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/1a4/michael-connelly-1004_books_ross-mcdonald-had-a-greater-influence-on_2273622.jpg) > “Ross McDonald had a greater influence on me than any other writer. His style of writing, the repeated theme of the past coming out to grab somebody, that's very attractive to me as a reader and, now, as a writer.” [Michael Connelly](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/michael-connelly/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. The author credits Ross McDonald for shaping his literary voice, especially the recurring motif of past events resurfacing. **In simple terms:** Ross McDonald heavily influenced his writing style and themes. Key Takeaway Recognize and study mentors who shape your craft. Themes influence writing style literary mentorship past themes creative inspiration Mood reflective appreciative Type literary inspirational When to use this quote - author interviews - creative workshops - writing retreats - literary analysis Key Concepts Narrative causality psychological tension genre tradition Questions to Reflect On - How does past influence your own storytelling? - In what ways can you blend homage with innovation? A Different Perspective Mentor influence may limit originality if over‑relied upon. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Books](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/books/) [Greater Influence](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/greater-influence-289507/) [Influence](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/influence/) [Influence Writer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/influence-writer-708164/) [Now](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/now/) [Past](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/past/) [Ross](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/ross/) [Ross Mcdonald](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/ross-mcdonald-4128140/) [Style](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/style/) [Time](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/time/) [Writer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/writer/) [Writer Style](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/writer-style-929279/) [Writing](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/writing/) ## Related quotes > [I've been tremendously moved by a bunch of odd books. Ross McDonald is very important to me. 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