Tom Read Wilson has identified the literary works that have significantly influenced his development as a writer. In a recent discussion, Wilson highlighted Susie Dent's "Death Writ Large" as a key inspiration, appreciating its blend of murder mystery and etymology.
Wilson noted that Dent's work, including its predecessor "Guilty By Definition," presents intricate puzzles solvable through linguistic expertise, praising the author's "chic" prose. He also cited Oscar Wilde's "The Picture of Dorian Gray" as the book that ignited his passion for reading during his teenage years. Wilson was drawn to its fusion of the romantic and the macabre, and he recently visited Wilde's former residence in Dublin, contemplating a connection between the novel's themes and the Irish legend of Tír na nÓg, the 'Land of the Eternal Youth'. This legend, which describes mortals experiencing timeless preservation while in a mythical realm, mirrors Dorian Gray's fate when his aging is transferred to his portrait.
For solitary contemplation, Wilson would choose Shakespeare's Sonnets. He has been engaged in a two-year project of memorizing all 154 sonnets and sharing his progress on social media weekly. Wilson views the sonnets as a detective-like exploration of a man in love, encompassing a spectrum of emotions from adoration and ardor to jealousy and rage, all encapsulated within fourteen lines. He acknowledged that he has yet to fully memorize all of them, suggesting that an extended period on a secluded island would be ideal for completing this endeavor.
Conversely, Wilson expressed a lack of affinity for the fantasy genre, stating that his primary interest lies in human dynamics and interactions, rather than supernatural elements.
"Pricklepaper’s Letter Magic," a work by Tom Read Wilson, is currently available for purchase.