Writing a book is a serious commitment. It’s something that just about everyone thinks about doing at one time or another, but actually sitting down to devote hundreds of hours to one task takes a big dream and lots of elbow grease.
Whether we came to it early in life or late in life, chances are there was someone along the way who crystallized that feeling of, “Hey, I want to do this” or, better yet, “Hey, I can do this.”
Who is the most influential person (or people) who set you on this path? Was it an author, a mentor, a loved one?
My most influential writing personages have been Roald Dahl, who made me want to be a writer when I was a kid (I subsequently moved onto other dreams), and my wife, whose support was there whenever I battled the Am I Crazies.
How about you?
Susan Helene Gottfried says
Reginald McKnight. He was my professor senior year at Pitt and he autographed one of his books to me with: You'll be famous one day. Don't let me down.
Emily Anderson says
The first person to tell me I was a good writer was my 10th grade English teacher. With my passion for math dwindling after some unfortunate teachers, I switched my direction/passion in life. I've always written stories and thought of writing a book as something I would do when I grew up. But then right about the time I turned 30, I was reading the jacket cover on a book and the author was my age. That was the moment I realized I was grown up. And then I read a book I hated (which shall remain nameless) and thought "if this is where the industry is headed, I want to stop it." And I've been working at writing every spare second I get ever since. Funny that what pushed me over the edge was not encouragement or awe, but disappointment. None of those sources inspired me to be a better writer in the way my idols (JK Rowling, JD Salinger, Markus Zusak, Gabriel Garcia Marquez to name a few) and my writing group have.
SuzRocks says
My parents for sure- although my dad mostly. They were the first ones to encourage writing in high school- and 10+ years later, they still will read everything I send them and make them read.
Jessica says
Gail Carson Levine and always my mom. She never told me I couldn't do it and when I did, she was the first I gave it to for editing.
Anonymous says
My father who worked on the great american novel all of his life. My mother wrote stories that littered her room, my mentor and friend Sandra Martz and my wife who encourages me everyday, smiles, nods and says, "You can do it."
Kendall A. says
Too many people to name! But the one who stands out is my 8th grade English teacher–the first person to take my writing really seriously and strongly encourage me to write for a living. She cried when I visited my middle school a few years ago to tell her I had become a journalist. And then she told the whole class that dreams do come true. Aw.
Terin Tashi Miller says
My high school best friend–the naturalist writer Thomas Schmidt– encouraged my writing.
We both were in the same Creative Writing class, where our teacher, Elizabeth Dowling, critiqued and encouraged and helped us get into two writing workshops sponsored by the Wisconsin Academy of Arts, Sciences and Letters.
My senior year, the friend of the mother of two guys I was in a rock band with was flipping through our high school short story collection and allegedly settled on mine. He declared, "This kid can write!" He was my first literary agent, Ray Puechner, who encouraged me enough to work at it to the point where, while not in fiction, I made writing a career.
Then, in college, my true mentor, Wilmot Proviso Ragsdale, a former Time-Life photographer, taught us all his theory that journalism–good journalism–could be "literature under fire."
I may have been deluding myself ever since, but prefer instead to believe I'm still trying to live up to their expectations of my ability.
As for books, there are too many writers who inspired and encouraged me to name. Hemingway, Fitzgerald, Bellow, Marquez, Turgenev, Dostoyevsky, Tolstoi, Conrad, Doyle, MacDonald, Prevost, Galdos, Balzac, Hugo, and especially "L'Assimoir," by Emile Zola. There. That's a start.
And of course, like others, I have to add, your blog. It's an inspiration that an agent cares enough about writers, and writing as not just a business but an art, to devote time to communicating with us.
Vegas Linda Lou says
The most influential people in my writing life were and continue to be the members of the Henderson Writers Group in Las Vegas. Week after week, they patiently listen as I read chapter after chapter of Bastard Husband: A Love Story, giving gentle critique and helping me craft my story into the (ahem) masterpiece it became.
Shell says
When I was in junior high I wanted to be the next Robert Frost.
I have since moved on from poetry to novels, and ultimately I have to lay that at my uncle's feet. He read The Hobbit to me in fourth grade and then made me read Lord of the Rings before I could borrow any of his books (he was my 'supplier' through junior high and high school). He always encouraged me to write, and even made me sign up for the writing class wherein I wrote my first real story, which eventually became my first novel.
My friend Anne, who is still the best brain-storming partner ever.
My husband, who took this week off from work to watch the kids so I could go to a writing conference. It doesn't get more influential than that.
Amanda Sablan says
Definitely JK Rowling for me. I would read Harry Potter all the time, and then I entered the eighth grade and started to wonder what it would be like if I myself wrote a book? I then read into her history a bit and felt even more inspired to take the road frequently traveled toward publication.
wendy says
Thanks for the great question, Nathan.
My favourite writer as a child was Enid Blyton, and I use to wonder why other writers for children didn't write like her? She wrote of fairies and fantastic places where the emphasis was on magical experiences, wishfulfillment and fun – and not so much on conflict. To this day I can't stand conflict. I want to read stories of fun and adventure and beauty which are also deep and meaningful, but without pain, conflict, strain and arguments. I think there's too much focus on conflict in the media; what you focus on you tend to expect and manifest. Why not focus on a life of joy and happiness and experiencing new realms of life, of fun, of awareness, of inspiration instead of repeating the same ol, same ol? For the longest time I wanted to write such books, but I find it very hard to break free of the primitive mold of focusing on conflict when everyone teaches it, talks it and writes it. (Use to continually debate this question with my lecturer of a writing class taken decades ago.) Anyway, this was my original motivation when I started writing – mainly children's books. I'm glad I reminded myself of this now as I feel encouraged to continue with these original aims instead of wandering down a writing track that is well-trodden.
Chazley Dotson says
I blogged about this a few days ago! My childhood influence was E. B. White. I adored Charlotte's Web. My grown-up influences are my superhero husband and The Amazing Jessica and so many others.
Here's the link, if you're a fellow Charlotte's Web fan or want to share your writing story: https://chazleydotson.blogspot.com/2010/06/why-do-you-write.html
KareeniaRN says
Cec Murphy is my idol whom I met at the Florida Christian Writer's Conference this past March. I had already written a book and I was sent by another author friend of mine thinking I would find the perfect match and get it published. I published small stories in school journals and newspapers, I thought I knew how and what to do to write any kind of literature, but attending the conference opened my eyes to reality. When I met Cec Murphy, it solidified my idea of what I truly wanted to do with my life, but he also taught me I had a lot to learn. I have read millions of books literally, sometimes one a day, all kinds from mystery to romance as I am not a television groupie. Being a surgical trauma nurse for 23 years, I needed an outlet. Cec Murphy and his insight to being a writer has helped me edit, write, think and be the books that I write and want to write in the future. God Bless all those who have a story to tell and tell it well, never stop living your dream to empty your thoughts on paper. (I did not find a match at that conference, but the book is being published as I write this. I decided to self publish which was a suggestion for this particular topic, maybe soon it will be picked up by a publisher.) Nathan, I personally want to thank you for your web site and many words of wisdom, I have gained a bit more knowledge from being a member.
the wordy gecko says
My partner, Craig, who is tough about my writing but fair; my late writing supervisor, Jan McKemmish, who was also tough, but gave huge support; and many many friends who are also writers. As for writers, the four crucial ones would be Janet Frame, William Faulkner, Joan Didion and John Berger, all for different reasons: humanity, courage, imagination, style, wit, etc.
Joanna van der Gracht de Rosado says
My husband encouraged me and validated that my story needed telling. He put up with my 1000s of hours at the keyboard and I thank him for being my greatest fan.
The writer who showed me the way is Harriet Doer, who wrote her first novel "Stones for Ibarra" at 80 years of age! The book was made into a wonderful film with Glen Close.
elizajane says
My uncle, who has published over 50 books (fiction and non-fiction); and Antonia Forest, whose writing made me think and judge and imagine.
Anonymous says
My fiance, Pete. He believed in my ability to write and would ask what I had done each and every night. He was interested and insightful. When he died suddenly, I didn't think I could go on, but knew he would be ashamed of me if I didn't. The first book I wrote (and probably every book I will write) is dedicated to him.
R.M.Gilbert says
My husbands grandmother, who reads each and everyday and tracks every book on a pad of paper. She learned I was closet writing and never forgot to ask me about it when we'd visit. Sweet and motivating.
Also, my sister, who's a fellow writer.
And critique groups: Passionate Critters and YA Fiction Fanatics.
The Red Angel says
Jodi Picoult, J.K. Rowling, and all the people who ever supported me…which is a lot of people. 🙂 I'm very lucky to have a huge support group consisted of friends and family, and they've all been the ones to keep me going with my writing career.
~TRA
https://xtheredangelx.blogspot.com
ARJules says
My friend, Tamra. I trusted her enough to send her things that I have written. And she's the first person that said "You should write this into a book" that I actually took seriously. She has excellent taste in what she reads. I was kind of humbled that she wanted to read more of my work. I had always wanted to write a book, but she was the first person that encouraged me to actually do it.
Melissa Pearl says
My friend, Brenda. After yet another afternoon of story telling she told me to start writing some of these stories down. I did it. I loved it.
God, who has given me the strength and stamina to stick with it, and who always provides a little pick me up on those days I feel like maybe I shouldn't be writing.
Anonymous says
Orson Scott Card. And my friends, though not in the normal way. I'm a highly competitive person by nature, and reading my friends' writing makes me strive to do better.
Mary says
F.Scott Fitzgerald and Pat Conroy.
Oh, and my father. He always encouraged me.
Debbie says
Roald Dahl was my favorite childhood author as well. His books inspired a lot of short stories in my elementary school years. As a grown up, my husband is my number one strength and push to write.
Richard Mabry says
Three persons, each with a different contribution:
-author James Scott Bell, who piqued my interest in writing fiction.
-my agent, Rachelle Gardner, who has guided my professional activities.
-my wife, who thought I could do it, even when I wasn't sure.
mvs says
My father, who was my first writing teacher, editor and "agent" and Mircea Eliade, a Romanian author whose short stories still fascinate me.
Heidi Yantzi says
Well, my husband. He's not a writer, but he has an excellent BS filter and he's honest with me. He's believed in my since we were teenagers and I had a hard time admitting that I wanted to write fiction.
Guy Gavriel Kay really rocked my brain in high school… before that, Walter Farley because the Black Stallion books kind of angered me… sometimes writing that stirs up rebellion can be a good influence.
Trish says
Roald Dahl of course! He’s my idol. His stories gave me the courage to turn my antics as a mischievous child into fictitious children’s stories. As a seven-year-old, I couldn’t understand why I had to sit outside the principal’s office for breaking the bathroom wall. After all, it was just an accident, and I only stuffed my wet underpants down the back of the classroom radiator to dry them, not to stink out the classroom.
My mother-in-law laughed when she read my memoirs and encouraged me to write more. So I did – I turned them into fictitious children’s stories.
My mother also encouraged me to write, but she’s much happier now that my stories are fictitious. Some things I did were totally gross.
Ishta Mercurio says
My Dad. A couple of years ago, when my older son was almost 5 and my younger son was still an infant and I had been a stay-at-home wife and mom for 6 years and I thought I was going to lose my mind with the frustration of wanting to perform and to write but not being able to because there was no-one else to look after the kids, my dad said to me, "If it is important to you, you will find a way."
I'll never forget that day. It changed my path, and made me unafraid to live with purpose, because I believe that one day, I will achieve my goals.
Barbara Martin says
The first person was my great aunt who wrote exquisite poetry. She supported me in my early writing. Then years later after I had been writing for awhile getting my manuscript together and fine editing it, I met Chris Chenoweth who had written an Economics column for the Toronto Star for ten years. He read the first three chapters of my manuscript and his response was "why isn't this published?" Then he went on to say that if I wanted to be published I had to live that dream, had to want it with the very being of my existence.
Kaitlyne says
My junior high writing/language arts teacher. She encouraged me and made me feel like I was actually good at this writing thing and made me want to keep doing it.
Becca says
I will say:
Chris Baty – Only because his creation of NaNoWriMo finally got me to sit down and write a novel, even if was going to kill me.
Lois Duncan – a phenomenal author (in my eyes) that I aspire to be like. I lover her style, and her theme if you'd like to call it that. Or genre, I suppose.
Todd Wimer – my 12th Grade English teacher who asked me every single day (I swear) how my writing was going, so I had to have something to tell him. And he was proud, and always willing to help me, and finally taught me some grammar rules that every other English teacher I ever had could never seem to explain, despite how simple they turned out to be.
and a few friends – who sat and listened to me obsess and gave me insight, and convinced me that I didn't actually suck at writing.
Linda Godfrey says
Near the end of second grade, I was a lonely little kid whose parents had just moved us to a different town. I started writing letters to my old classmates and teacher, who all wrote back. Several said they liked hearing my letters, especially the story of how I fell in the puddle, and I somehow took that as a calling to entertain others with words. There have been so many other inspirations along the way, but those letters were the clear beginning.
Heidi C. Vlach says
My biggest inspirations are the creators of classic Nintendo games. The video game medium was, in the early days, thought of as a brainless time-waster, and the game industry crash of 1983 must have made things look even worse. But Nintendo developers believed in their crazy fantasy ideas, enough to invest a lot of time and money in a risky niche. And now millions of people enjoy video games and know who Super Mario is.
That inspires me as a writer. It shows that even if you start out awkward and your product seems completely dumb in summary, you can keep developing and end up really starting something.
Taffy says
My dad.
Plus, I have very vivid dreams and tried to write them out but got discouraged until I read about how Stephenie Meyers Twilight came about. I have now written 4 stories, am editing one, and have 3 outlined.
Rebecca Land Soodak says
An agent I queried (on a collection of essays) (who passed) suggested I give fiction a try. I thought she was giving me the polite brushoff. But when she emailed two weeks later to ask if I had considered her suggestion — well, she changed my life. I didn't end up signing with her, but having a professional believe I could do it was very helpful.
Also, Kaylie Jones, an author who became my teacher and reader.
And Julia Cameron who wrote about the importance of being willing to make bad art.
Thank you.
the.mom@booksforwallsproject.org says
Norman G McKendrick, SJ -brilliant scholar and poet and writer.
Evelyn Coffey our own Emily Dickinson.
To know people like these is to trust that there is genius or daemon or gifts within all of our fractured lives.
Do you read all of these comments? Really, I am curious 😉
Nathan Bransford says
Of course I read the comments!
Marjorie says
The documentary filmmaker, Alan Berliner, inspired me most. It was during a fall 2007 visit to his NYC studio… that I was motivated to start a memoir in a blog.
And then I began an interview blog (an interview with Alan appears at that blog) and now I have a cartoon blog. And Alan is still very supportive.
Ishta Mercurio says
"Of course I read the comments!"
LOL. Seriously, are you bionic or something? Blogging, plus participating in your forums, plus reading all the comments, plus agenting, plus reading 20,000+ queries a year, plus writing and editing your own book…
If you took a speed-reading class, I want to know which one. I am in awe.
ClareWB says
Recovering from illness as a very young child I got to read for hours: Hans Christian Anderson, Louisa May Alcott,Charles Dickens. And later, reading Katherine Porter, Hemingway, Steinbeck, Faulkner, Wallace Stegner, etc., made me a lifelong writer and reader.
R Elland says
Wow. That's more complex than I might think about.
But, for me, it was two authors. One was Marion Zimmer Bradley, who showed me that a whole world could be brought to life and given form and power in the imagination. This had started me off on the idea of writing.
And sadly, it was her death that inspired me to push on when I had stopped one time as well. (I had decided it was crazy and why go on etc…). I knew I'd never be able to really meet, talk, and thank her for all that she'd done for a child of the seventies.
The other is a tad more mischievous. I actually met Katherine Kurtz, and by happenstance of a storm, was almost the only one to talk with her. She was delightful and challenging in that she hinted at further parts of her world, and new worlds she was working on. That too pushed me to continue writing. And in both, I was inspired to create a world of my own.
Nancy says
Natalie Goldberg, who taught me the Zen approach to simplicity, the pacing of detail, and how to combine the two. 🙂 n
Chassily Wakefield says
Great question!
My parents, for being impressed with the 200-page treatise on my future life I wrote when I was 8. My grandma for signing me up for the Nancy Drew book club after we moved when I was 9 and I was so lonely I thought I'd die. She also accidentally gave me my first steamy historical romance when I was 12. That was an eye-opening experience!
Susan Straight, my favorite college professor. She made me believe I could write. My fellow Harry Potter nerds. They taught me to believe in myself again and continue to encourage me on this path.
My husband and kids. They willingly give up family time so I can write.
The men and women of RWA, who are collectively some of the most amazing people I've ever met. Their generosity with their time, knowledge and support is inspiring.
Mary Buckham, who took the time to set me straight on everything from the genre question to keeping my butt in the chair. She's amazing. Laurie Schnebly Campbell and Carol Hughes, whose plotting classes finally made everything click. I owe them!
The list of additional authors is far too long, but includes JK Rowling, Nora Roberts, Kathleen Woodiwiss, Celeste de Blasis, Stephen King, Dean Koontz, Jane Austen, EB White, Margaret Mitchell, Louisa May Alcott, and many others. Their stories have enriched my life and provided a fabulous classroom in which to learn.
Regan Leigh says
I had an english teacher in — hm, sixth grade? — that took our class on a field trip walk to the nearby cemetery. She had us walk around and pick a couple of head stones for a creative writing assignment. We were supposed to use the names and dates to form a story.
I chose a family plot from the late 1800's and created lives for them, including how I imagined they might have died. The teacher told me it made her cry and I was in awe that I could do that to a teacher. 😀
Sounds morbid, but I loved the experience. I still find cemeteries to be fascinating places for writing and quiet walks. 😉 Yeah, I'm weird.
Rita Wings says
Tillie Olsen's book Silences kept me sane during the years when childrearing consumed my time, my energy, and my creativity. Her recognition of the forces that have stilled voices throughout history gave me a sense of kinship with generations of writers. Tillie and these other silenced souls kept me company at night when inspiration tortured my exhasusted body with words I knew I would never manage to transfer to paper the next day.
Anonymous says
My Mum because until I heard her story I didn't want to write. My first (and only so far) book is about her.
Rick Daley says
My family, for their support.
Jean says
My Dad in the final days of his life shared with me his secret dream of writing about his experiences in WWII. That was the initial spark.
Then my husband and my son who both believe in me and continually encourage me to keep writing and submitting.
But the thing that sealed the deal was a little book /Behind the Stories/ by Diane Eble. It's a collection of essays by Christian novelists which reveal the heart and soul behind their callings to write.
Jean
https://www.jeanmatthewhallwords.blogspot.com
Kathryn Magendie says
Libraries. If it wouldn't have been for libraries, and the Bookmobile, I'd have not been able to read as much as I did when a child, and I read and read and read and read. We didn't have money for books (other than that 10 or fifteen cents for the bookmobile) so libraries were my best friends. Without all those books and authors, I'm not so sure I'd be the writer and reader I am now.