It’s Valentine’s Day! Hug a writer!
And in honor of Official Love Day: who is the favorite writer you know personally, and what do you love about them?
Mine is my wife, who is the most talented writer I know and the most fun as well.
What about you?
Who’s Your Favorite Writer In Your Life and What Do You Love About Them?
Monica Burns – she is so warm and open, and will talk to you about anything – she makes it clear that she is not a celebrity or anything else. I have learned a lot about what it means to be a professional from her (and she is just really a great person to talk to). She is really great about encouraging you as well.
My two favorites–because I have a lot of love–are my husband and my son. I didn't realize that my then seven-year-old son was a writer until I got excerpts like this from his writing journal:
"The rusty key fit in the lock and a dead man fell out. 'This is a mystery' I said to my friends. We went to the next door in the house. It was locked, so we used the rusty key. It fit! We saw a light in there…."
That would be Dina James, because she's no-nonsense and plain awesome, and because she can still stand being my friend after all those years 😛
I have many favorite writers who have inspired my life from poems, quotes, and stories based upon the truth of triumphs in life.
My favorite writer would be my daughter.
Her poetry of her controversial teenage life and social identity crisis embraces an element of life that adults tend to forget in the struggles of parenting.
She presents the humor of life and serious challenges for teens today. I find great respect of her views, opinions, and my own learning through her eyes.
She may never be a Edgar Allan Poe or a Mother Teresa but to me, she gives me the inspiration and motivation to overcome and enjoy all circumstances too.
My favorite writer is my best friend, Sarah Hina. She writes beautifully.
My daughter and son, they write to make each other laugh.
My boyfriend Kevin. The poems scattered through his sketch books are complicated and arresting. The sense of sadness is beautiful. Almost as if he's working something out in his head. I find myself rereading them over and over again.
Definitely my son. He blows me away with his intelligence and unique world view when he writes.
Naming just one isn't fair! I love too many. I'm going for my dear crit partners: Kiersten White, Renee Collins, Kasie West, Sara Raasch, Carrie Harris, Stephanie Perkins, and Adam Heine.
So glad to have all these amazing writer friends in my life.
Michael Scott, The King of Dilly Dally, because he is clever, genuine passionate and sincere. He is unselfish in that he likes to help other writers. He encouraged me to share my stories. He is a talented writer, song writer and musician. Check him out.
http://www.michaeldscottbooks.com/
since I have to know them personally, I'd say mine is my Dad. He is brilliant at telling stories.
I don't know any writers. I guess I don't know any readers either. I just know people that check Facebook all the time and who stay pregnant so they can keep drawing social security. Oh, and I know some hoarders and it would be difficult to find them to give them a hug because of that :/
sadly enough, i dont actually know that many people who write. i mean, where i live, so many people don't even speak proper english!
but if i had to choose id have to go for my awesome crit partner Melissa. not only is she a superbly talented writer (her book's about to be published!) she's immensely kind and, of course, honest at the same time(about, ya know, my work).
My twelve-year-old cousin has a brilliant imagination and is wonderful and creating and telling stories. 🙂
Happy Valentine's Day, Nathan!
~TRA
http://xtheredangelx.blogspot.com
Lisa L. Regan because she inspires me everyday to keep on "keepin' on". And my book would be a "hot mess" without her influence. More than that, she is an amazingly talented writer.
Mine is my mom. She loved writing when she was in high school, even winning a poetry contest, but kind of got away from it over the years. A year or so ago, she started up again, and her natural flair for language is still apparent. I'm proud of her for that and look forward to the day we're both published authors.
All this said, I'm not sure she'd approve of her son's Valentine's Day blog post…
My brother, Eddy, who is incredibly talented and funny, and doesn't consider himself a writer (yet!). I hope to change that and encourage him to let the world enjoy what he has to share.
Stephen Dobyns wins My Heart for writing 'The Two Deaths of Senora Puccini'. The novel that awakened my passion and kissed my fingertips. I've been writing since it was published. http://www.emilyHillwriter.com
Myself because I'm the best.
It has to be my whole writing group. Jenny, Mary, Ali and Shane always make great suggestions and are ready to cheer me on.
And a happy Valentine's to my extended writing community: Fleur, Laurel, Morgen, Bret, Rick, etc.
I'm thinking of an unpublished friend. There are many things I love about her, but two things stand out…
My seven year old daughter who never fails to make me smile with her simple, funny, direct assignments from school. (even if she did tell them my favorite food is cheesecake…which it's NOT)
She's currently writing a novel entitled "My Bloody Vampire Girl" on my iPad. I don't have the heart to tell her that by the time she's finished the market will probably be saturated, but who knows, what goes around comes around…she's having a little trouble with the middle right now… 🙂
Happy Valentine's Day!!
ruthie! ruthie is my fave writer! 'cause she's always funny, and she makes me feel like i too can put pen to paper, and we can talk about obscure writing things!
yay ruthie! go ruthie!
Nathan Bransford, because he write about issues important to me (corn-dogs.)
Jonathan Safran Foer– his writing style is unique and powerful, his characters are unforgettable, and he expresses emotion without ever being trite or overly sentimental. Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close is one of the only novels I've ever read multiple times.
I've had the privilege of speaking with Peter S. Beagle via e-mail, as well as talking with his agent/publicist/manager. Peter is not only a literary genius and Master of Fantasy, but he is also a genuine, warm, funny individual, whose passion for writing is so evident, even through e-mail text.
His books are the first that I couldn't just read all the way through. I had to read a few pages, put the book down, and digest what I had learned. Reading books just for fun is nice, but reading books that change your life is even better.
I love Peter because his writing changed my life.
One of my favorites is Sheila Roberts. She has been mentoring me for about six years, and she has taught me so much. She gives me honest feedback and support, and she pushes me to be my best. She encourages me to be not only the best writer I can be, but the best person I can be. She's a true friend and a great human being.
Aw! This is the nicest valentine ever. Thank you, darling.
And you're mine in return of course!
Favorite writer – a local writer in the Gulf Islands, Celia Leaman, formerly of the UK. Met her through a on-line course and a lecture she gave at a local library.
She's written plays, local stories & light mysteries, and English historical novels. She's a gentle writer and a friendly giving person.
I love that she takes time for people, especially her fans and former students. She's one of those 'real' people, without the smoke and mirrors.
Favorite writer NOT living is a toss-up between Hemingway or I. Asimov. Favorite French writers – J.P. Sartre & Simone de Beauvoir. (I know, you didn't ask, but. . .)
How sweet! And how wonderful that both you and your wife are writers.
One of my favorite author friends is Jody Hedlund author of The Preacher's Bride. not only is she an amazing writer, she's an amazing blogger and friend. =)
Happy Valentine's day Nathan! I hope you enjoy a nice dinner out with your wife!
My friend Jen. She got me back into writing and inspired my current novel, goaded me into starting a blog, and suggested I name my son-to-be Jennifer. Well… two out of three ain't bad.
I don't know a single writer in real life, except my daughter, Kylie. She only writes fan fiction so far, but she's only 15, so it's a start.
My favorite writer that I'm friends with even though we haven't actually met has to be Bryan, no one has given me more support, advice and friendship than him.
Happy VD NB!
It's like them pesky potato chips–I can't pick just one so I'm gonna go with my crit group, The Blackwater Literary Society.
I don't have a cute answer, but I'll say Dennis Lehane. He tells the story of flawed and tormented human beings that manage to accomplish great things.
Jerry Spinelli. I sip on his words like they are a foamy root beer on the first day of summer. Every book he writes makes me laugh and cry, and often both at the same time! I would like to thank him someday for taking books for children and making them beautiful enough for everyone!
Ummm, gee, I wish I knew more writers in my personal life. I do have a friend named Haley who is in the Writer's Workshop here at Iowa and she is pretty damn amazing. She also has an awesome daughter, Ethel, who is my daughter's bff.
Here is a story of hers that was in Narrative: http://www.narrativemagazine.com/issues/stories-week-2010–2011/beautiful-daughters
Also, GO ARCADE FIRE! YIPPEEE!
My favorite writer in my life is my husband who writes and leaves me love letters every morning.
My best friend, Maggie, who always writes under a pen name, so I can't pimp her work.
Oh, and my friend Ginny Frey, who is like Dave Barry for GenX. Be prepared to hear from her.
Also my wife! She's talented, smart, and unique. Also pretty cute. Just sayin'.
My husband, whenever he starts the occasional Let's-Do-All-Our-Emails-in-Haiku day.
My Critique group, Hilde Garcia, Lupe Fernandez, Kris Kahrs – all of whom I confidently expect to see in print.
My two sons Jim and Christoper Corbin. Chris and I already have a published book. Jamie's Dream http://tinyurl.com/4gsldzk
We wrote it together when he was nine and it was published as an ebook and a POD when he was 25
I love everything Jim writes. He is so funny.
I actually don't know any writer's personally…I know an agent, whom I love, so that's just going to have to count for this one.
Aw, this is sweet.
I pick my brother. He's a wonderful writer, extremely funny and an all around great guy. I'm lucky he's in my life.
I also appreciate you very much, Nathan. I learn so much from you, I can't even tell you, and enjoy your blog writing enormously.
Happy Valentines Day, everyone!
Wow – that's red. We're changing that profile pic.
I have to ask – Bryan, did you have a first post?
And I bet your wife is very cute. 🙂
I am loving my husband, who is a scientist by trade but wrote a guest post on my blog for Valentine's Day. Anyone who writes is a writer!
Laura Kitchell – (friend and mentor) both a persistent cheering section and valued critique partner. Her novels happen to be amazing too.
Oh, that would be Camille Minichino: novelist, nuclear physicist, former nun and all around great mentor to East Bay writers, including Moi. Happy V-day, Camille!
The best writers I know personally would have to be my parents. Dad has an amazing ability to get his point across concisely and effectively. Mom has a wonderful way with words and she really knows how to set a mood. Sending them both an e-hug…
Aww. what a sweet post..
I'm so lucky to meet great writers at events or through interviews, but right now it's Ali Sparkes, children's / YA author – not only is she funny and informative as a speaker, but she's agreed to help me out on a charity project being the creative writing judge in a children's competition I'm organising raising money for Whizz-Kidz. Thanks Ali! alisparkes.com/
Well, I don't know many writers, but I guess my favourite would be an 82 year old neighbour who runs the local U3A (University of the Third Age). Her hearing might be fading, but her mind is as brilliant as ever. Despite her age and all her commitments, she's very generous with her time and advice.
Lois Duncan — because her books were what made me realize I really wanted to be a writer. It was her style, and her choice of plots, and especially the way she ends here novels that convinced me.
Second would be John Green, mainly for the fact that I have never wanted to exist in a book universe until I read Looking for Alaska.
My favorite writer I don't know is Neil Gaiman because he takes me to odd, imaginative,and scary places where I don't have to stay if I don't want and my favorite writer I know, my sister Kristi Gold, who not only supports my writing but who gives me a great conversation starter with her Having the Sheikh's Baby book.
I have a great critique group, so them of course, but right now I'm thinking of Carol Lynch Williams. Not only does she write terrific books, The Chosen One and Glimpse most recently, but she puts together Writing and Illustrating for Young Readers every year, one of the best out there, along with taking care of five daughters and mentoring so many other writers with great kindness.
I'm from a working class atmosphere and I don't know anyone else that writes. My editor doesn't write for fun. She translates for fun but I love her work and her effort on my behalf. Thanks so much Oma! But I would like to take a moment to thank Judy Blume who told me the truth in eighth grade when no one else would! I have a mom but Ms. Blume was a very amazing surrogate. I know she will never see this, but I still want to thank her!
mbb
I would have to say the writers in my critique group, Viva Scriva! Here is a link to who we are from one of our members.
http://www.amberkeyser.com/Viva_Scriva.html
They are such a support and inspiration to me. I love them all!
I am blessed to know some great writers and I can't pick just one as my fav, but two of them stand out as particularly influential both in my life and in my writing. They are in my Wednesday Night Writers group and I am thankful every day for knowing them. Leigh Muller (www.writersroadhouse.com) and Adrian Fogelin ( (www.slowdancejournal.wordpress.comand http://www.adrianfogelin.com) are INCREDIBLY talented writers and wonderful friends. Check them out!
Dr. Michael Hardiman, a multi-published Irish psychologist and close friend of mine. A master of writing with professional rigor, but in layman's terms. I'm trying to get him to join the Bransforums, but he can oddly bashful for a guy who regularly conducts seminars!
As it just so happens, your wife is also my favorite writer I know personally. If "online and through email" counts as personally.
I suppose the only writer I know that is actually in my life is my husband. He's a great writer and it's nice to have someone in the house to critique my work and keep me out of the 'never gonna get published' gutter and push my head back into the 'gonna find an agent any day now' clouds. 🙂
It changes, but right now it's James Joyce or Sherwood Anderson. I love all the characters they created.
Neal Stephenson.
He makes me learn about new and cool things that I'd never considered before. He was the first person to make nanotechnology, networking, cryptography, linguistics, politics and economics interesting.
Also, he introduced me to walls of text done well, something that few can approach or replicate.
Pip
My favorite writer is my sister, Alison Barber. She's truly in love with writing.
More than once, I've discovered her at the computer or hunched over a notebook, speaking in the voices of her characters and then laughing at what they have to say. It's wacky and inspiring.
Is this where I get to put in a plug? I love my husband Edward Mooney's work, of course. His book "The Pearls of the Stone Man" is going to be made into a movie soon. It's sweet and romantic, just like he is, and it makes me laugh and cry, just like he does… wait… did I say that right?
C.S. Lewis. He's the only writer who created a world that I'd leave this one for.
My friend Vicki from writers group is a great writer. She paints a picture like nobody's business. She even makes me want to pick up some of the vampire-ish genre (I don't know what else to call it!) because she creates such interesting characters and paints such beautiful pictures.
Vikram Seth. I can't say I know him personally as I have met him just twice, but his poetry makes me feel that he is closer to me than most of my best friends. His poems kept me sane and alive for several years when I was fighting the dementors in my head. When I see him I feel the agape lighting up the world around with a warm glow. When I saw him three weeks ago, I was surprised at how the petite man in a faded blue sweater could light up a whole gathering with his presence. Totally love him.
I'd be happy if my husband even read what I wrote…
Mine would be Carrie White, with whom I have an online friendship. Her first book Upper Cut: Highlights of My Hollywood Life is going to be published by Atria Books (Simon & Schuster) in September. As a bookseller of seven years experience, it’s exciting to hear about the publishing process from a new author’s point of view.
Carrie befriended me after I posted to Michael Crichton’s Facebook page. She cut his hair for 38 years. It’s wonderful to exchange emails with someone who held Michael Crichton’s brilliant head in her hands.
Charles Bukowksi. Because he did not give a shit. As John Lennon said, 'Gimme some Truth.' That's all I want from an author.
My favorite writer is Carol D. Mitchell, I am not that good at writing, but reading What Happened to Suzy and The Mad Sister, solidified my opinion of this writer. Her depth as a writer crosses genres, and her knowledge of characters are second to none. What Happened to Suzy is sad and informative. Here is the link to meeting this writer.