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?
Rebekah says
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.
Jenny says
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…."
Marta says
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 😛
Cynthia says
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.
Stephen Parrish says
My favorite writer is my best friend, Sarah Hina. She writes beautifully.
Munk says
My daughter and son, they write to make each other laugh.
Laura Campbell says
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.
L.G.Smith says
Definitely my son. He blows me away with his intelligence and unique world view when he writes.
Natalie Whipple says
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.
Amber Housey says
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.
https://www.michaeldscottbooks.com/
Shanella says
since I have to know them personally, I'd say mine is my Dad. He is brilliant at telling stories.
Michael Offutt says
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 :/
Aleeza says
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).
The Red Angel says
My twelve-year-old cousin has a brilliant imagination and is wonderful and creating and telling stories. 🙂
Happy Valentine's Day, Nathan!
~TRA
https://xtheredangelx.blogspot.com
Nancy says
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.
Ted Fox says
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…
Valerie Ormond says
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.
Emily Hill Writer says
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. https://www.emilyHillwriter.com
Justin Gabriel says
Myself because I'm the best.
Debbie says
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.
Patrick Neylan says
I'm thinking of an unpublished friend. There are many things I love about her, but two things stand out…
Robin Constantine says
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!!
Anonymous says
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!
Chris Phillips says
Nathan Bransford, because he write about issues important to me (corn-dogs.)
L. Shanna says
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.
Kathryn Tuccelli says
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.
Dawn Simon says
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.
Alison says
Aw! This is the nicest valentine ever. Thank you, darling.
And you're mine in return of course!
D.G. Hudson says
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. . .)
Tana Adams says
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!
Nate Wilson says
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.
Matthew Rush says
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!
Chuck H. says
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.
Ben says
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.
Tapper says
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!
abc says
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: https://www.narrativemagazine.com/issues/stories-week-2010–2011/beautiful-daughters
Also, GO ARCADE FIRE! YIPPEEE!
Anonymous says
My favorite writer in my life is my husband who writes and leaves me love letters every morning.
Fawn Neun says
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.
Bryan Russell (Ink) says
Also my wife! She's talented, smart, and unique. Also pretty cute. Just sayin'.
Becky Levine says
My husband, whenever he starts the occasional Let's-Do-All-Our-Emails-in-Haiku day.
Pen and Ink says
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 https://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.
Anonymous says
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.
Mira says
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!
Mira says
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. 🙂
Emmasota says
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!
Kristine Overbrook says
Laura Kitchell – (friend and mentor) both a persistent cheering section and valued critique partner. Her novels happen to be amazing too.
ed miracle says
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!
Sully says
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…
AM Riley says
Aww. what a sweet post..
Jen P says
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/