Purpose: To share and encourage.
Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds
The awesome co-hosts for the June 4 posting of the IWSG are PJ Colando, Pat Garcia, Kim Lajevardi, Melisa Maygrove, and Jean Davis!
Every month, we announce a question that members can answer in their IWSG post. These questions may prompt you to share advice, insight, a personal experience or story. Include your answer to the question in your IWSG post or let it inspire your post if you are struggling with something to say.
June 4 question – What were some books that impacted you as a child or young adult?
Confession: I was one of those kids that devoured books. I often read one a day, if not more. I read everything I could get my hands on. Biographies, histories, fiction of all sorts. I’m sure I was reading above my age level, sometimes without the knowledge of my parents. (I read James Michener’s Hawaii the summer after eighth grade.) Our attic was filled with old books, and I read every one, including old encyclopedias.
But my favorite was the Nancy Drew series. They were my go-to for Christmas and birthday gifts. I gave away my collection when I went to college. In recent years, I bought several of the yellow-covered versions, but when I re-read them, I was dismayed at the level of racism the books included. They still maintain a place on my bookshelf, but I haven’t attempted to add to my small collection.
But they have influenced my writing. Harmony Duprie, the protagonist of my first mystery series, was partially inspired by Nancy Drew. (Without the racism, of course. In fact, I tried to subtly tackle the issue.) But the books taught me a lot about creating characters and plot.
As a young adult, I discovered the worlds of fantasy, starting with the Lord of the Rings. I haven’t tried writing in that genre, not feeling up to it, but I continue to enjoy it. Still, the strong women that exist in those books play a role in the female characters I love to write.
To find out what books influenced other writers, check into some of the other posts in this hop. There’s a long list below.
As always, until next time, please stay safe.