Inspired.

As I sat on the beach last week, reading WILL GRAYSON, WILL GRAYSON, I thought about the books that have inspired me in the recent past. Books that made me want to be a better writer. Books that literally changed the way I think about "story." So, I thought I'd share a few.

First, LIPS TOUCH. I have posted about this book twice already, but, if you missed it, read this. I find that the more I write, the more I want to be creative with words. To mold them like clay, and to really express things in alternative ways. To think out of the box, and to take my readers on a real journey. This book did that for me.

THE HELP. I not only read this book, but listened to it as well and it. is. incredible. It is no surprise that it has remained on the bestseller list for well over a year.

PERFECT CHEMISTRY. I flat love anything and everything Simone Elkeles writes. She captures teen love like none other.

THE SKY IS EVERYWHERE. I am reading this one now and the writing is utterly beautiful. I can not WAIT for what Jandy Nelson writes next.

THE DUFF. Kody Keplinger has truly created a heartfelt masterpiece. I could not put this book down.

HARRY POTTER 1. I just re-read this book because it's told in 3rd person like the one I am currently writing, and I fell in love all over again. Jo's ability to create such memorable characters is something I have studied again and again.

And Finally, the aforementioned WILL GRAYSON, WILL GRAYSON. The authors captured something of "love" that you don't see much in books. They dealt with a fear of intimacy that I found totally fascinating. Loved it!

In other news, as you know if you read the post below this, I have been flooded with ideas for my WIP this week. But, as a person who probably has ADD, they are coming into my brain all wonky and out of order. This is both wonderfully creative and completely frustrating. Thank God for Scrivener, which I know will save me later.

I think what I am trying to say is that overall, the summer is progressing nicely, and writing has been more joyful than terrifying. I remain awed by the community of writers in which we find ourselves, and blessed by this passion I call my "job." What's not to love? Go read SF's post about doing what you love here. It's great!

Have a great day y'all!

xoxo