Writers: Who Has Shaped You?

by Catherine L. Tully

I’ve been reflecting lately on a subject I’d like to toss out there to Freelance-Zone readers…

Catherine L. TullyI’ve been thinking about who has influenced me and helped shape me as a writer. Much as we model ourselves after those we admire in life, we often start out in this field modeling ourselves after writers we enjoy. I know that I have picked up a few things from authors such as Kurt Vonnegut Jr., T.S. Eliot, William Butler Yeats and John Irving, to name a few. I love the way that they can effortlessly turn a phrase, or the way they use words to elicit sarcasm or give a dramatic impact.

Yet…I don’t read as much as I used to, and I’m finding that more recently I draw inspiration from the people in my life. I just wrote a piece for a lifestyle magazine that talked about a childhood memory–spending time with my Dad looking at old buildings in the town where I grew up. The sense of connection with those you love can be every bit as inspiring as the best book you have ever read.

And it’s real.

I’ve found my “voice” has matured over the years to include a myriad of other voices, and I think this has helped give depth to my writing. Interestingly, it isn’t just those I am close to that impact me. As a writer I find that sometimes a complete stranger will use a phrase that gets stuck in my head–or I’ll see a quality in someone I don’t know very well that makes me feel thankful that there is some good left out there in the world…

I’m sure it is different for everyone, but the one thing that I know is you have to leave yourself open to inspiration. It doesn’t matter if the words that reach you come from a book, a bumper sticker or your closest friend as long as you continue to grow and develop your voice as a writer. Up until this point in my career I have given this process precious little thought. Upon reflection, I’m amazed at how much others have impacted the things I write–as well as the way they are written.

I’m curious–who has helped shape you as a writer–and where does your voice come from?

You know what makes me tick…now let’s hear from you…

2 thoughts on “Writers: Who Has Shaped You?”

  1. I have actually been labeled a “British writer’ in more than one article. This was not based on my biography (I’m from Detroit) but from assumptions reviewers made based on how I say things. I’m shaped by the humor of Monty Python and writing of people like Lewis Carroll and Tom Stoppard and Douglas Adams. My favorite author at the moment is Alain de Botton. And I run out to rent any new production of Hamlet that comes out. I started out in theater– I have a theater degree. I used to write scripts, but after leaving theater, I almost never think in terms of scripts any more.

    My most recent novel (which I’m hoping will sell soon, my agent is encouraging) had a couple of odd inspirations. One was a guide I met on a bus tour of Mt. Rainier and the other– and this is the stranger one– was a really strange independent movie. I can’t say it was a good movie, and might even describe it as a B movie, but one of the actors in it gave me a strong urge to explore the idea of beauty. I felt an instant urge to create something upon seeing him, and this was the final piece that brought the novel I’d been working on for ten years together.

    Everything is an inspiration. I’ve come to trust my subconscious to “cook” whatever I put in much more than I used to.

  2. Totally hear you on the subconscious thing. Mine does wonders.

    That’s fascinating about the British writer comment you get–I can totally see how that could happen! I also relate to the actor that inspired you–sometimes it can be something that just hits you in an odd way. It’s the strangest thing…

    Hey–all the best with your novel–do me a favor and let us know when it gets published!

    I really appreciate you taking the time to comment.
    Have a great weekend!

Comments are closed.