Books that Inspire Writers

“Writers as Readers” by Judy Gann.

My dear friend, Judy, asked me to contribute this, and so I asked . . . Judy that sounds GREAT. Can I post it on my blog when you have it done? You can find more about Judy Gann at: www.judygann.com


Books that Inspire Writers

“What inspires me as a writer are books that are so well-written that I forget to 'critique' as I read them, and get lost in the story. Francine Rivers’ Redeeming Love was one of those books. The subject matter was hard and I found it painful to get through the first few chapters. But after that, I was so caught up in the story that I couldn’t put it down. I love it when that happens! And when I turn the last page, I’m inspired and motivated to write, and to make my writing as deep and meaningful and moving as hers.”
~ Virginia Smith, author, Just as I Am

“I read My Sister’s Keeper by Jodi Piccoult last year and have never forgotten it. The haunting story, the depth of the characters and the arc of the novel—wow—I wish I could write like that! I think reading outside CBA is very valuable and lets you watch how others explore issues of morality, faith, and truth. This book inspired me to delve deeper and try something new.”
~ Sarah Sumpolec, author, Becoming Beka series

“The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck helped shape my writing, especially in the areas of character development and setting.”
~ Susan Meissner, author, A Seahorse in the Thames

“In Peace Like a River, Leif Enger’s prose is so beautiful, I nearly cried reading it. I actually read some passages over and over again, enjoying the cadence of his language. I love the way he toys with words, how he conjures refreshing and startling metaphors. He’s my literary Superman. So, yeah, I think I’ll be studying the way he wrote Peace Like a River, how he was able to combine literary elements with a rip-roaring plot. He showed me beautiful writing can be suspenseful.”
~ Mary DeMuth, author, Watching the Tree Limbs

“If You Want to Walk on Water, You’ve Got to Get Out of the Boat by John Ortberg encouraged me to step beyond my comfort zone and trust Jesus in the face of the unknown. That’s what was necessary to move from being a writer wannabe to pursuing my passion. I had to step out of the security of my little boat to attend writers conferences, submit queries, interview strangers, transition from writing articles to writing books, develop a speaking platform, do media interviews, and more.”
~ Grace Fox, author, 10-Minute Time Outs for Busy Women

“I have read many things by Randy Alcorn, but the best has got to be Heaven. As a writer, I have been encouraged, challenged and amazed at his exhaustive research. His style is so seamless one is transported effortlessly over very difficult topics.”
~ Diane Pitts, contributing author, Soul Matters for Moms

“I loved Madeline L’Engle’s Walking on Water. It helped me to recognize that my job as an artist is to serve God’s people.”
~ Carmen Leal, author, The Twenty-Third Psalm series

“Corrie ten Boom’s book, The Hiding Place, showed me that stories can share heartbreak and horrible circumstances, yet still point to hope in Christ.”
~ Tricia Goyer, author, Arms of Deliverance

“Baby Island by Carol Ryrie Brink is an example of how a good book can inspire a young writer to write her own story. [As a child] I was so enthralled with the idea of two young girl castaways on an island with four babies in their care, that I wrote a story called Castaway Island.” ~ Susan Marlow, author, Andrea Carter & the Long Ride Home

“When I first read Hi Honey, I’m Home by Linda Windsor, it was the first time I discovered that Christian romances can have flawed, imperfect, clumsy heroines and sexy heroes! I was so excited; it spurred me to start writing Christian romances.”
~ Camy Tang, author, “Single Sushi” series (2007)

“Anne Frank: the Diary of a Young Girl is the book that made me want to become a writer when I read it in fifth grade. Suddenly the idea of expressing my thoughts and recording my experiences on paper seemed like the best thing in the world!”
~ Jeanette Hanscome, author, Want More? Joy: a Devotional for Teen Girls

“On the Anvil by Max Lucado reminds me that God called me to be a writer long before I recognized the call. He drew me in, filled my mind with ideas and passion, then laid out a roadmap.”
~ Bonnie Bruno, author, Read Together Bible

“A book that inspired me some years back to return to my call to write, after I had let the dream die to an ember, wasn’t even in the Christian market. It’s a secular romance, The Wolf and the Dove by Kathleen E. Woodiwiss. While there is some racy content, the story is so finely and intricately crafted that you care about the characters more with each turn of the page. Not to mention that the plot twists are intriguing, unique, and captivating. Reading her work fanned my flame again, because I saw how deeply a well-written book can move a reader.”
~ Jill Elizabeth Nelson, author, Reluctant Burglar

“The spare sentences and tender illustrations haunted me for weeks after I read When I Was Young and in the Mountains by Cynthia Rylant. When I read and reread that book, I knew my heart was made for writing for children.”
~ Marilyn Hilton, author, The Christian Girl’s Guide to Your Mom


Now, what book inspired YOU . . . writer or not! Please let me know in the comments field.