Favorite Authors

10 Writers Who Have Inspired Me

As a writer I’ve experienced times of extreme inspiration and other times of doldrums. Every writer goes through dry spells. However, in order to remain on a specific publishing schedule and writing cycle, it’s important to always seek new sources of motivation.

Visual artists are often inspired by other painters, sculptors, and lithographers. Dancers are inspired by movements in people, plants, and animals. Writers are often inspired by many things, but one source is other writers and their literature.

After much thoughtful reflection, I’ve narrowed down my top ten most influential authors who have inspired me. Whether you’re considering a writing career or just an avid reader looking for a good reading list, check out these writers for some delectable stimulation!

Frank Herbert
Frank Herbert is most famous for his Dune novels. A man of many talents, he is best known for science fiction, but was also a newspaper journalist, professional US Navy photographer, family man, and ecology consultant. Reviewing his personal life gives me inspiration in my career and his literary works are indeed incredible.

Isaac Asimov
Professor Isaac Asimov used his expert knowledge in biochemistry as a springboard for his sci-fi, mystery, and fantasy writing career. He is perhaps one of the most prolific writers I’m aware of — Asimov has published, edited, and/or written over 500 literary works! Many writers, myself included, greatly aspire to reach such heights.

Michael Crichton
Being both a novelist and filmmaker gave Michael Crichton a distinguished role in pop culture. His high level of academic knowledge, stemming from multiple Ivy league degrees and fellowships, can be witnessed throughout his works. Probably most famous for Jurassic Park and Twister, there’s really not any work of Crichton’s that is not worth reading or watching. Also, check out some of his less-known works written under the pseudonym John Lange.

JRR Tolkien
Reading a JRR Tolkien novel is a sure way to find a muse for any fictional writing assignment. I have read and re-read most of his works numerous times. His other-worldly characters set in a fantastical land of magic and mystery provide a constant flow of imagination. It’s no wonder his masterful creations are on many top classic reading lists.

George Orwell
George Orwell was an English citizen who was born in India in 1903. His origin of birth gave him direct experience into the politics of Imperialism, a social construction he greatly criticized in his writings and outspoken personal life. I admire his deep convictions and ability to express them so creatively.

Washington Irving
As I mentioned in one of my previous blog posts, Washington Irving’s The Legend of Sleepy Hollow is on my top list of favorite books. This American writer was technically the US ambassador to Spain, but spent most of his time writing short stories, fictions, and essays from his home in New York. Also a trained lawyer, Irving was one of the first writers to advocate for stronger copyright protection laws for authors.

Neil Gaiman
Contemporary author Neil Gaiman has had a strong impact on my work. His comic books and various novels are written in a voice that is convincing, passionate, and relatable. One of his recent novels The Ocean at the End of the Lane was given the award for Book of the Year in 2013 by the British National Book Awards.

Arthur C. Clark
Along with Isaac Asimov and Robert Heinlein, Arthur C. Clark was part of the trio of authors known in the science fiction genre as the “Big Three.” He is known for transmitting many scientific theories and ideas into pop culture through his written works.

HG Wells
Of course, HG Wells has become known as the “Father of Sci-fi,” and rightly so. His Time Machine novel gave him almost instant success and widely noted fame. His time travel theories have certainly permeated their way into my own sci-fi creations as well.

Jules Verne
My list cannot be complete without a mention of Jules Verne. This French novelist has always captured my attention with his surrealist worlds and avant-garde style.

Have you been inspired by any of these thoughtful writers? Share in the comments and be sure to head over to www.leifericksonwriting.com to check out my books today!