The 5 Books that Made Me Want to Become a Writer
There’s nothing better than reading a book as an author (or aspiring author) and thinking, “Wow, I hope to one day write something like that.” The journey to becoming an author is paved with the stories that move us the most. I've read books that did more than just entertain me—they inspired me and fueled my creative soul. Narrowing down my list of influential books to just five was no easy task, but these gems have shaped my development as a writer, each one inspiring me in unique and profound ways.
Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail by Cheryl Strayed
Cheryl Strayed’s Wild is a masterclass in writing where you bare your soul. Strayed’s raw, unflinching portrayal of hiking the Pacific Crest Trail is a poignant exploration of grief, healing, and self-discovery. As a travel lover, I am captivated by the incredible adventure, both physically and emotionally. Strayed’s vivid descriptions and candid reflections highlight the power of vulnerability in storytelling. She turned her personal pain into a narrative anyone could relate to, and it’s the kind of writing that inspires me to be as open and honest as I can in my own work.
The Simple Wild by K.A. Tucker
K.A. Tucker’s The Simple Wild is one of my all-time favorite romances. I adore how the book blends romance with a profound family journey for the main character, Calla Fletcher. The enemies-to-lovers trope is delightful, and the small-town setting is one of my all-time favorites to read, especially in such a striking location. Tucker captures the sheer beauty of Alaska and the nuanced dynamics of family relationships, and it’s an excellent example of setting as a character and the power of love to heal old wounds. This book is very much like the type of romance books I enjoy writing—layered stories with heart-wrenching moments and a satisfying happily-ever-after.
1984 by George Orwell
Of all the books I read in high school, George Orwell’s 1984 made the biggest impact on me. The dystopian world is a powerful commentary on surveillance, freedom, and truth, and I have my teacher’s enthusiasm to thank for seeing beyond the surface and appreciating the profound themes in this book. Because of 1984, I am always intrigued by dystopian tales, and as a writer I love how this narrative and the world building draw the reader in.
Call Me By Your Name by André Aciman
Call Me By Your Name by André Aciman is one of the most beautiful books I’ve ever read. The book is pure poetry, capturing the intense emotions and fleeting moments of a young man’s first real love. Though not a traditional romance in the HEA sense, it’s a deeply romantic and heartbreaking story that leaves a lasting impression. The depth of emotion paired with how much the characters actually show, plus the breathtaking descriptions inspire me to strive for that level of beauty and emotional resonance in my own writing.
Bridget Jones’s Diary by Helen Fielding
"Bridget Jones’s Diary" by Helen Fielding holds a special place in my heart as the first women’s fiction/romance I ever read. I read this probably earlier than I should have, but Bridget’s relatable, hot mess character and her humorous approach to life had me hooked from the first page (not to mention the diary-style writing). This book is why I’m always a fan of charmingly imperfect female protagonists—the messier, the better! Bridget’s journey of self-discovery and her romantic escapades showed me how these kind of hard, personal journeys always have humor somewhere to be found.
These five books each hold a unique place in my journey as a writer. They’ve all inspired me to embrace vulnerability in the human experience, explore deep emotions, and create characters readers will fall in love with. I carry the lessons and inspirations from these beloved books with me as I write my own romance books, hoping to create stories that leave a lasting memory in the same way these have for me.
