Struggling Writers discussion

Hey guys,

Since writing is an art form, whatever we write inevitably influences those who read it. “Art, of any form, retains the power to change the world because it has the capability to influence the way that we think; art is a phenomenon of inspiration that begets inspiration through the power of memetics.” (http://tenkainternational.com/2015/08...) #WritersRevolution

Who and why are your inspirations in life? Share your opinions!

While writers like Lao Tzu and Frank Herbert have influenced me, I see the influences of writers as cumulative rather than pivotal. Thoughts and ideas gathered from thousands of books and articles have advised and shaped my ideas not just one or two.

Everyone. As V.W. has already said, everything I've ever read has influenced me in some manner. True, some of my favorite novels and the great classics have a bigger influence than books I didn't necessarily enjoy, but everything has not me something, even if the lesson was only "what not to do." Books, poems, television, friends, enemies--it's all defined who I am both as a person and as a writer.

yes, it can!
you gain new perspectives, ideas and opinions. Growth. It alters how we view the world and others. It leads to change.


I am personally interested in subjects like philosophy for instance, which presents a deeper understanding of how the world works, even how it should work concurrently with unlocking others ideas and visions.

I am interested in linguistics, such as the structure, use and psychology of language. I am interested in psychology, such as in reference to the application of knowledge, which can be used to enhance understanding.

I am also interested in a diverse range of art forms, which interlink and can connect closely with literature and lexis. [Music, dance, theatre which would be categorized as performing arts, also visual which is so extensive; from drawing and painting to sculpture and other 3D works, film, architecture, photography..]

Therefore, I feel that one should peruse a wide-variety of literature to gain a deeper awareness of the workings of the world. This should include classics and also history, science, poetry etc.

Authors that have sparked a flame of curiosity within me would include --

JRR Tolkien, Philip Pullman, JK Rowling, Charles Dickens, Shakespeare, Byron, Keats, Jane Austen, the Bronte's, CS Lewis, Ken Follett, Nietzsche, Kant, Agatha Christie, Tolstoy, Beatrix Potter, Dan Brown, GRR Martin, T Brooks, Ernest Hemmingway, Orwell, Steinbeck, Twain, Oscar Wilde, D Adams, V Woolf, AC Doyle, Blake..

-- I could go on! However, you kinda get my point that writers of noticeable worth can and do change the world in their own way!

Thanks for your comments, guys!

That's interesting to see and compare where you draw your inspirations from.

Currently reading a passage on 'Reflections on the rewards of seeking out what magnifies your spirit!

7 fascinating facets which writer's use to alter our perceptions (I think?)

such as for instance..

*Allow yourself the uncomfortable luxury of changing your mind -- a variety of options can make the reader think (plus writer), so as to alter realities within our world that may have only been perceived in one particular light!

*stillness into your life -- I think subtlety / ambiguity and revealing less can make readers' question and wonder more. This leads to changes?

*Seek out what magnifies your spirit -- passion speaks in shouts which echo to readers' of how important something/ alternate vision may be.

*Idealism -- again a form of expression that exudes the core of curiosity as to lead to change in our world.


[hope you don't mind me adding to the thread, as I found the above rather intriguing!]