List of Books That Inspired Me To Write

Growing up, if I wasn't playing outside, in school, or doing homework, you could bet you'd find me curled up somewhere, reading a big book. I don't know when I decided I wanted to write stories, all I know is one day in middle school I began to write stories of my own.

I can't tell you how many stories I have begun writing and then stopped because I started writing another one. Ideas that still haunt me and the urge to finish them is strong - not strong enough to help me finish my current works in progress it seems though.

After years of imaginary people being my only company (I wasn't popular in school until high school, because I was kind of weird and nerdy. Also chunky.) I started creating imaginary characters of my own. It went from me writing short character profiles about people and little chunks of their history to writing full-blown stories about these people I would daydream about.

And the reason I am as creative as I am, I strongly believe it's because I did read so much as a child. Hours spent, watching this movie in my mind, creating voices for the characters, falling in love or hate with them, and enduring that feeling of bittersweet emptiness when my favorite book or series came to an end. I also loved the smell of books. The library was my all-time favorite place, and I would go once a week to get a stack of books, as many as they would allow me to check out.

So thank you to the following stories and authors, for allowing me to get on the path I am on now, even if I so happen to be a bit behind.

The Magicians of Xanth by Piers Anthony was a book series that I loved as a kid. I can't even begin telling you what the book series was actually about. All I remember is Sorceress Irene from Dragon on a Pedestal. I remember wishing I was her, with the ability to grow plants. In the future, I may actually endeavor to get all 43 of these novels.

The Inheritance Series by Christopher Paolini. I fell in love with Eragon, and I remember when my mother bought me the last book of the series the day it came out as a present. She was furious with me when I finished it in less than 24 hours (this incident was repeated with the last Harry Potter book too). You will probably see a trend of book with dragons in this list by the way. Dragon Riders, even as an adult, are sexy. My own book has dragons. Dragons are amazing. And if you want to experience a thrilling story, full of adventure and combat, and magic, the Inheritance Series is a great book for you to read.

The Harry Potter Series by J.K. Rowling. I know a lot of people are not happy with her. But I remember reading her books and escaping reality during times of distress to Harry Potter. I've read the series several times. I will say, I am not a fan of Rowling herself, but I respect her as a fellow writer, and I can recognize her talent as a writer, and keep my respect for her work separate from her as a person. That being said, we all know that Harry Potter was an amazing series, and as long as we acknowledge you can be a terrible person but a great writer - it's okay to like it, right?

The Hunger Games Series by Suzanne Collins. A lot of people I know have not read the books, and I can tell you that the movies did not do these books justice. Not when it comes to describing how Katniss is feeling or what she's thinking. I did enjoy the movies, but the depth of Katniss' character is lost in it. The depth of her love for her little sister, the feeling of horror as she has to fight to survive, and the depth of her soul. Even for people who did not enjoy the Hunger Games movies, I strongly suggest reading the books!

The 10th Kingdom by Kathryn Wesley. This book is underrated, and not known. I first discovered this book because my mom had found it as a VHS movie series and brought it home, knowing it was something I would like. It was an amazing movie for its time, and it was 3 tapes long. I soon discovered that it was based on a book and I had to read it. The book is just as good as the movie, and I believe that's because the movie took time to stick very close to the storyline and include all the important events. Magic, magic mirrors that transport you to magical worlds, cupid village, evil queens and dogs that steal the prince's form and change the real prince into a dog, a wolfman who can't control his appetite... it's all kind of thrilling. Everyone should read this book or see the movie at least once.

Tomorrow, When the War Began series by John Marsden. This is an AMAZING book series. A group of Australian teens go into the bush to go camping for the weekend. While they are there, Australia is invaded and the kids become a group of rebels, trying to aid the war effort and free their people. It's an absolutely riveting series full of victories, and losses. If you need book that really tears into your feelings, this is the series for you.

My 5-year-old daughter is competing in Nationals at the All American Miss Pageant in Orlando Fl, during Thanksgiving Week this year. It is being hosted with National American Miss. We are trying to raise money for hotel costs, her casual modeling outfit, her formal gown, and to submit her portfolio in a Photogenic. All money I make off of Vocal will be going straight to her Pageant. If you are inspired by my “amazing” writing (haha!) to donate to Aylaina-Sky's pageant, please tip this story! Every dollar helps!

Disclaimer: My links are affiliate links, I may earn a commission if you decide to click on the links and buy them from Amazon. All the money I earn from the commission will also be going towards my daughter's pageant.