Inspire: to make (someone) want to do something; to give (someone) an idea about what to do or create.
This topic stumped me. There are people whom I admire. There are people who have encouraged me. There are people who have set such bad examples of themselves that they’ve served as a warning of how not to act. There are people from whom I’ve learned valuable lessons. There are people who have influenced me.
But to identify someone who has inspired me? This is a tough one, which probably says something about my character that isn’t necessarily complimentary.
The only person who comes close to being an inspiration is the western novel author Louis L’Amour. I started reading his novels in junior high, and I’m still re-reading them. Reading his novels is like being wrapped in a familiar, and well-loved faded blanket that you’d feel lost and sad if you had to give it up.
The way he told a story was the way I wanted to write my own stories, and I identified with the characteristics he gave his protagonists:
- having a set of principles to live by
- standing up for what was right, not what was convenient, popular, or easy,
- a sense of honor
- self-respect and respect for others…until they demonstrated they weren’t worthy of respect
- fighting for the underdog and the less fortunate
- never giving up or compromising beliefs
Maybe he really was my inspiration for wanting to be a writer and an author of western historical romances (heavy on the western, lighter on the romance).
Maybe…just maybe.
Until next time,
Kaye Spencer
writing through history one romance upon a time
*Images:
© Can Stock Photo / Nicoletalonescu (shrugging granny)
Clipart (question marks)
OMG. I totally forgot about Louis L’Amour! I used to read his paperbacks too in jr high (and probably) hs when I discovered reading. Thanks for the memories!