Writing Role Models – Authors I’ve Learned From

by | Apr 13, 2021 | Blog Posts

Writing Role Models

I’ve been thinking about writing role models. Who are the people who have influenced the way I write, or the way I approach writing? I’ve loved reading for as long as I can remember, and it’s not hard to think of books that have made an impact on me. I have to confess though, I don’t always pay as much attention to the writers of those books!

However, there are a few authors who have made an impression on me over the years. So, I thought I’d list my top three writing role models, and what I’ve taken from each!

John Green and the importance of imagining others complexly

I read Looking for Alaska at university, and it made an immediate impact. I’d read plenty of stories where the guy fell in love with the cool girl, the out-of-his-league girl, and put her on a pedestal. I hadn’t read so many stories that touched on how ill-advised this is.

In life and in writing, it’s important to try to remember that you only know so much about another person. You only know so much about yourself, for that matter! And it’s easy to make assumptions that fit with the image you’ve constructed of people. Particularly people you love. Since reading Green’s books, I know I’ve thought about my characters differently.

John Green isn’t the only author who approaches characters in this way, of course. And he’s not the only writer whose work I could have learned this from. The fact that I also watch his YouTube videos has helped me to put the ideas into words though, in a way that I might not otherwise have done.

Who are your writing role models? Image shows a fountain pen resting on an open notebook, the word 'notes' is written and underlined.
Photo by David Travis on Unsplash

Haruki Murakami and the importance of routine

I read Norwegian Wood at secondary school and fell in love with Murakami’s writing. I just find the way he blends surreal elements into his stories absolutely captivating. That being said, it’s not actually a writing-specific lesson that I’ve taken from him.

Murakami is a strong believer in routine, and also running, both of which I aspire to build more into my life.

I know that the times that I’m happiest are the times when I’m working. The hard part is remembering that when I feel like it’s going to make me happy to spend a full weekend just playing The Sims and eating crisps!

It isn’t always easy (or even possible) to set aside dedicated writing time every single day. But Murakami reminds me that it’s something I want to prioritise, and find time for.

Jodi Picoult and the need to write before you can edit

I’m sure Jodi Picoult wasn’t the first person to say it, but that doesn’t make it any less true: “You can’t edit a blank page.” I’ve used this advice time and time again when coaching writers through first drafts that they feel uncertain about. I also use it on myself!

Her take on writer’s block is also interesting. Picoult argues that writer’s block is mostly a case of “having too much time on your hands.” If you have a deadline, her point is, you’ll find a way to complete what you need to within that time. I don’t know whether I agree entirely with that assessment of writer’s block, but I do think that making yourself get something out can be a good way to get around a block.

Who are your writing role models?

Those are three writers who I’ve learned something from. I’d love to know which writers you would consider role models, or who you’ve picked up interesting tips from!

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