Five Books Which inspired Me – Miss Write

** F is for FIVE books **

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As a writer, I am often asked who my favourite writers are. My default is Audrey Niffenegger as ‘The Time Travellers Wife’ is one of my favourites of all time, but I have developed a better answer than this.

These are the five books which have most inspired me. 

REBECCA – DAPHNE DU MAURIER

This book inspired me to read a wider range of genres. I was recommended it by a friend, and was a little wary… I have not enjoyed historical fiction or classics in the past, but I thought I’d give it a go. 

I was glued from page one, with that famous opening. 

“Last night I dreamt I went to Manderley again.” 

The story took turns I didn’t expect, and the change in genre by Du Maurier from romance to a ghost story was inspirational to me as a writer. It is very well written and I’d recommend it on, paying it forward, to anyone. It’s in my top 10. 

Mark Shand’s book was given to me as a gift from an ex boyfriend from years ago. He knew my favourite animal was elephants and knew I liked reading, so this gift was perfect! 

It’s an easy read, interesting and humourous in parts. I loved it. The book certainly fuelled my love for the beautiful beasts, and last January I got the chance to work with elephants in South Africa. A dream come true, and encourage in part by this great book. 

‘The Help’ again, inspired me as a writer. The main character, Skeeter, is a strong woman who works hard for a cause she believes in. I am a passionate person about a couple of subjects, and I would love to find a serious job writing for a living. 

This book is another of my top 10 favourite books. Inspiring, awareness-raising, sad yet heart-warming. 

Plus, Skeeter proves curly hair and glasses is gorgeous. 

Back in 2008 I decided to take writing more seriously and joined a writers’s group in Milton Keynes. ‘Speakeasy‘, the group based in MK, had a guest speaker the first night I attended, a writer called Jean Saunders. 

She said she’d written hundreds of books but I’d never heard of her…. She was a great speaker, encouraging, friendly, talented and celebrated. Jean was selling copies of these books that evening and reading it over the next couple of weeks inspired me to move my writing up to the next level and write THAT book. 

This book, by my favourite writer, inspired me to take a day trip to London – today, in fact! I met with two friends from school who now live in London and we visited Highgate Cemetery. 

Highgate Cemetery was opened in 1839 and it features in the modern contemporary story written by  Ms. Niffenegger. The twins in the book have a flat which looks out over the cemetery. I was intrigued to visit, and it was worth it. The three of us girls had a lovely day out and the weather was the best we’ve had this year yet!

That’s it from me and the A to Z Challenge today. I’m lucky I’ve managed to post today as I moved house yesterday and had to work out the wireless in the new place. Don’t forget, tomorrow is Sunday which we A to Z bloggers don’t post on. 

See you Monday!

Lou x

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