I read Reunion. And I finally saw how inspirational
John Cheever is, because my immediate response to the text was “I want to write
a story like that.” Despite studying his work for six weeks (and enjoying doing
so), it was only when I read this particular one that I understood his
mastery over the short story. In a mere four pages, Cheever unearths so many complex
questions of family, human decency and goodwill to all men. I found myself
savouring the final sentence.
One writer I find myself constantly inspired by is
Candace Bushnell, author of (amongst many other brilliant books) Sex and the City. Please let it be known
right from the off that I am addressing the book, not the successful television
show. Whilst that is to be appreciated for its own charm, it shows very little
about the perceptive comments Bushnell makes on human behaviour and gender politics
within the book. Being inspired leads to aspiring. It is my dream to write a
novel that is so comically accurate and philosophically probing as Sex and the City.
I’m aware of seeking inspiration and the previous
influences that emerge almost subconsciously in my creative work. It does make
me stop and think about how much influence I am returning to the writing world
and if I might be providing inspiration to others without even recognising it.
One can dream; an idea encourage by my degree, but they
are already preaching to the converted.