Inspiration and Influence

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.