I have so, so much to be thankful for in my life. I have a wonderful husband, an adorable dog, the best friends ever, a great family, and all the material things I could possibly need. In addition to feeling so blessed for all the things and people in my immediate life, I am deeply indebted to all the authors who have shaped who I am. 

In no particular order, here is a (not comprehensive)  list of writers that have changed my life.

• Jane Austen. I don’t think I really appreciated satire until I read Pride and Prejudice in ninth grade. When I opened the book, I expected a nice love story. I was blown away when I realized how witty and hilarious it was. As soon as I read the first line, my snarky high school self fell in love. Ever since reading her books, I have included satirical elements in all my novels. When one of my friends said my novel reminded her of Jane Austen, it pretty much made my life.
• Edith Hamilton. There are few books that I read as much as her book on Greek mythology. It not only inspired me to become a Classics minor, but most of my stories/books have been adaptations of myths. I really believe I first fell in love with storytelling through Greek mythology. It also made me that weird kid who would act out Greek mythology with her Barbie dolls.
• Louisa May Alcott. She was basically my hero when I was growing up. I wanted to be just like her when I grew up. I was obsessed with reading about her life, and I was a huge fan of Little Women (despite the whole Laurie thing). Whenever I had a biography project for school, I would pick her. 

Besides being grateful to authors for shaping who I am, I am thankful for YOU, dear reader. Without you, I am just speaking to an empty room. Thank you for taking time out of your busy life to read my words, and I especially appreciate those of you who write me with your own stories. I am so blessed to have such a wonderful community.

To return the love you have shown me, I would love to help you. Are you struggling with something with your writing? Please put your issue in the comments below, and I will help you!