Authors That Inspire Me - Part 2
Who to do next? I think in continuation of my analysis of authors that inspire me, I can only follow up Jane Austen and Charlotte Brontë with L.M. Montgomery and Louisa May Alcott. I hope to inspire the readers of this post by sharing my observations of how inspirational these women are - and how inspirational their works continue to be...
As you may know, L.M. Montgomery was the author of the Anne of Green Gables series, the originator of the Emily of New Moon series and the creator of various other lovable worlds like Pat of Silver Bush. As the amazing author, originator and creator of these spectacular works, L.M. Montgomery could be described as the very epitome of memorable characterisation. She created individuals, who were altogether so lovable and left such an impact on the people who encountered them in her books that I would say L.M. Montgomery gave her readers a precious gift each time she penned a character. Anne Shirley, with her red hair, abundant imagination and firey temper has enthralled audiences of the screenplays as well as the excellent books. Emily Byrd Starr is such an individual, too. With her writing enthusiasm and her imaginative fondness for her idiolectal term, "the flash," Emily was a character whom L.M. Montgomery actually loved most. I have yet to read Pat of Silver Bush, but from what I've seen, the characteristic descriptive and detailed style of L.M. Montgomery shines through this story too.
What can we learn from L.M. Montgomery? How does she inspire me?
Well, when I write, ✍🏼 I tend to reveal what characters are like through what they do and say. Dialogue is crucial, but L.M. Montgomery inspires me to write descriptively in a way that endears my readers to my characters. I know we writers have all heard "show, don't tell," which is good, solid advice... But every so often the charms of 19th Century literature thoroughly delight me and thrill me to the bone. Why is that so? What are these charms? They are the sketching or painting of a character through words - and through descriptive detail that enriches the reading experience. Sadly, this is more of a lost art nowadays. I'm inspired by L.M. Montgomery to revive writing trends of the past.
Now on to Louisa May Alcott, the author of Little Women and Good Wives. While we all know of this story as Little Women - thanks to its numerous screenplays over the last several decades - it was originally written in two books. Little Women covered the story up until Beth's recovery from scarlet fever and the bright note of Christmas, while Good Wives continued the story of the March sisters as they grew and matured into adulthood. Without giving any spoilers, Good Wives is a particularly poignant and heart-wrenching read, though I can't imagine many people don't know why. Both these books are excellently written and heartfelt, emotional, personal stories. I say personal, because Louisa May Alcott herself had three sisters and loosely based the March family on her own. She was inspired by people around her to create memorable characters and a story that has stood the test of time.
That speaks for itself, really. So inspirational. When you read, do you find yourself falling in love with the dashing heroes, wanting to befriend the beautiful heroines or wishing these characters were real people with whom you could converse? Why not have a go at following these authors' examples and putting pen to paper in order to express yourself through fiction. Believe me, your characters will become real in a way only you can fully appreciate, but - like L.M. Montgomery and Louisa May Alcott - you can portray them in a way that enables your readers to enjoy them too. You have the potential to bring your original characters to life through the power of the written word... Go for it!
Happy reading and happy writing! 🙂
Fondly,
Grace Bertram
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