Writing can be a lonely pursuit. We hum and har over words for years. Some of us wouldn’t dare to show our drafts until we’ve re-arranged them hundreds of times. When finally we decide to let those words see the light of day, we are crushed by the mediocre reaction from our friends.
Writers don’t need friends – we need a role model!
Role models, who faced the same adversities that you do, can help show a path through the difficult times. They inspire us and bolster our morale. One might say they are a necessary part of being a writer.
You may already have a role model. As a matter of fact, I’m sure most of you do. But for those who are in need of one, here’s one way to go about picking just the right one for you. Let us borrow from the vast wisdom of numerology…
- Pick your favorite number between 1-9
- Multiply by 3
- Add 3
- Then again multiply by 3… I’ll wait if you need a calculator
- You’ll get a 2 or 3 digit number
- Add the digits together
Now, scroll down and match the number to your mathemagically-chosen role model.
1. George R. R. Martin
2. Elizabeth Moon
3. Stephen King
4. J. R. R. Tolkien
5. Neil Gaiman
6. Paula Brackston
7. Robert Jordan
8. Kim Harrison
9. N. E. White
10. Hugh Howey
😮
Okay, close your mouth and/or stop laughing so hard. Who’s your real role model?
N. E. White 
Pahahaha, you are my favorite.
And you, mine. :kiss:
I started with 5 and got you. Did you rig this thing? 🙂
Of course, the only other one I’d want is Tolkien and, since I don’t teach at Oxford, you are the better choice.
Prepare to model a role for me: model!
Yes, it is rigged. Any number you pick with result in 9. I read this on Jo Byrant’s blog and got duped. I just *had* to pass along the treat. 😉
I’d seen that before so didn’t fall for it. Congratulations on being the role model for so many… you must be so proud!
Of this list, probably Neil Gaiman for me. Overall, I think my influence is quite adaptable. Of all my short stories, each one took inspiration from different writers and traditions.
You know, I have never read any of Neil Gaiman. I shouldn’t have admitted that, but there it is. I will have to remedy that soon. Which book of his should I try first?
“American Gods” without a doubt!
Just bought it. It is waiting for me on my Nook. Thanks!
Enjoy! Undoubtedly you will love it 🙂 It has a sort-of sequel called “Anansi Boys” but I will let you get through “American Gods” first 😀
I liked the game,but you are my favourite!
Ha! Thanks. 🙂
Hahaha! Good joke, should have seen that coming! 😀
Neil Gaiman certainly inspires me, though I can’t say I have read all his work or even most of it. You are beginning to inspire me, but I haven’t tried you fiction yet, so will let you know more when I do.
Douglas Adams, would probably be a role model to some extent, despite the fact I don’t really intend to write Sci-fi or comedy. The quote of his that I relate to most is, “I love deadlines. I like the whooshing sound they make as they fly by.” The fact that he achieved all that he did gives me hope, as like him I tend to hold ideas in my head and leave it very late to rush it out, but I am trying to become more planned, organised and disciplined.
That is an excellent quote! And Douglas Adams certainly deserves a place on this list.
I plan to share a flash fiction piece I wrote for a contest that I lost. The piece is a bit nonsensical, but I hadn’t meant it to make perfect sense. Anyway, some folks said they liked the visuals so I thought I’d share it with you all.