This week’s Inspired By is dedicated to the author of Star Craving Mad, Elise Miller. She is sharing five books that have inspired her most and why.
Naked by David Sedaris
This book opened my mind to what constituted engaging, valid, and valuable writing. It validated my own flaws, quirks, and had me cackling like a mental patient while reading it on the subway.
Bridget Jones’s Diary by Helen Fielding
An insecure woman trying to improve herself. Diary entries. Conversational, fragmented prose. Constant self-doubt. Sign me up. This book gave me the permission to be free on the page with my own brand of self-loathing, but in a light funny way—and to explore sex scenes for all their awkwardness and unsexiness—unlike how they are usually depicted in mainstream entertainment.
A Massive Swelling by Cintra Wilson
I wasn’t the only one with a mortifying celebrity addiction. My inadequacy was shared by millions and this book whittled my feelings down to their perplexing essence.
The Boys in the Mailroom by Iris Rainer
This book inspired me to bust out my notebook and fumble with my own steamy scenes. (Note: they were hilariously awful.)
The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron
I followed the directions, journaled daily, and slowly it happened. I became a writer. I wrote and wrote, discovering what it was I actually had to say, developed my narrative voice, and eventually published thanks to this magical gem.
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