As a child my nose was always in a book, no matter the time of the day or even if I was in math class (sorry, to all of my math teachers!) At a young age I was introduced to Anne of Green Gables and to even the Goosebump series, no matter what the genre was I wanted to read it. I wanted to read all of them, and had made it a mission to do so. Having read over two hundred books by the time I approached high school I developed a habit of writing my own short stories and poems, but it wasn't until around six years ago when I was officially published that I finally achieved my childhood dream of being an author. As a bookworm I can honestly say that there is no favorite, it would be like asking a mom or a dad to pick their favorite child, difficult. But there are a handful of authors that inspired me to become an author, a poet, and a content writer.

LAURA ESQUIVEL

Photo Credit by LatinHeat Entertainment

Laura Esquivel is known for being one of the major Mexican authors to have made a giant splash in the late 80's with her novel Like Water for Chocolate (Como Agua para Chocolate), and when the 90's hit the acclaimed novel made a bigger splash with having been made into a film that is loved by millions all over (including myself). Laura showed me that there is magic in the every day life we live in, for she used magic realism. Because of her, I use magic realism in different ways and honestly I wish I could shake her hand to thank her.

ELIF SHAFAK

Photo Credit by The Express Tribune

Elif Shafak is one of the most controversial authors I've ever come across, and because of her I have become more confident in my ways of writing, in the way I put myself out there, and how I tell a story. Elif has several books that I absolutely adore, but it is her novel "The Flea Palace" that took my attention away from the world. She used inspiration from A Thousand and One Nights to tell a story within a story.

ROALD DAHL

Photo Credit by Scholastic

Roald Dahl is loved by millions around the globe, with his works of Matilda, James and the Giant Peach, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and more. And just like every kid growing up in the 90's I was enthralled by the magical worlds he created with his words and colorful characters. In many ways Roald showed me just how to create a unique character so that everyone can resonate in one way or another, while also showing me that it is okay to go crazy with creating a new land.

JANE AUSTEN

Photo Credit by Jane Austen Literacy Foundation

One of the most famous authors of all time, Jane has made a huge impact on our culture as a whole. Several adaptations have been made of each of her books, with the 90's series of Pride and Prejudice being one of the most well known. But while the rest of the world chooses Mr. Darcy as their one and only, I've always went towards Captain Wentworth and Colonel Brandon. Jane knew how to write male characters, and she knew exactly what women want in a partner. And that's what she taught me. She taught me to write a character realistically, with all of their flaws and quirks, and showing that imperfection is something to never achieve.

ASTRID LINDGREN

Photo Credit by Characters on the Couch

If you have ever read or even heard of Pippi Longstocking, the world's strongest girl, then you are in luck. Pippi Longstocking was created by the talented Astrid Lindgren in the early 1900's. Astrid taught me that making a character as quirky as possible is endearing, and livens the story beyond belief.