Created by Fiction | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Entertainment

Created by Fiction

If you are what you read, we're heroes.

7
Created by Fiction
Grant Snider

As a writer, I firmly believe in the value of fiction. Though this belief stems from not only the fact that fiction is my life, but from the way that fiction shaped me into who I am. As much as I love to create fiction, fiction has done a great deal to create me.

I've always been a reader and I think that it shows. The older and more comfortable with myself that I become, the more I realize that a lot of my favorite things about myself are the result of the books that I've read. For example, I feel like a good portion of me is made up of Violet and Klaus Baudelaire from Lemony Snicket’s “A Series of Unfortunate Events.” Not even so much their personalities, but in how they handled their terribly unfortunate lives with such hope and cleverness. I always wanted to be like them and now, when I enjoy my sense of optimism and hope, I realize where it came from, if only partially.

In my childhood, the books that I read made me. The books I read were like my family, passing down traits. I got optimism from the Baudelaires. I got my tact and calm in the face of absurdity from Philip Ardagh’s Eddie Dickens. I got my bravery from Kate DiCamillo’s little mouse, Despereaux. From all the books I loved to read, I got me.

Even now, I feel the books that I read changing me. I feel less fear when I think of Katniss Everdeen and Harry Potter; they keep me from feeling alone. They never fail to remind me that if the Dark Lord and President Snow can be defeated, so can my term paper. Books make me brave and hopeful, but they've also given me my sense of humor and most importantly, they've given me a voice as a writer.

I learned to write by emulating the style of the authors that I loved, resulting in the development of my own voice. I am put together by the stories that I've read and luckily, that is an ever-changing and ever-growing experience. I am made of fiction to produce fiction. I hope that one day, my words can help someone become who they are. Until then, I'll continue to learn and be formed by the authors of my fictional family.

Books referenced in order of character appearance:

“A Series of Unfortunate Events” by Lemony Snicket

“The Eddie Dickens Trilogy” by Philip Ardagh

“The Tale of Despereaux” by Kate DiCamillo

“The Hunger Games Trilogy” by Susan Collins

“Harry Potter” by J.K. Rowling
Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Entertainment

Every Girl Needs To Listen To 'She Used To Be Mine' By Sara Bareilles

These powerful lyrics remind us how much good is inside each of us and that sometimes we are too blinded by our imperfections to see the other side of the coin, to see all of that good.

131319
Every Girl Needs To Listen To 'She Used To Be Mine' By Sara Bareilles

The song was sent to me late in the middle of the night. I was still awake enough to plug in my headphones and listen to it immediately. I always did this when my best friend sent me songs, never wasting a moment. She had sent a message with this one too, telling me it reminded her so much of both of us and what we have each been through in the past couple of months.

Keep Reading...Show less
Zodiac wheel with signs and symbols surrounding a central sun against a starry sky.

What's your sign? It's one of the first questions some of us are asked when approached by someone in a bar, at a party or even when having lunch with some of our friends. Astrology, for centuries, has been one of the largest phenomenons out there. There's a reason why many magazines and newspapers have a horoscope page, and there's also a reason why almost every bookstore or library has a section dedicated completely to astrology. Many of us could just be curious about why some of us act differently than others and whom we will get along with best, and others may just want to see if their sign does, in fact, match their personality.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

20 Song Lyrics To Put A Spring Into Your Instagram Captions

"On an island in the sun, We'll be playing and having fun"

30262
Person in front of neon musical instruments; glowing red and white lights.
Photo by Spencer Imbrock on Unsplash

Whenever I post a picture to Instagram, it takes me so long to come up with a caption. I want to be funny, clever, cute and direct all at the same time. It can be frustrating! So I just look for some online. I really like to find a song lyric that goes with my picture, I just feel like it gives the picture a certain vibe.

Here's a list of song lyrics that can go with any picture you want to post!

Keep Reading...Show less
Chalk drawing of scales weighing "good" and "bad" on a blackboard.
WP content

Being a good person does not depend on your religion or status in life, your race or skin color, political views or culture. It depends on how good you treat others.

We are all born to do something great. Whether that be to grow up and become a doctor and save the lives of thousands of people, run a marathon, win the Noble Peace Prize, or be the greatest mother or father for your own future children one day. Regardless, we are all born with a purpose. But in between birth and death lies a path that life paves for us; a path that we must fill with something that gives our lives meaning.

Keep Reading...Show less
Health and Wellness

10 Hygiene Tips For All College Athletes

College athletes, it's time we talk about sports hygiene.

27839
Woman doing pull-ups on bars with sun shining behind her.

I got a request to talk about college athletes hygiene so here it is.

College athletes, I get it, you are busy! From class, to morning workouts, to study table, to practice, and more. But that does not excuse the fact that your hygiene comes first! Here are some tips when it comes to taking care of your self.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments