Who Motivates You?

The radio stations around town do it, so I thought I would follow suit and give it a try, as well. Thanks KLOS. Two classic songs for the price of one. Instead of songs, however, I have writers. Two classic writers, two of my inspirations, in point of fact.

I have been reflecting on what moves me to write. I draw inspiration from a variety of sources. I draw inspiration from my environment, from the people places and activities with whom I interact in with which I am involved (by the way, I draw a lot of inspiration from D.W. as well, just don’t inflate his already prominent ego and tell him, please). I draw it from my past, from the failures and triumphs I have endured and celebrated. I draw it from my fears, they motivate me to conquer them. I draw it from the energy of the day itself. The seeds of great storytelling are planted all around us, we merely need to till the proverbial soil and let them touch us.

Over the years, though, it has been two writers in particular that have inspired me to brave the waters of the literary world and commit myself to writing a novel.

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R.A. Salvatore and Robert Jordan, you are the two authors I have to thank for inspiring the creation of Necromancers’ Pride.

I first read Salvatore when I was a junior in high school. Like millions of readers, I instantly fell in love with Drizzt Do’Urden, Wulfgar, Bruenor, Regis, Cattie-brie and the rest of that Forgotten Realms universe. It was the Icewind Dale Trilogy that really spoke to me during those formative high school years.

Through Salvatore’s words, I found a true appreciation for what it was to be a friend, to look past superficial experiences and to see the soul of the person within. I also learned how truly amazing great action sequences can read when in the hands of a master. Salvatore’s fight descriptions are detailed and incredible. As a martial artist, I truly appreciated the realism and technique he describes page after glorious page.

I picked up Robert Jordan’s The Eye of the World much later, after I was in college for a bit. In between the cutthroat games of beer pong and after the hangover hazes wore off, I did pick up the occasional book (I am sure my parents are thrilled to hear that). I am so glad that I did, too.

Robert Jordan’s works enraptured me immediately. I learned from him not only clear narrative and the importance of weaving many unique and dynamic  characters into a story, but also the importance of having powerful female characters. The women in his stories are all fully realized, multi-layered and totally human. Through him I realized just how heroic and enriching powerful female characters could be to a story. He inspired me so much, in fact, that our main protagonist is a woman. Not too shabby, if you ask me.

Rest in peace, Mr. Jordan. Your legacy lives on.

Those are my inspirations, who are yours? Who motivates you to be more than you thought possible?

This is your community. We want to hear from you.

6 thoughts on “Who Motivates You?

  1. Caiya says:

    I love all the past composers, because I am a violinist, myself. Also, all my ancestors who are the building blocks of this society we live in today.
    See you later,
    Caiya

    • Caiya says:

      NI also love all of the writers of these few generations. I love to read! I can find any fictional or fantasy book interesting, but sometimes, I CAN read non-fictional books, but I prefer other books that can take you in the perspective of a fictional character, so you can feel the emotions they felt, or you can feel the strife of accomplishing whatever they want to accomplish in the book.

    • Charles David Carpenter says:

      Caiya, I could not agree more with you. Without our ancestors, quite simply, we would not be here. They have paved the way for us to become the amazing people we truly have the potential of being. It is so insightful of you to honor and respect those who have come before. Their brilliance and light shine forth from you in abundance.
      See you later, little mouse.

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