Hey there wanderer, fancy a peek behind the curtain? A little look at what, or rather whom, is responsible for inspiring all this. As March 8th is International Women’s Day it’s a great opportunity to give a shoutout to inspirational women. So please indulge me in this little thank you to a few of the women who inspired me to write.

3. The Transporter
Growing up. when I went garage sale shopping with my grandmother, I was allowed to buy whatever book I wanted. Did I always buy the quote-unquote best books? Absolutely not. But I struck gold as a ten-year-old with Julie Garwood’s historical romance novels. 

Julie Garwood was the first romance author who showed me the spirit and swaggering bravado one could have in a single book. The vignettes of eras past and the sweet romance within the pages were thrilling to me. 

Her words made me imagine other worlds and other places. I felt transported by words on a page; the magic of storytelling.

When I was ten years old, I wrote to her, all excited, about my plan of making The Lions Lady into a movie when I grew up. Because who didn’t want to make movies growing up in the 90s? I was thrilled when she wrote back. That always made an impression on me. If someone like JULIE GARWOOD  understood my creativity and drive, who thought I should strive for it, what couldn’t I do? 

So far, only one of her novels, ‘For the Roses’, has been adapted into a movie,  ‘Rose Hill’ (1997), so I still have a chance at Hollywood! Or Hallmark.

If you want to delve into the romance, you can find Garwood’s backlist, including The Lion’s Lady, at www.juliegarwood.com

2. The Comfort Zone Expansionist
This author helped to expand my comfort zone, both in reading and author self-expression.

Gail Carriger is one of the most fun and authentic people I have ever read. Her books are fun, mysterious, and loveable, and so is her manner as an author.

Influenced by PG Wodehouse and Jane Austen, Carriger writes comedies of manners mixed with steampunk, sci-fi, or urban fantasy. She also writes cozy queer joy as GL Carriger. 

When I started reading her works almost thirteen years ago, they were completely out of my comfort zone. But straight away there was a connection to who I was and who I would grow to be; one that I’ve not found since. 

Her most well-known work is The ParasolVerse. Imagine a steampunk British Empire with werewolves and vampires. If you can’t, you need to pick up the Parasol Protectorate series, Finishing School series (prequel), and The Custard Protocol series (sequel.) 

I’m even inspired by the women in her novels. Let’s just say that Alexia (‘Soulless’) is *chef’s kiss* when I think of clever, witty women who figure it out for everyone else and can turn a polite phrase into an insult that sparks action.

I’ve also enjoyed every newsletter, blog post, and little asides. They are engaging as heck. And you know that can’t be easy to keep up for a decade. 

Gail Carriger’s transparency with her readers showed me that it is okay to let your guard down. That genuine connection and openness means you might be able to write a story worth telling.

You can find out more about Gail Carriger and her work at www.gailcarriger.com. I highly recommend subscribing to her newsletter!

The Honourable Mentions
Before I share the third inspirational woman, an honorable mention must go to two other women; the Queen of Jazz, Ella Fitzgerald, and English novelist, Jane Austen. If you’ve not spent time with the work of either woman, please do. You won’t regret it!

1. The Quiet Supporter
Now, I’m a big fan of variety reading. I was brought up on a healthy diet of epic fantasy, historical fantasy, comedic sci-fi, chick lit, and romance novels. And you know I love creating stories in diverse worlds.

But the access to a wide variety of books and the space to discover myself might not have happened without my grandmother, Nana. 

I was not an easy child. I was capricious, dramatic, and acted out a lot. Nana was not one to mess around. Though a working woman with three grown children, she and my grandfather made it their duty to help raise me. Nana was ever supportive, letting me find my own way. 

Though I probably shouldn’t have been reading steamy romances, odd historical fantasy, or sword and sorcery, she allowed me an unobstructed view of the world and encouraged long hours of reading. Even when we were supposed to be hanging out together. Once I had a book in my hand, I was useless, but she never complained. She was quietly supportive in a way that I never appreciated as a child.

My diverse worldview and penchant for singing in the middle of the supermarket aisle is because of her. 

My desire to write characters that are unique and deeply loving is because my Nana showed me there are many ways to be inspirational in the world. You simply have to find your own way, with loving hands to guide you.

If you’re new to my work and want to take a look at the worlds I’ve created since these women came into my life, please check out my books.

In the meantime, let me know in the comments about the women who have inspired you.