My Inspiration

It's only fair if I give a little shout-out to some of my favorite thinkers; people who influence me and my writing.  And if you're interested in that sort of thing I highly recommend you do a little investigation on them/their work, because they're amazing. 

St. Therese of Liseuex
Therese and I go waaaay back.  I think I started copying her life philosophy, aka "Little Way" when I was about five.  In fact, she was such an example for me (as the oldest child with nobody at home to look up to) that I consider her my big sister.
C.S. Lewis
When I was little, I loved Narnia.  I still love Narnia, and I also love its author's way with words.  One quote from him can pull together a mess of ideas floating around in my brain.  His autobiography is awesome, and most of his spirituality is spot on.  I wish I could have met him and had a conversation with him...he's brilliant. 
St. Augustine
This man's brain.  This man's brain blows my mind.  He's a freaking genius...and he has major life experience.  Read his life story (Confessions) if you think you're messed up.  He went from party animal to convert to bishop to canonization.  Because the grace of my God is amazing.
Fyodor Dostoyevsky
One of my good friends got me to read Crime and Punishment by this guy and he has been my favorite novelist ever since.  I almost majored in psychology because the way he explains his character's thoughts and decisions was so fascinating.  The quality of my critical thinking skills and my understanding of others' perspectives skyrocketed.
Audrey Assad
She's a musician and her song lyrics stir my heart.  She captures the beauty and mystery of loving the divine.  Her voice and her music express indescribable emotions.  If I'm having a rough day or if I need something new to sing for adoration, I draw from her songs.
G.K. Chesterton
The king of cleverness.  Seriously, one sentence is enough for him to make you feel like a complete idiot.  In a good way.  He's smart and funny at the same time.  My friends and I were listening to audio of Orthodoxy once and gawking at his snide but true remarks.  And, he was a pipe smoker.  So he and Gandalf pretty much win at life.
St. Edith Stein
So, I haven't read as much of her writing as I'd like, but her feast day is on my birthday and she is the ultimate feminist.  The real kind, not the annoying kind.  Her insights on the role of women in God's plan are really awesome.
St. John Paul the Great
Theology of the Body.  Fides et Ratio, my favorite ever encyclical.  The pope who started World Youth Day because he wanted to inspire the young people especially.  I am definitely a fan.
Pope Francis
The pope who used to be a night club bouncer, the pope who even my atheist geography professor liked...the pope who is a living example of how to love everyone and to make love our priority.  We can teach faith and morals all we want, but in the end, evangelization is a matter of unconditional love.
and my readers.
The people on this list can get me started by making me think, but you guys keep me going.  Your comments and support make my writing worthwhile, because I certainly learn things myself when I write, but I ultimately write for you.  We are here on earth for each other and writing is my gift.  When I can help and inspire others, I know God is finding me useful and that makes me happy.  Thank you. (: