Writing's and the Writing Writer's that Write Them

Fearless Reader, as I sit in front of my keyboard I can't help but feel an overwhelming desire to write. It's like a slow itch that needs scratching (why is it that a scratch is always itched and an itch is scratched, would it not be more appropriate for each type of ailment to be cured by a similar action?!).
And so for a minute I want to talk about a few things that inspire me to write.
Thunderstorms appeal strongly to me. Ever since I was a child I have always watched a good thunderstorm from a window with amazement at the beauty of it. There's something about a thunderstorm that makes it somewhat akin to writing. There's a chaos to it and yet there is also an orchaestrated order in it all. The sharp flash and stab of lightning is always soon followed by the boom of thunder. Each lightning bolt is a quick plot turn and the thunder is the impact upon the character. The unpredictability of where the lightning will strike next is the intrigue of a new setting. I love a good thunderstorm, in fact I think I see one brewing outside my window.
A great book by an incredible author. Without great books I don't think I would have ever had to desire to put pen to paper and try to create something of my own. There's is something to be said about a fantastic book and what it does to one's creative side. I think my family would describe me as unique and in possession of quite the imagination so naturally the next step for me when enjoying a good piece of writing is to create one of my own. For me there is a select group of authors that are so good at what they do, they inspire me to create something 1/8th as good. There are some characters that I feel I know because of how perfectly this author has portrayed them in the story.
My family more than anything inspires me to write. Each of them have read something I have written and told me to pursue it but not all have really inspired me to be great. My Dad always supported me and although it was difficuly living 150 kilometres away, he has managed to have a massive impact on my life. A huge reader and a man who always encouraged me to read, my father wants the best for me. When I told him I wasn't going to university to pursue writing for a year, he supported my dream. And even though over the year I failed to finish my first novel, he never told me that he didn't believe in me or that I had made a horrible mistake. Dad I start college in september and I think I finally know the direction I've been searching for, and although it isn't a career in writing I will always write. And when I write, I write for you, because one day I'll be great and it's because you taught me to shoot higher than I dreamed I could.
I also write for my brother and my uncle. Both of you were added to my family through marriage but over the years I have seen our relationships strengthened and I can honestly say that I love you as though you were my own blood. Both of you have always incouraged me and pushed me to better my writing with helpful advice.
Finally, I write for my mom. A woman whom I am convinced, that even if I wrote a cookbook she would want it nominated for the Pulitzer. Her blind devotion and love has always supported me and I wouldn't be the man I am today without her influence. And it would be amazing to see the pride in her eyes if I became a great writer.

'til next time, and with much love.

C. Mudge