Writers Recommend

In this online exclusive we ask authors to share books, art, music, writing prompts, films—anything and everything—that has inspired them in their writing. We see this as a place for writers to turn to for ideas that will help feed their creative process.

Jill Magi

1.13.10

“Make a tiny book! At least once a year I write something quickly, in one day—a list poem or found-text piece—arrange it in sections, print, cut, stack the pages, staple, and make a handful of copies.

read more

Jarvis Jay Masters

12.16.09

“I am inspired to write because for many, many years, while living in solitary confinement, writing was my only means of communication.

read more

Kristin Bair O’Keeffe

12.16.09

“I’m an American. My husband is from Ireland. We adopted our daughter from Vietnam. We live in Shanghai, China.

read more

Jonathan Lethem

12.16.09

“Have lucky things. It doesn't matter what they are. I bought a green cardigan sweater for a quarter at a thrift store in Bennington, Vermont, and wore it nearly every day through the writing of my first three novels,

read more

Adrian Blevins

12.9.09

“I try—and I fail all the time as I am very idea oriented—to leave my desk and take a walk or a drive and just look at the world more closely,

read more

T. C. Boyle

12.3.09

“I’ve been inspired by a whole host of music and writing, as is evident especially in my short stories.

read more

Mary Jo Bang

11.24.09

“I take notes all the time—when I watch a movie, when I listen to a talk, when I ride on the subway or sit in a waiting room.

read more

Laura van den Berg

11.18.09

“Seek out influence. When I’m stuck on how to do something, I’ll reread a book that accomplishes what I am attempting

read more

Debra Spark

11.11.09

“I am, for the first time in my writing life, consciously taking a break from writing.

read more

Dara Wier

11.4.09

“My childhood location, south of New Orleans, on the banks of the Mississippi River leaned me toward inclinations I think help with poetry’s desires

read more

Pages