Ever since I was in middle school, I've known that I wanted to write. It was always something that calmed me down whenever I felt overwhelmed because there is just something about getting your thoughts down on paper that makes your head a little less cloudy. Over the years since I've decided to take writing to the next level, there have been so many people that have influenced me, but I just wanted to share a few.

1. Sylvia Plath

She is, by a landslide, my favorite author in the entire world. Her novel, The Bell Jar, is a dark story of a girl battling severe depression; however, it is the rawness of her words that absolutely intrigue me. Plath does not try to sugarcoat the realities of her main character, Esther Greenwood - whom some say resembles Plath in a lot of ways. Others have argued that the story is autobiographical because Plath tried to kill herself (and eventually succeeded), but it was never confirmed. It is a must read for those who are interested in the realness of depression and mental illness as well as those who truly appreciate the art of writing. Since that is her only novel, the only thing we have left to read of hers is her poems, which are equally as amazing.

2. Frederick Douglas

Although I have only read pieces of his three autobiographical works, I will never forget what I read since his stories are so impactful that it is hard to forget. They are called Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglas, an American Slave; My Bondage and My Freedom; and Life and Times of Frederick Douglas. I think it is the fact that his literacy was a crime in itself, but he continued to write and share his story that I appreciate and cherish the most.

3. Julia Alvarez

Again, I have only read her novel In the Time of the Butterflies - the story of the Mirabal sisters during the dictatorship of Trujillo in the Dominican Republic - but both the story and the way it was written had a undeniable impact.

4. George Orwell

I think his novel 1984 has gone down as one of the greatest of all time and for good reason. If you have not read it, I highly suggest that you do for it is scary how much of the book (and Big Brother) could actually happen with all of the technology that we have now. It is definitely an eye-opener.

5. J. K. Rowling

I'm not sure if I even have to explain this choice, but just in case I do, here are two words: Harry. Potter. There is no other series better. Yes, the magic in it is awesome, but it is more about the characters and how relatable they are despite the completely different world they live in. Also, how did she make up an entire world inside of her head?! Genius.

6. Edgar Allan Poe

The first time I read Poe was in my seventh grade honors English class and we read The Tell-Tale Heart (I know, a little wild for 13 year olds, but we loved it). From that short story to The Cask of Amontillado to his iconic poem The Raven, Poe will continue to be read in all different kinds of classrooms for his incredible use of the English language.

7. Toni Morrison

Along with her prestigious awards, Morrison has written some of the most well-known works in the literary world such as Beloved, Song of Solomon, and The Bluest Eye. She takes you on a spiritual journey with her words and touches your heart with her stories.

8. Jane Austen

Her novel, Pride and Prejudice, is one of my favorites. At times it can be a little wordy - that was the style back then - but she was very much ahead of her time in her ideas of marriage. One of the main characters, Elizabeth, refuses to marry her cousin (gross, I know) which was just unheard of. If you were proposed to, you pretty much just said yes without question. Her techniques have influenced many writers after her and they continue to do so even today.

My list could go on for pages and pages, but these are just a few of those who influenced me. I hope you take the time to recognize who influences you to do what you love (and maybe pick up one of these books while you're at it). Enjoy!