Taking Over Gather 1: My Influences on Gather

What a wonderful question, and opportunity to focus on something positive about Gather (for a change). I am impressed and admire many of the fine articles I can manage to read, but as far as any who actually inspire me (as in the definition to influence or impel, as to thought or action), I have a few who have changed me as a writer since I joined. The recipients of the Lewis Knight Inspiration Award for 2009 are:

Warren Adler: Because he's the model. He's where I want to be. And his thoughtful observations on life and writing are always encouraging and uplifting to beginners like me.

Zale Orcid: the most underrated, unknown, talented, off-beat, pleasure to read, sleeper hit, phenomenal poet on Gather. Please stop sleeping on this talent and read her work now!!

Glenn Allenson: Glenn was the first to do what no one else did: really tear into my work. He challenged me to raise the bar on my prose writing, and in doing so truly opened my eyes to a lot of what I'd missed or ignored. Hats off to you, sir. Stop by sometime, will ya?

Thomas the Younger: also known these days as Tommy Tsunami. Thomas' writing is so unique it's at times staggering. The man has a voice, to say the least. Another who gave me some outstanding suggestions on my prose writing, which I appreciate greatly. Also, he's shown me how cool italics are ;)

Poddar. I won't even say both names, what's the use? We all know this talented gent, who's so good I won't even bother to hyperlink his name. Look, I've written entire poems based off a single phrase he mentions in passing. 'Nuff said.

Terry Collett: Because he's the master. He lifts the mask away from the world and shows us its true face.

And lastly, before you think I'm insane:
Selene Victoria Skye Deme, or Purrrr for short - who also gets no hyperlink, because if you don't know who she is, then you're not on Gather. You're in Gather hell, where instead of reading her eye-popping, heartbeat palpitating, cranium quivering, hold on to your butts style of writing, all you do is hear me talk about how good Way of the Reaper is, and why you're not reading it. (Man, I'm shameless...)

Selene has a staggering way of igniting thought and feeling with her writes, which I'll say no more about, because her head is too big already. (jk, luv u) Yet despite her celebrity status here, she is still a true salt, who actually cares about her readers, and will even let a lost dreamer like me have a poetic dance with her once in a while. Hugs.

Now that I've written this book, let me close by saying there are plenty of other writers here I whose work I love and admire. But these are writers who have inspired me, caused me to see that I can climb higher, and go farther. I can only thank them, and hope one day I can do the same for someone else.

That's my list.  Who has influenced you on Gather?  Give them some love!