The People Who Rock My World

This post is going to be long, but simple. What follows is a list of the people who have shaped my world in the past year. Most are people I've never met, but that's all the more reason thank them for giving me inspiration, for unknowingly providing much needed encouragement, for making me work harder for my dreams. These, in no particular order, are the people who rock my world.

Maria Popova 

I discovered Maria's website a couple months ago and I've been hooked ever since. It's called Brain Pickings. Every time I visit the site I am reminded why I want to be a creative person. Filled with inspiration for writers, philosophers, artists, and scientists, it never fails to teach me something new. I suggest you sign up for their mailing list right now. You won't be disappointed.

The Vlogbrothers

I made a Youtube account a few weeks ago and the Vlogbrothers were the first channel that I subscribed to. It is made up of the YA author John Green and his brother Hank, and has a following of 823,843 devoted fans (and counting). Hank and John are always funny and insightful and they totally deserve their tremendous success. These are two people who are living life to the fullest, doing what makes them happy, and sharing their awesomeness with the world. I have yet to read a John Green book, but Paper Towns is next up on my list. Plus, I can now proudly call myself a Nerdfighter. DFTBA! 

Rachel Coker

Rachel Coker is the 17-year-old author (I hope I'm right about her age! Sorry if I messed it up!) of Interrupted and the soon-to-be-released Chasing Jupiter. Her blog is full of posts about writing and funny stories from her life, and it never fails to pick me up when I'm feeling down. I hope I get to meet her someday because I have this weird feeling that we'd get along!

Shannon Hale

This was the year I finally got to meet my writing idol, Shannon Hale. I could write whole posts on what a cool person she is and how good her books are, but I'll save the space. I just feel so grateful that I got to meet her at the Texas Library Association Conference, and that she gave me a hug, and that she signed my copies of her books. It was only about five minutes of my life, but I'll remember it forever. Also, you can check out her awesome blog, here.

The note is a reference to the fact that I sent her an e-mail full of restaurants to eat at while she was here.

Kristan Hoffman

I've been following Kristan's blog for about a year now. She writes about everything, from television shows to encouraging quotes. This post in particular got to me. I admire her so much for going after her dreams no matter what. Also it's her birthday today! Hope it's a good one! :D

Victoria Schwab

I only recently discovered this author, but I'm SO glad I did. I haven't read any of her books yet (all of which have very intriguing premises), but I've watched almost all of her Youtube videos and am subscribed to her blog. Her recent post on inspiration had me itching to write, and the adorable video of her signing the last forty copies of her first book made me want to be an author even more. (I always wondered how lefties signed books!) All in all, I can't wait to read her newest release, The Archived, and I wish her all the best!

And finally, because I'm in the spirit of thanking people, I just want to send a shout out to all the people who have encouraged/inspired me in real life. A HUGE thank-you to:

-Ms. Harris, my amazing English/Creative Writing teacher who always brings sunshine to my day. I don't know what I'm going to do without her when I go off to college!

-Indigo, my best friend, who reads my work, listens to my ideas, participates wholeheartedly in all our random conversations, and never fails to be an inspiration :) You can read her blog, here!

-My Family, who also reads my work, and has never wavered in their encouragement and support.

Well, I'm off to a birthday party in a couple hours and then it's Turkey day! Writing this blog post has been a rewarding experience in itself because it made me think about all the people who have had an impact on me. I've been so lucky to not only have wonderful, creative people in my life, but also a well of inspiration to draw from on the inter-webs. Thanks again for reading, and I hope that in the coming days you'll go out and thank your favorite creators, too. They deserve it.