The perils and pitfalls of storytelling may predispose a writer to drink on the job. So many of the late, great published authors did. To cite a few: Dorothy Parker, James Joyce, Ernest Hemingway, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and Jack Kerouac.

I’ll admit to tipping a bottle of iced coffee while presiding over the keyboard when composing. Preferably, Dunkin Donuts vanilla.

Regardless of what vice gets us through the day behind a closed door, I’ll wager that all creative folks proceed with their craft “under the influence” of someone we respect and admire who resonates in our soul.

I proceed under the influence of author, Ann Lamott, whose philosophy is to write books she’d love to come upon. Hence, she put the notion in my head to write the books I’d want to read.

'Blue Shoe,' which epitomizes Lamott’s knack for writing stories that are honest and revolve around spiritual transformations, families, secrets, and craziness—inspired me to go off my own deep end.

Under the influence, I’ve published and continue to compose Contemporary Women’s Fiction incorporating secrets and idiosyncrasies. In addition, I tap into significant issues affecting the lives of ordinary/ extraordinary, flawed women over forty who grapple with, confront, and overcome their personal dilemmas and become empowered to make profound life changes for the better.

*Who has exerted the most influence in your creative endeavors?