How has literature influenced my writing?

How have writing styles influenced my writing ?

In the past I never enjoyed writing. I had always hated it, until I  met my eleventh grade English teacher. She taught us the importance of different styles of writing and literature. I believe that literature influences everyone who writes. Every author has had some sort of influence for their writing style. Mrs. Porter, my eleventh and twelfth grade English teacher, taught us to look at every type of literature, and to think about what the author was thinking about at this time. Although it’s difficult to understand why an author chooses to write what he or she does, we have to think of all the possibilities.  Looking at all the different literature really influences how you choose to write what you do. It also shows you the different styles of writing you can use. If it is mystery, suspense, romance, drama or comedy. My favorite of the American authors is Henry David Thoreau. In his novel, Walden, he recalls the places he lived before settling down at Walden Pond. He uses his experiences to guide him, and therefore leading him to the pond.  He chooses to create his own sanctuary at Walden. I guess you could say a paradise to live the simple life. He writes in such detail, you can almost picture it in your head. As I wrote my paper in Eleventh grade, I always seemed to refer back to Walden, and other works of Thoreau, I remember the detail he puts into his writing. And when I attempt to write, I try to put as much detail into my writing as I can. I want to paint a picture for my readers, to help them imagine, and have a mental picture of the idea I am trying to portray. I believe it is important to engage your readers, or try to engage them.

In twelfth grade, Mrs. Porter was my British Literature teacher. She forced us to read all these different stories and novels. Beowulf, Great Expectations, Jane Eyre, and Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. British literature showed me how not to write, not that I am British or anything. It just seemed so dry to me, and I was extremely bored. Jane Eyre was my favorite novel in the class. The others made me want to shoot myself! Mrs. Porter introduced us to many different styles of writing, although each period in time has a different style. It has helped shape my writing and helped me become a stronger writer.