I always hear the phrase "you have to give yourself permission to write" but then I found out you can get permission from reading.

You will often find writers saying they received "permission to write" once they discovered a particular author, novel, or style. A quote attributed to writer James Welch goes something like, "anyone with the desire to write, an ear for language and a bit of imagination could become a writer" but he continued to say that it the work of poet Richard Hugo that finally gave him permission to write about Northern Montana.

You should find writers who give voice to themes, settings, and topics that spark your imagination. Once you do, you may have your own "I-didn't- know-I-could-write-about-that" moment. This moment is not about finding another writer's voice to imitate but finding something in someone else's writing that opens up possibilities for your own creativity.

Give yourself permission to simply love the books you love. Throw away the idea you "should" love a certain genre or author. Take some time to explore what you love to read. Pay attention to what books give you a thrill. What sections of the bookstore keeps pulling you back again and again? Search for your creative triggers and keep notes.

I found a few web pages with great book lists. Follow the links and see what book titles and genres give you an emotional reaction but keep in mind YOUR triggers might not be on anyone's Top 100 list. http://www.abc.net.au/myfavouritebook/top10/100.htm http://www.bookofjoe.com/2006/09/117_books_to_be.html

Tracy Ryan holds a degree in journalism and has been a freelance writer for 10 years. Her mission is to help emerging writers improve their writing by guiding them to free and inspiring information and videos on the web. Do you want to watch real writers talk about the craft of writing? It's free and easy. Find out where it is happening online now at http://www.yourwritingdream.com