The Storytellers Who Inspire My Work

As a writer, I find myself constantly drawing inspiration from the greats who have come before me. While my own voice is still evolving, there are certain storytellers whose work has left an indelible mark on how I approach characters, dialogue, and narrative. I want to celebrate these writers who have all shaped my understanding of the craft in unique ways.

Aaron Sorkin: The Art of Dialogue and Wit

When it comes to sharp, rapid-fire dialogue, no one does it quite like Aaron Sorkin. His writing is intelligent, rhythmic, and constantly propels the story forward. Whether it's The West Wing or The Social Network, Sorkin’s ability to layer complex ideas into conversation while keeping the audience engaged is something I strive to emulate. His dialogue isn’t just words exchanged between characters; it’s action, conflict, and emotion all rolled into one. In my own work, I aim to create moments where conversations reveal more than just plot, delving into the motivations and inner workings of the characters.

John Hughes: Capturing the Voice of a Generation

John Hughes had a gift for capturing the raw, honest experience of youth. Films like The Breakfast Club and Ferris Bueller’s Day Off resonate because they feel real, even when they’re over-the-top. His characters are relatable, flawed, and often reflect the awkwardness of growing up. Hughes knew how to tap into the heart of adolescent struggles and triumphs, something that has always influenced how I write my younger characters. I often think about how he balanced humour with heart, and how his films provided a mirror for so many teens—and adults—who saw themselves in his characters.

Nora Ephron: Love, Humour, and the Human Condition

Nora Ephron’s writing feels like sitting down with an old friend. There’s a warmth and charm in her approach to romantic comedies that few others can match. When Harry Met Sally, Sleepless in Seattle, and You’ve Got Mail are not just about love; they’re about the quirks and intricacies of human connection. Ephron had a way of blending humour with introspection, creating characters that felt real and grounded even in heightened romantic situations. Her work inspires me to infuse my stories with a balance of lightness and depth, always aiming to capture the complexities of relationships in a way that feels authentic.

Greta Gerwig: Authenticity in Storytelling

Greta Gerwig’s work as both a writer and director has redefined what it means to tell authentic, character-driven stories in modern cinema. Her films, such as Lady Bird and Little Women, capture life’s messy moments with such clarity and emotional resonance that they feel like lived experiences. Gerwig’s ability to craft stories that are deeply personal yet universally relatable has had a profound impact on how I approach storytelling. She reminds me that sometimes the most powerful stories come from the seemingly mundane moments of life, and that truth in characters can speak louder than any elaborate plot.

Nancy Meyers: Elevating the Everyday with Charm and Sophistication

Nancy Meyers is the queen of feel-good films that are as luxurious as they are heartfelt. With films like The Holiday and Something's Gotta Give, Meyers excels at creating worlds where the surroundings are just as important as the characters themselves. Her films often explore the lives of older characters, something not always seen in mainstream romantic comedies, and they do so with style and grace. I love the way Meyers turns everyday life—whether it’s designing a home or preparing a meal—into something cinematic. Her work inspires me to find beauty in the small details and to create settings that enhance the story’s emotional core.

Cord Jefferson: The Power of Emotional Vulnerability

Cord Jefferson is one of the most exciting voices in contemporary writing, and his recent work, particularly in Watchmen and his directorial debut American Fiction, has had a profound impact on my creative thinking. Jefferson excels at exploring the emotional core of his characters, bringing vulnerability to the surface in ways that feel raw and authentic. His ability to tackle issues of race, identity, and social justice with nuance and sensitivity is deeply inspiring. Jefferson’s writing reminds me of the importance of creating characters that reflect the complexities of the world we live in, without shying away from difficult truths. His work challenges me to push my own boundaries and to infuse my stories with more emotional depth and real-world relevance.

Quentin Tarantino: Redefining Cool in Storytelling

Quentin Tarantino has a knack for creating cinematic experiences that feel both nostalgic and groundbreaking. His dialogue is sharp, irreverent, and bursting with personality, often weaving mundane conversations into high-stakes moments of tension or humour. Films like Pulp Fiction and Inglourious Basterds showcase his ability to turn genre conventions on their heads, crafting stories that are as unpredictable as they are entertaining. What I admire most about Tarantino is his unapologetic commitment to his vision—his willingness to take risks, play with nonlinear storytelling, and create larger-than-life characters. He reminds me that writing is an art form where rules are meant to be challenged, and that trusting your unique voice is the key to leaving a lasting impression.

William Goldman: The Master of Storytelling Structure

William Goldman’s work, from The Princess Bride to Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, is a testament to the power of crafting a story with precision and heart. He was a writer who understood the mechanics of storytelling better than most, seamlessly balancing plot, character, and dialogue. Goldman had an unparalleled ability to weave humour, romance, and action into narratives that felt timeless. His famous mantra, “Nobody knows anything” (from Adventures in the Screen Trade), serves as a reminder to take creative risks and embrace the unpredictable nature of storytelling. Goldman inspires me to find the humanity in every story, no matter how fantastical or grounded, and to never underestimate the power of a well-placed line of dialogue or a perfectly structured scene.

David Lynch: The Poet of the Surreal

David Lynch’s work is a masterclass in creating worlds that exist on the edges of reality and dreams. From Blue Velvet to Twin Peaks, Lynch explores the uncanny, using surreal imagery and cryptic narratives to delve into the darkest corners of human nature. What I find most inspiring about Lynch is his fearless commitment to his artistic vision, no matter how unconventional or challenging it might seem. His ability to juxtapose the familiar with the bizarre forces audiences—and writers like me—to confront uncomfortable truths about the world and ourselves. Lynch’s work reminds me that storytelling doesn’t always need to provide clear answers; sometimes, its greatest power lies in the questions it leaves lingering.

Martin McDonagh: Dark Humour and Existential Truths

Martin McDonagh’s work (In Bruges, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri) is a brilliant blend of dark humour, sharp dialogue, and deeply human storytelling. McDonagh excels at creating morally complex characters who are flawed yet deeply relatable, often navigating themes of grief, guilt, and redemption. His writing is unapologetically raw, blending biting wit with moments of profound vulnerability. What I admire most about McDonagh is his ability to find beauty in the bleakest of scenarios, showing that even in the darkest moments, there’s room for humour and humanity. He inspires me to embrace the messy, imperfect side of storytelling and to write characters who reflect the complexities of real life.

Emerald Fennell: Boldness and Subversion

Emerald Fennell has burst onto the scene with a bold, uncompromising voice, particularly with her directorial debut Promising Young Woman. Her fearless approach to tackling dark, complex themes through a lens of satire and revenge thriller has challenged my own perceptions of genre and narrative boundaries. Fennell’s work pushes me to be daring in my writing, to explore uncomfortable truths, and to create female characters who are multi-dimensional, complex, and unapologetically strong. Her work is a reminder that sometimes the best stories are the ones that take risks and defy expectations.

Adrienne Shelley: The Heart and Soul of Empowerment

And last but by no means least is Adrienne Shelley’, whose script Waitress stayed with me long after the credits rolled, a poignant reminder of the power of resilience and self-discovery. What moves me most about Shelley’s work is how she infused the film with so much warmth and heart while tackling themes of personal struggle and empowerment. Jenna, the protagonist, is a beautifully flawed and relatable character who finds her strength in the most unexpected of places, and her journey serves as a testament to the quiet, transformative power of courage. Shelley’s ability to weave humour, heartache, and hope into such an authentic and inspiring narrative is nothing short of genius. Her work reminds me that stories have the power to heal, empower, and connect us, and Waitress is a shining example of how one woman’s voice can leave such as mark on the world.

These writers have each taught me valuable lessons about dialogue, character development, and the power of storytelling. Their works remind me to be fearless in my writing, to embrace the complexities of human nature, and to always seek authenticity in the stories I tell.