I have never labled myself as a person with formal training, although I did graduate from college with a degree in journalism.  I worked in the field for a few years and dreamed of being another Oprah Winfrey.  That dream dissolved as I learned that the Creator only made one of her and I am of a different mold.  If I had to choose who influenced me and who motivated me, I can not narrow it to one genre or person.  I have enjoyed Walt Whitman and Edgar Allen Poe as well as Jill Scott or Max Lucado. I prefer words of inspiration, motivation, and transparency.  But, a good John Grisham will do from time to time.  My favorite book is the Bible as it is full of adventure, intrigue, questions, thoughts, and redemption. I desire, through my writing, for the readers to see themselves in a different and more positive way.  It is not necessarily about inspiring, but instead to question the patterns and moods of their own lives.  We can so easily accept the norm and opinions of others so easily and shape our lives accordingly and forget the desires and gifts that have been placed in us.