As an author, I have many stories that I adore and use to fuel my own books. Whether it’s a TV show, movie, or a book itself, these inspirations heavily guide my writing style. Here are 5 of them….
Attack on Titan by Hajime Isayama –
Here we go….my favorite story ever told. Without major spoilers, this TV series asks one simple question: “How far is humanity willing to go for freedom?”
In a cruel world on the Island of Paradis, Eren Yeager finds himself living in the middle of the most traumatic moment of his life – watching his mom get eaten right in front of him.
In a world where the apex predator is no longer humans, but instead hundred foot tall titans, Eren and the rest of Paradis Island have to figure out how to not only survive, but find the beauty of life even through so much death and suffering.
My Inspirations: Character Development, Foreshadowing, Perspective
Good Will Hunting, directed by Gus Van Sant –
Beautiful. That’s all I can say for this film. Themes that are timeless. Characters that are explored to the deepest depths of their souls. This movie is a psychology major’s dream.
“If you were a genius, and you had a chance at greatness, would you leave everything you ever knew? Would you leave the comfort of your old life for the fear of a new one?”
A young Boston kid, Will Hunting, finds himself somewhat in this predicament, as his genius in mathematics leads him to being pursued by the greatest minds of the modern age. The only problem is, Will has anger issues, issues so bad he’s forced to see a therapist.
This movie explores themes of true love, true selflessness, and how one chases, or fails to chase, a fading dream.
My Inspirations: Character Psychology, Dialogue, Supporting Characters
Percy Jackson & the Olympians by Rick Riordan –
Peak. That’s all I have to say. This series was my childhood. And it’s led to so many inspirations over the course of my years.
The series explores Greek Mythology while following son of Poseidon, Percy Jackson, through Camp Half Blood and his adventures with fellow demigod Annabeth Chase and satyr Grover Underwood.
The story is written as a fun and exhilarating twist on the horrors of ancient mythology, while also exploring deep themes of courage and fate.
My Inspirations: Tone, Power System, Relationships
Vinland Saga by Makoto Yukimura –
“Do you have any enemies?”
Revenge. That’s what this story explores. In the age of vikings around modern day Iceland, the show follows a blonde haired assassin named Thorfinn and his quest for vengeance against a viking who murdered his father.
Joining his enemy’s crew, Thorfinn learns the art of war, and he uses his skills to forge himself into one of the strongest killers the world has ever seen.
My Inspirations: Themes, Morality, Protagonist
Clair Obscure: Expedition 33 by Guilluame Broche –
Arguably my favorite video game of all time. The art is mastery. The voice acting is S tier. And the music….chef’s kiss.
Each year a new age group of people is wiped off the planet by the antagonist known as the Paintress, a monster-like creature who sits off in the distance, waiting to kill again.
In this game, the particular year is the year 33, in which by the time of the end of the year, known as the Gommage (instead of New Year’s), all people aged 33 will die.
To counter this, a group of 33 year olds (and a feisty kid known as Maelle) travel to the island that no one has returned from. Their mission is simple. Kill the Paintress. Save the world.
With incredible dialogue and exceptional world building, this story is a masterpiece that I’ll never forget.
My Inspirations: Worldbuilding, Tension, Three Act Structure
