The Books and TV Shows That Made Me Want to Become a Writer

When people ask me why I wanted to become a writer, I never have just one answer.

For me, it wasn't one book or one TV show that sparked my love of storytelling. It was years of falling in love with characters, staying up too late reading "just one more chapter," and becoming completely invested in fictional worlds.

The stories that inspired me aren't all the same. Some are mysteries filled with twists and secrets. Others are superhero adventures, dystopian survival stories, or even comedies about teachers. But every one of them taught me something important about storytelling.

They made me laugh, cry, gasp, and most importantly, imagine.

Here are some of the books and TV shows that made me want to become a writer.

The Inheritance Games

This book series reminded me why I fell in love with mysteries in the first place. From the very first chapter, I was hooked by the puzzles, riddles, secrets, and unexpected twists.

What I admire most about Jennifer Lynn Barnes' writing is how she keeps readers guessing. Every answer leads to another question, and every clue feels important.

As a mystery writer, that's something I strive for in my own stories. I want readers to feel curious. I want them to form theories and question everything they think they know.

Reading The Inheritance Games showed me how powerful a well-crafted mystery can be, and it continues to inspire the stories I write today.

Percy Jackson

Before I started writing mysteries and romance, I was a kid who loved getting lost in magical worlds.

That's exactly what Percy Jackson gave me.

Rick Riordan created a world where Greek mythology felt modern, exciting, and accessible. Reading those books made me realize that stories don't have to follow strict rules. Writers can take familiar ideas and make them feel completely new.

More importantly, Percy wasn't a perfect hero. He made mistakes, doubted himself, and sometimes found himself in situations he wasn't prepared for.

That taught me one of the most important lessons about storytelling: readers connect with characters who feel human.

Even now, when I'm creating characters, I think about what made Percy so memorable.

The Flash

One of the shows that had a huge impact on me growing up was The Flash.

Sure, the super speed and action scenes were fun, but what kept me watching was Barry Allen himself.

Barry wasn't just a superhero. He was someone who wanted to help people, protect his loved ones, and do the right thing even when it was difficult.

The show taught me that great stories aren't just about exciting plots. They're about emotional stakes.

The best moments weren't always the battles against villains. Sometimes they were the conversations between friends, the family dynamics, or the sacrifices characters made for each other.

As a writer, I've learned that readers care about characters first. If readers care about the people in your story, they'll care about everything else too.

The 100

If I had to name a show that taught me about high stakes, it would definitely be The 100.

What fascinated me most about the series was how it constantly forced characters to make impossible decisions.

Nobody was completely right. Nobody was completely wrong.

The characters had to navigate survival, leadership, loyalty, and morality in situations where there were no easy answers.

Watching The 100 showed me that conflict isn't always about good versus evil. Sometimes the most interesting stories come from characters trying to do what they believe is right, even when their choices have consequences.

That's something I think about often when writing my own stories.

Abbott Elementary

This might seem like an unexpected addition to the list, but Abbott Elementary has inspired me more than people might think.

One thing I love about the show is its characters.

Each teacher feels unique, relatable, and authentic. Their personalities bounce off each other naturally, creating moments that are both hilarious and heartfelt.

As a writer, I'm constantly studying character interactions. Watching Abbott Elementary reminds me that memorable characters don't need world-ending stakes to be interesting.

Sometimes all it takes is strong personalities, meaningful relationships, and a genuine heart.

The show also reminds me that stories can be funny and emotional at the same time.

Shrinking

One of the more recent shows that has inspired me is Shrinking.

What I love most about the show is that it isn't afraid to tackle difficult topics like grief, loss, and mental health while still finding moments of humor and hope. The characters feel incredibly real. They're flawed, messy, and trying their best to navigate challenges that don't have easy solutions.

As someone who enjoys writing character-driven stories, I find that incredibly inspiring. The show reminds me that some of the most powerful moments in storytelling don't come from huge plot twists or dramatic action scenes. Sometimes they come from honest conversations, personal growth, and characters learning how to move forward after difficult experiences.

Watching Shrinking has made me think more deeply about emotional storytelling. It encourages me to create characters who feel authentic and to explore the complicated emotions that people experience in real life.

One thing I hope to achieve in my own writing is creating characters that readers connect with on a personal level, and Shrinking is a great example of how powerful that connection can be.

Why These Stories Matter to Me

Looking back, I realize these stories inspired me for different reasons.

The Inheritance Games taught me about mystery.

Percy Jackson taught me about unforgettable characters.

The Flash taught me about heart.

The 100 taught me about conflict and difficult choices.

Abbott Elementary taught me about character dynamics and humor.

Shrinking taught me about emotional depth, healing, and authentic character growth.

Together, they helped shape the kind of writer I want to become.

Today, I'm working toward my dream of becoming a published author. I write because I love creating stories that make people feel something. I write because stories have always been a huge part of my life.

Most of all, I write because the books and shows I grew up loving showed me how powerful storytelling can be.

If one of my stories can inspire someone the way these stories inspired me, then every late night writing session will be worth it.