You Inspire Me: To an Educator Who Taught Students to Find the Excitement In Writing

Writing isn’t as solitary a pursuit as many think. Inspiration comes in many forms, but most often, it comes in the shape of people. All month long, we’re asking writers to write a Not-So-Secret-Admirer’s Note to the people who’ve inspired them to take up the pen. Got someone you’d like to write a “You Inspire Me” note to? Write one and tag it “Writer Mash Note”, and we’d love to reblog it! Today, participant Jesse Booth thanks a life-changing teacher:

Dear Mary Louise Bean,

Thank you for the inspiration you have been to me since I took your creative writing classes in 2001, 2002, and 2003 at Viewmont High School. You taught me to see words as more than just a bunch of packed letters and structured language. You taught me that they are paint needing a canvas to display their beauty. The foundation you gave me all those years ago has inspired me over the years, and I’ve been able to harness my creativity through writing short stories and novels. I couldn’t have gotten where I am today without your loving and thorough guidance!

After I graduated high school, I had a rough time getting used to the demands of academic writing in college. I was so used to the freedom creative writing provides. I remember I even came to you during one of your lunch breaks to complain about it. You told me to man up and learn from my teachers and to not resist them. You were right! By the end of my college career, I was able to learn to be extremely efficient at academic writing, and a lot of that stems from the vocabulary I picked up through your creative writing classes. People still come to me to help them with their academic writing. I’m now focusing on writing my third novel, and it’s the biggest project I’ve ever set out to do.

One of the biggest things you helped me with was learning not to be nervous or afraid of writing projects. You taught me to be excited about writing, and to see where that excitement could take me. I hope through this letter I’ve been able to convey my gratitude for all you’ve done for me.

Sincerely,

Jesse Booth

Jesse Booth is a Systems Analyst for the University of Utah, his alma mater. Jesse lives with his wife and two children along the Wasatch Mountains. He has participated in NaNoWriMo every year since 2009, and has won in 2009, 2010, 2012, and 2013. Jesse has 2 published novels, thanks to the 2009 and 2010 NaNoWriMo contests. His favorite authors include JRR Tolkien, Brandon Sanderson, and CS Lewis. Also a musician, Jesse enjoys playing the guitar, piano, and alto saxophone.

Top photo by Flickr user Sarah Parrott.