To follow up on my last post made in honor of International Women's History Day and Women's Appreciation Month, I'm sharing another story from a celebrated author inspired by other celebrated authors. I had the opportunity to ask the quick, energetic, prolific and super-creative Cynthia Eden about the women who inspire her in her own writing. Here's what she said:

"When I think of famous women who have inspired me, I immediately picture Clara Barton. In my mind, I can see her rushing onto a battlefield, ignoring the gunfire around her as she fights to help an injured soldier. I also think of Louisa May Alcott, an author who first captivated me years ago.  While Alcott didn’t risk the dangers of a war-torn battlefield, her stories inspired others even as she fought to make certain that women would have the same voting rights that men enjoyed. She pushed for our equality, paving the way for so many women who would follow her.  Then, I see an image of the intrepid reporter Elizabeth Cochrane Seaman (otherwise known as Nellie Bly)—a woman who risked her own life to reveal the inhumane conditions in mental hospitals. But Nellie wasn’t just an intelligent, brave reporter; instead, she was also an adventurer. She traveled the world in seventy-two days, proving that women could do absolutely anything that they set their minds to do.  These amazing women weren’t afraid to live their lives to the absolute fullest degree. They were sensational, and, to me, they will always be inspirational."

I hope you take a moment to honor (or discover) Clara Barton, Louisa May Alcott, and Nellie Bly, upon Cynthia Eden's recommendation. And, I also hope you'll take a moment to celebrate Cynthia Eden upon mine. :)

On a similar note, I'll share a short video of other prominent authors talking about the strong women who have influenced them similarly. From novelists to poets, grandmothers to daughters, I think you'll find something poignant and refreshing in this... it's a nice to see how women are helping, inspiring, empowering and influencing one another. Click here to watch.