A surreal event happened in November of 2017. I was at a book signing of an author I had admired nearly my entire life. It wasn’t the first time we’d met, but it would be the most memorable.

In 2001, as a child in Texas, I’d clung to my copy of Wild Magic and prayed my friend’s mom would speak for me. I’d been too intimidated by Tamora Pierce, so when it was my turn, I’d smiled and said nothing.

Of course, she was friendly and wonderful and told me I had a great name. She’d signed my book and it became my treasured possession for years to come.

Sixteen years later, I sat in the book signing and listened to women from all generations–some my age, some in their teens, some older–speak about their experience with Pierce’s characters and how her books helped shape them into the women they are. As someone who grew up in books, I never realized how deeply her work had impacted (and continues to impact) so many women. She took empowerment to a whole other level. Wasn’t Alanna of Trebond really Arya Stark, 1.0? Alanna was a complete badass who didn’t let others tell her which path to take.

Pierce’s characters were intelligent, strong, and inspired their counterparts to be better. They inspired me to be better. I so wanted to be Alanna. I even dyed my hair red for a solid decade.

Tamora Pierce’s books gave me strength, and a singular constant, throughout a childhood punctuated by several new cities and several new schools. But it was more than that. I admired her characters, but I also envied the way she had the ability to inspire readers. Her stories drew me in, let me escape, gave me solid role models. I wanted to be someone who could inspire in my writing, too.

When I spoke to Pierce again, sixteen years later, I got to tell her more than how her books shaped my personality. I shared how she influenced my own writing journey, and that just the month prior, I’d signed with my agent.

Tamora Pierce took the book she’d signed for me sixteen years ago and signed it again. A congratulations on my writing career. There’s nothing quite like telling the person who set you on your journey that you’d arrived.

Do you have a book that shaped you? Shoot me an email or drop it in the comments below!