That’s a difficult question. But I’d have to say Natalie Goldberg and Sierra DeMulder. Natalie Goldberg taught me to write about the things that terrify me and make me feel naked and alone. From her, I learned it’s okay to splay your whole soul out on that page.
Sierra DeMulder inspired me to write in a completely different, unique style akin to slam poetry by juxtaposing certain events, places, and people. I admire her work as much as it is possible to admire anyone’s work because she writes without inhibitions. She never holds back.