One of the first books that really connected with me as a Teen and made me want to be a writer was the Weetzie Bat Books by Francesca Lia Block. I've devoured everything she wrote before that and after--she is on my keeper shelf forever. Her language and her oddball, unique, awesome characters spoke to me. And they still speak to me even though I'm no longer 13. They are my comfort books and I whip them out whenever I don't know what to do with my life or I need a good mental hug.

The way Block spins words inspires me and makes me want to write at that second. Though I've never been to California, with every one of her books I'm transferred to an amazing Wonderland there. With a deep, beating heart in the ground connecting me to these fictional beings. I even read her more erotic work, Nymph, once I got older and loved that as well. She nourished my love of reading and became somewhat of a muse, so she'll always be keeper shelf for me. If you haven't read her I encourage to pick something up.