Writers as magicians

Just finished reading the introduction to Francesca Lia Block’s The Thorn Necklace with a shiver up my spine. Reading her reinforces the idea to me that writing, and reading, is a sort of magic. It’s a writing book, so that’s what she’s referring to, but I love how her focus is on creating positivity and changing the world, rather than landing some publishing deal:

I’ll show you how to use your pain, or just daily stress, to feed your art; how to tune into the wisdom of that inner muse and mentor; ignore your ctiric until the time is right; create order from chaos; live simply but expressively; frutcify; perservere; trust; face your shadow; find magic; create art for those you love rather than as a commodity for a larger, faceless and judgemental audience; and maybe even change the world!

She refers to her life as a writer as a “grimoire, a kind of magic book.” It’s a beautiful way to look at writing.

What writers do something similar for you? Which books have you read that changed your life?