There's no readily available information on what specifically influenced her to become a writer. However, we can speculate based on her life and works:
* Personal Experience: Her early life in a small town in Illinois likely provided rich material for her writing, especially her novels set in rural America.
* Education and Teaching: She earned a degree in English and spent many years teaching high school students. This exposure to literature and young minds likely fostered her passion for storytelling.
* Love for Literature: As a dedicated teacher and reader, she deeply appreciated the power of literature and its ability to connect people.
Ultimately, her decision to become an author was likely a combination of personal experience, education, and a deep love for storytelling.
To understand her influences better, you could:
* Read her biographies and interviews: These may provide insights into her motivations and influences.
* Analyze her works: Look for themes and characters that reflect her own life experiences and values.
* Research the literary context: Understand the broader literary trends and influences of the time when she was writing.
By examining these aspects, you can gain a deeper understanding of what inspired Irene Hunt to become a celebrated author.