So, you say you want to be a Writer. Is that so?

Before I start, please watch a wonderful 1955 Walt Disney video all about Washington Irving.

Maybe, just maybe, you might want to consider who you might like as a Your Writer Hero? You love someone’s writing but what are you going to do when you are asked to defend your Writer Hero? Will you? Or will you coward down to Today’s constant destroying the past images of people, including Writers. That’s why I ask you to research the time period of your Heroes.

Can you place yourself in his lifetime, in his lifeline, and in his shoes? Would you be that Brave? As brave as he? Think about the Time Period. Are you willing to research it?

Washington Irving (1783-1859) was an American author, essayist, historian, and diplomat best known for his contributions to American literature during the early 19th century. Here are some key points about his life:

Early Life: Washington Irving was born on April 3, 1783, in New York City, New York, USA. He was the youngest of 11 children.
Education: He received a limited formal education but was an avid reader and self-educated. He studied law briefly but pursued a career in writing.
Literary Career: Irving is best known for his short stories and essays. Some of his most famous works include “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” and “Rip Van Winkle.” These stories are part of “The Sketch Book of Geoffrey Crayon, Gent,” published in 1819-1820, which brought him international fame.
Pseudonyms: He often wrote under pseudonyms, including Geoffrey Crayon and Diedrich Knickerbocker, to give his works a sense of mystery and historical authenticity.
Diplomatic Career: Irving served as a diplomat, including as the U.S. Minister to Spain from 1842 to 1846, during which time he wrote biographies of Christopher Columbus and the Alhambra.
Historical Works: Irving also wrote extensively on history and biographies. His biography of George Washington and his five-volume history of Christopher Columbus are notable examples.
European Influence: Irving spent many years in Europe, particularly in England and Spain, and was influenced by European literature and culture. His work often bridged the gap between American and European literary traditions.
Legacy: Washington Irving is considered one of the first American writers to gain international acclaim. His humorous and satirical writings helped shape American literary identity and contributed to the development of the short story genre.
Death: He died on November 28, 1859, in Tarry Town, New York, where his home, Sunnyside, has been preserved as a historic site.

Irving’s impact on American literature endures, and his stories continue to be popular and adapted into various forms of media.

https://www.biography.com/authors-writers/washington-irving

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Washington_Irving

Are you ready to step into his shoes?

Washington Irving was inspired to write “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” by a combination of factors. One of the key influences was his interest in German folklore and legends, which he encountered during his travels in Europe. The story draws upon elements of European ghost stories and the idea of a headless horseman.

Additionally, Irving was also inspired by the rich history and legends of the Hudson River Valley in New York, where the story is set. The region’s landscape and local legends provided a vivid backdrop for his tale. Furthermore, Irving’s desire to create an American literary tradition led him to explore and adapt these elements into a uniquely American ghost story.

Overall, Irving’s fascination with folklore, his travels, and his desire to contribute to American literature all played a role in inspiring him to write “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.”