In the latest in our occasional series of inviting writers to tell us about what they read for inspiration -- and why -- we asked Leslie Schnur, author of Late Night Talking, to tell us about her favorite books:

"The best book by far that I've read lately is Away, by Amy Bloom. I couldn't put it down. The writing is unselfconscious and gorgeous, the characters vivid, the history fascinating, the narrative so compelling that the novel is a page-turner. Lillian Leyb's journey to find her daughter is heartbreaking and ultimately satisfying. I laughed and I cried, and had the most wonderful time. I rarely re-read a contemporary novel, but I look forward to experiencing this book again.

Why toil away at your masterpiece alone? Reach out to other writers for help, advice and inspiration on these online forums:

The Water Cooler

The Writer Magazine

Poem Zone

Able2Know

When we asked Patricia Wood, author of the novel Lottery, what she reads to inform her writing, she replied: "It is so difficult for me to choose -- I have so many favorites that continually rotate depending on what I need as a writer." Patricia graciously suggested these books: (Thanks, Patricia!)

The Mosquito Coast by Paul Theroux. "About a man who takes his family to the wilds of Central America as told by the young son. A great story using an unforgettable narrator. As a writer, I study this book repeatedly for characterization."

We asked author Michelle Richmond, whose latest novel is The Year of Fog, about books that inspire her writing. She graciously sent us these picks: (Thanks, Michelle!)

The Death of a Beekeeper, by Lars Gustafsson
"This beautifully humane and intellectually playful novella about disease, death, and the noble desire to 'begin again' is in my annual rotation. I love Gustafsson's use of lists to reveal his protagonist's most intimate self."