Steven’s blog covers all sorts of stuff about life in another country and his ongoing quest to publish. While a lot of the content is interesting in itself, it’s the underlying determination and John-Wayne-style endurance that I admire. He’s walked through the desert with only half a bottle of water, been attacked by Apaches, saved half a dozen small villages from marauding Comancheros and may be threatened with lynching at the hands of bandits, but he’ll be damned if he’ll give up, pilgrim. Don’t mess with him.

He of the abstract imagery

Switch off reality, ‘cos here comes Michael. The Qdos man‘s control of imagery, combined with a remarkable imagination – both in extent and how warped it is – make for startling reading. Just go back over a couple of posts here at ScrawlBug and look at his comments. They’re either insane or the work of genius (probably both). Maybe his brain’s host to some kind of alien Mary Shelley who’s seen too much TV. Whatever the reason, I can only aspire to such incredible expression.

She, the geek goddess

Few are the people with whom one can sensibly discuss the relative merits of Winona Ryder and Liv Tyler. Erin‘s an Aussie who can brighten your day simply by saying “hello”. She’s the Princess Leia of Twitter, a geek goddess of writing and one of the friendliest, funniest, smartest people I know. Put her and Kate together and you have side-splitting mirth on tap. I wish I had her calm, almost-always-cheerful attitude and super-sharp wit.

He of the bookish ways

Shack is someone I bumped into on the ProBlogger “better blog in 30 days” thing. What started as a tentative nod of greeting has since turned into a great deal of respect: Andy edits, he researches, he compiles some of the best weekly writing-focussed blog-post lists I’ve ever seen. And anyone who puts a muppet on their Twitter avatar (is that Waldorf or Statler?) gets my thumbs up. I just wish I had his patience and measured, balanced approach to writing and blogging.

He who loves bacon

Previously in Cameroon and now in Hanoi, he’s “Our Man In…“: Steve is a guy whose willingness to throw himself into another country and not only write about it and photograph it, but work for charities at the same time demands attention. He’s opinionated (don’t mention Newcastle United) and sometimes frighteningly blunt – especially about journalists – but his blogging and commentary on life is always worth a read. I envy his courage and the ease with which he handles difficult situations. To be able to just up and go to another country? Especially one without bacon supplies? Impressive.

They may not be famous, but – in my opinion – they should be. Who are your inspirations?