"Richard Hugo taught me that anyone with a desire to write, an ear for language and a bit of imagination could become a writer. He also, in a way, gave me permission to write about northern Montana"

James Welch was describing the influence of Richard Hugo, a poet and instructor, on his own writing. Hugo taught Welch that anyone with a passion for composing, a gratitude for language, and an imaginative mind could end up being an author. Hugo likewise gave Welch the self-confidence to discuss his home state of Montana, which was a location that was frequently neglected in literature. Hugo's mentors gave Welch the guts to write about his own experiences and the charm of his house state. Hugo's teachings gave inspiration for Welch, and his impact can be seen in Welch's works. Hugo's teachings offered Welch the confidence to discuss his own life and the charm of his home state, and his influence can be seen in Welch's works.