* Her Family: Cofer's Puerto Rican heritage and her family's stories played a huge role in her writing. Her mother was a storyteller and a source of wisdom and humor, while her father's experiences as a migrant worker informed Cofer's understanding of displacement and identity.
* Puerto Rican Culture: Growing up in Puerto Rico and later in the United States, Cofer experienced the complexities of navigating two cultures. She drew heavily on her cultural heritage in her work, exploring themes of language, tradition, and the search for belonging.
* Her Experiences as a Woman: Cofer's work often examines the challenges and triumphs of being a woman in a patriarchal society. Her exploration of gender roles, expectations, and the power of female voices reflects her own experiences and observations.
* Latin American Literature: Cofer was deeply influenced by Latin American writers like Gabriel Garcia Marquez, who explored magical realism and the complexities of identity. She incorporated elements of magical realism in her own works, using it to address themes of history, memory, and the power of imagination.
* American Literature: Cofer also drew inspiration from American writers like Toni Morrison and Sandra Cisneros, who wrote about the experiences of marginalized communities and the search for identity. She connected with their themes of race, gender, and cultural differences.
In conclusion, Judith Ortiz Cofer's writing is a tapestry woven from diverse threads, from her personal experiences and cultural heritage to the works of other influential writers. This confluence of influences gave rise to her unique literary voice and her powerful exploration of identity, culture, and the human experience.