The key influences behind Gabriel Garcia Marquez's writings include his experiences in Colombia and the rich tapestry of Latin American culture. Growing up amid political turmoil and exposure to folktales shaped his narrative style and use of magical realism. Key figures in his life, including his grandparents, instilled in him the importance of storytelling and oral tradition. Marquez's reflections on love, solitude, and history resonate throughout his body of work. His ability to intertwine the fantastical with everyday life offers profound insights into human experience, solidifying his status as one of the foremost writers of the 20th century.