I've always loved to read. I can't recall precisely when Science Fiction and Fantasy became my favorite genres. I've always read so much that I think it happened gradually.

Most of my favorite authors today are current authors but I can't discount the influence that Robert Heinlein had on me. I fondly remember books like The Door Into Summer, Starship Troopers, Citizen of the Galaxy, Space Cadet, Starman Jones, Double Star, and Between Planets. These books shaped me as a person and as a writer. The following excerpt from Wikipedia accurately describes the significance of Heinlein's work.

Within the framework of his science fiction stories Heinlein repeatedly integrated recognizable social themes: The importance of individual liberty and self-reliance, the obligation individuals owe to their societies, the influence of organized religion on culture and government, and the tendency of society to repress non-conformist thought.

Most modern authors incorporate many or all of these themes into their work as a matter of course. It is Heinlein's legacy to the writers who follow him.

Some of my current influences extend these themes, delving into political or social issues. David Weber and L.E. Modesitt Jr. are wonderful examples of this.

Timothy Zahn, Elizabeth Moon, Stephen Gould, and C.S. Friedman are just a few more of my favorite authors, writers who influence and inspire me.