The authors who have most inspired me to write are Stephen King (my hero), Janet Evanovich, and Ayn Rand.   I enjoy books that are compelling, funny, and really make you think.  I have read every word that Ayn Rand has written or that has been written about her.  She was not only  ahead of her time, it appears she had the ability to predict the future.  Her novel Atlas Shrugged could have been written yesterday.  If I could go anywhere on earth, it would be Galt's Gulch. I manage the financial side of an architecture firm in Marietta, Georgia.  I write all the time at work, analysis of financial statements, software training materials and so on, but it seems like I’m always taking words out.  Trying to be respectful of other people’s time, and in the interest of getting to the point, I have to force myself to condense my thoughts into as few words as possible – nothing but the facts, as they say.  Writing fiction, I can use all the words I want to.  It’s fabulous!  In July of 2010 I self published my first novel, Give Me Liberty.  I always wanted to write a book, I just needed the right inspiration.  This one is based on actual events in my mother’s life, set in the early 1950’s.  I really enjoyed the historical aspect of the book, and had a great time doing the research.  I plan to have another book finished by the end of 2011.