I'm a native Floridian now living in NC.  My writing started in the US army, as writing tech manuals was one of my duties (pretty dry stuff, but it perked my interest.)  I have about sixty short stories published in various magazines, and so far have had twelve books published. I mainly write sci-fi, fantasy, and horror, but have written a few dog adventure stories and two historical novellas.  Major influences were Andre Norton, A E van Vogt, Leigh Brackett, Isaac Asimov, and Robert E Heinlein.  But the book that got me interested in fantasy was "Heiro's Journey," by little-known author Sterling E Lanier.  

In short story contests of Calliope, the official publication of Mensa, I have won a first place, a second place, three third places, and several honorable mentions.