I've been writing since I was about 12 years old (and creating stories for much longer). I wouldn't say I have any specific authors/stories that influence my writing; my characters dictate my stories, and my characters spring up organically. I like realistic characters--not completely wholesome or evil or... completely anything, because people aren't that one-sided, so that doesn't make sense. I like HEA endings (who doesn't?) BUT only when appropriate. If a story is better without one, that's just fine with me.