My first and most inspirational influence is Stephen King. He's beyond a horror writer; he knows the human psyche ridiculously well. That's how he can scare the bejesus out of someone and at the same time allow you into the hearts and minds of his characters. I also admire Alice Seabold for her strength and for her ability to write non-fiction/memoir and fiction with the same amount of passion. Ray Bradbury, Simon Clark, Richard Laymon and Shakespeare all are favorites and influences.

Aside from writing, I also teach cemetery art classes and have been a featured speaker at a number of genealogical and historical societies.