I am a fan of James Michener's writing, following people through the years. I wrote nonfiction until someone in my read and critique group suggested I try a novel. I did, and have loved writing novels ever since. It's like playing dolls when I was young where I could dress the dolls, speak for them, and put them in whatever situations I wanted.  

I have a framed letter James Michener wrote to me in response to a letter I sent him about one of his books.
I was president of the Alpine, CA Writers Guild and am currently president of the Garner, NC Writers Guild.