I began writing in high school, but being dyslexic held me back for a long time.  Especially since I didn't know I was dyslexic until I was in my 40's. Major influences came first from Stephen King.  I wanted to be the female version. But that didn't happen.  Mainly I was big into vampires.  Back then it wasn't "cool" to be into vampires like it is now. I watched all the older horror flicks, and when some writer came out with something about vampires, I sampled it.  Didn't like Anne Rice, though.  I don't like literary fiction. I discovered, however, that I really enjoyed fantasy.  J.K. Rowling showed this to me, and as yet she is my very favorite author.  After reading the 3rd Harry Potter novel, I was hooked on them, but also, I knew there was a novel inside of me wanting out.  So, I wrote my own--adult fantasy--filled with crazy characters, imbued with mystery, danger, and some humor as well. I plan on writing my Zofia Chronicles until I run out of ideas--which I haven't happened as yet.  My first self-published novel came out in the fall of 2008, and at the book signing I sold 17 out of 24 books! I'm currently writing another strickly vampire book (as well as sequel to my first novel).  no matter what else I've written I've always wanted to write the vampire novel that will make it in book form for people to enjoy this dark side of me.