I absolutely love to read, I cannot envision a day without doing so.  I was a counselor and a data analyst in my former life, but am now focusing on my writing. I have been reading mysteries since I was a little kid, and was influenced by the Hardy Boys, then Sherlock Holmes.  I also have an inkling to write some horror (although not bloody and graphic), so Stephen King's early works were a great influence (loved 'Salem's Lot).