Being a father to 5 and a grandfather to 9 I've been spinning yarns to them for about 20 years! My first novel is based on one of those yarns told over and over to keep them safe. Pushed by them all to begin putting yarns into print I did just that. I also have a beginning readers series recently published. I enjoy simple poetry and have one poem published as well.   The true motivation for my writing is the love of telling a good story and seeing the smiles along with hearing the laughter of those who enjoy it. I firmly believe the most contagious things in the world are smiles and laughter and since both are completely free I intend to spread them as much as possible.   The authors I find have influenced me the most are ones like Samuel Clemons (Mark Twain), Frank L. Baum, and even ones like Dr. Suess. They have all brought the adventures of imagination to life and influenced so othersmany by doing so. If I can acheive but a small percent of the smiles and laughter they have then I have truly been successful in my endeavors to write.