I have been an avid reader of horror and science-fiction since I was a small boy growing up in London. Beginning with DC Comics featuring Superman, Batman Green Lantern and others. I soon progressed to full length books by every scienc-fiction author from Asimov to Zelazny. These were quickly followed by horror masterpieces from such greats as Stephen King, Dean Koontz and James Herbert. If pressed, I would have to say that my greatest influences have been Herbert and King. Their styles of writing, although quite different, both focus heavily on the human element.