My major influences are horror and sci fi.  But while learning to write, I spent much time exploring classic literature.  I have read works by all three Bronti sisters, Herman Melville, DH Lawrence, Charles Dickens, Bram Stoker, and Mary Shelley.

I love getting frightened, and intrigued.  Stephen King was the first writer I absorbed in near totality, and then it was Carlos Castaneda.  From there I went to Anne Rice, and then Robert Silverberg.  Currently I'm reading everything by Jon Krakauer.