I used to write science-oriented feature articles for the 'lay folk'. Finally occurred to me what I REALLY wanted was to write science fiction. So of course I wound up instead as an independent insurance broker specializing in benefits. (Go figure, right?) Eventually, though, Fate slapped a copy of C.J. Cherryh's "Chanur' series into my hand and I realized I have just GOT to start telling my stories. So I went back and re-read all my youthful favorites: Poul Anderson, Robert Heinlein, Niven & Pournelle, and finally parked my spreading gluteus maximus more...