Do you remember the first story you read that had a really big impact on you?
Actually there were two "oldies but goodies" I found in a used bookstore and read just before I turned nineteen: "The Adventurers" and "The Betsy" both by Harold Robbins. I led a very sheltered life growing up (as I share in my book "From Sheltered to Show-Off"). I liked "The Adventurers" so much I looked for another title by Robbins, I didn't care what it was. Quite by chance it was "The Betsy" which gave me a better understanding of the politics behind the closed doors of big business, and as a result was a big help in my career moves.
Which type of writers inspire you?
All of the writers who have exciting tales in their stories. As for adventure stories, the first two that instantly come to mind are Stephen King and Dan Brown. You never know what twist or turn is coming next!
Mostly, I enjoy books that progress in an orderly fashion, includes "cozies" by writers such as Lee Child, Michael Connelly, and J. A. Jance. Procedural stories always intrigue me because there is a logical progression to the story's outcome.
For recreational reading, I enjoy "funny fiction" provided by the many books written by Janet Evanovich and Carl Hiaasen.
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