Do you remember the first story you ever wrote?
The "first" first? I was in grade school. It was a sci-fi short story about whales; I got a passing grade, even with my awful penmanship. The bulk of my writing was technical specs in my days as an architectural draftsman for the construction industry; then as a continuity writer in broadcasting, that is, composing copy for commercials and radio shows. I've also done a bit of writing as a music journalist for localized music rags. The creative side of my writing exploded when I discovered screenwriting, which transported me into the world of fiction and non-fiction writing.
Do you remember the first story you ever read, and the impact it had on you?
I was in middle school. For short stories; The Rollerball Murders by William Harrison, which was adapted and directed brilliantly by Norman Jewison. For novels, it was 2001: A Space Odyssey by Arthur C. Clarke. I wrote book reports on each. Clarke is right up there with Stephen King. He just takes your breath away, with you wishing this "world" really did exist.
Read more of this interview.