Writing short stories led to me start a story that isn't short at all. It's a work in progress, but I hope it will be worth reading when it's done. I don't know that these authors necessarily influenced the way I write, but the writers I enjoy include: Lois McMaster Bujold, Patrick O'Brian, Terry Pratchett and Georgette Heyer. My other hobby is making lolcats, and, I once made the homepage at icanhazcheezburger. My family and friends showed a resounding lack of impressedness.