Before I was 13, I had read my way through the entire works of Tolkein, as well as such classics as Catch-22, Les Miserables, and a large chunk of Shakespear, Poe, and Jules Vern. With such an eclectic mix of material behind me, I concentrated on horror science fiction, fantasy, and comedy materials, eventually discovering writers like Stephen King, James Herbert, Piers Anthony, Terry Pratchett, Orson Scott-Card, Arthur C Clarke, and so many more.
When I started writing, I was very heavily influenced by the more modern genres, and slowly drifted into fantasy and urban fantasy. I love the humour of Dean Koontz's "Odd Thomas", Terry Pratchett 's Discworld series, and the more down-to-earth feel of Jim Butcher's "Dresden Files".
I'm currently working on a complete re-write of my first novel. It's an urban fantasy set in Seattle, and will tie into a series, which will be co-written with Sandi Bateson, my wife. Her first book is already finished, so I have to match details and timelines.