Roger Zelazny–Multiple Hugo and Nebula (and just about every other major genre award) winner. One of the greatest wordsmiths of all time in my opinion, and he did it without ever sounding pretentious!

Harlan Ellison—Literary giant and curmudgeon with a heart of gold. For being Harlan and for his ability to infuse stories with his unforgettable voice.

Robert A. Heinlein–Science Fiction Grand Master. I’m especially partial to his early “juvenile” books.

Walt Disney–Creative genius and a sterling example of how to market, brand, and build an empire out of one’s intellectual properties.

So…who’s influenced your writing?