Left behind, in front

I consider my influences very important: not just who influences me today, but the more profound influences from who and what shaped my life. I think without them, I would not do what I want to do with life. So, this article is based on my earlier experiences as a grasshopper, knee high to a high knee.

At a very early age, I had a profound interest in abstract fiction which I now know is roundly called, 'speculative fiction', including science fiction, fantasy, and dark fiction (not necessarily horror, as that is also a profound word!)

My early influences include the English television series 'Chocky' by John Wyndham, another television show called Knightmare which in its day, was cutting edge television technology, the television series based on the ever popular The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, and there is a fourth television show I cannot remember the name of -- based on a spaceboy who came to earth, completely alone. In literature, James Herbert and Guy N Smith were my mentors, as were a number of authors that did not make the big time. Batman and He-Man led me in cartoons, followed by Scooby Doo and Captain Caveman in the humoured approach.

The comics Viz and Spike (strangely, I never read horror or speculative fiction comics! I bought Spike whenever I had the money and remember Iron Barr the goalkeeper as my hero. I even played the goalkeeper for my school - always thought he was the best). I did read other comics, but cannot remember the names. They were primarily sports and 'boys' reads. (no, not X-rated). My second hero was a rugby league player of whom I cannot remember the name (and the second, a runner) - let me know if any of this rings a bell!

I believe these earlier days had an impact on my later writing career. There are some well established names in my past that I think helped to shape who I am. Later, with Michael Crichton, Graham Masterton, and classics from Jack London, Mary Shelley, Bram Stoker, it is not surprising that my future led me to the corpse's door, to knock and meet the muse named Ancient, who now has me locked in a rusted cage I cannot break out of.

It is more interesting to look back at the path forged, to see who helped build it, than to look at the path ahead and see how I make it.