I can't remember not being able to read and have always enjoyed playing with words, some of them are just too much fun not to say. Try saying 'crackerjack' without enjoying it, I dare you. My favorite things to read in any genre are from people with a skewed viewpoint, who are unafraid to see the world in a completely unique way. After a lifetime of immersion in some really great stories and a plethora of unworthy ones, my tolerance for poorly thought out fiction is very low. When I created my story, it had to meet some very lofty criteria; it had to entertain me on all the levels. There needed to be rich characters, a well plotted story line with an ending conceived in advance, an interesting world to play in and many laughs. My series of books is also full of Easter eggs and other tasty morsels that are my way of thanking the many who have entertained me along the way, especially Bruce Springsteen but Star Trek is fairly well represented as well. Travellers welcome!