Hands down. Many Feathers. His stories have always been inspiring to me as a writer. I love the twists and turns in most of his stories. Like reading an erotic mystery at times. But more importantly, his themes always travel outside of the norm. Just reading his works gives me the desire to emulate his work, pattern my own writing off his in many ways.
Once here and writing as Thesandman, I think his talent then...and certainly now, deserves this recognition.
I nominate PepperPace. Have you read her stories? She's a beast....talk about opening up my eyes to things that I didn't have much information about. I feel like a expert on CP now that I've read her story Wheels of Steel. Who can turn a story about a girl getting beat up and dating a homeless man, into something completely sexy? I have more to say....but I dont want to be long winded.
PepperPace - wonderful writer who brings a realism to her incredibly deep, and erotic stories. Wheels of Steel had me laughing and crying and I couldn't wait for the next installment. Pep also inspired me to start writing again, and if that's not influential; I don't know what is.
It is so hard to choice from Jazcullen, Ginatina, and Pepperpace. Hell if HRKW was around she would definalty be my top vote. but I really have to go with Gina on this one she got attracted to dark elves, hell she got me reading a story about elves and I would normally pass up things like that.
SuperHeroRalph, or whoever the Hell s/he is, despite the ragging and bullshit got one thing right: "My advice to those writing their first story, just do it. Just write and fuck what others write about you. They're just jealous.
"It's not about them. It's not even so much about you. It's about the story. You must write the story. The story needs to be written. Develop your characters because, when you do, your writing suddenly becomes inspired."
So no more bashing. If you have to write, write. Or as we say in my Church, "work, pray or get out of the way."
The point here is to nominate the writer who influenced me most in 2010. There may be better writers, but I nominate dweaver999 for the Valerie series. His multiple series and individual stories tore my guts out, rearranged them, and got me writing again after 50 years. I have only 7 entries, only 1 "H", but I am trying. I may be quibbling with grammar and syntax, but he set the bar.
I know the rules say only the first nomination counts, and my second choice has been gone from Lit for years, but I want to acknowledge the influence of Sir_Nathan for Culture_Shock. As a psychological case study that is jarringly real, it is a classic.
Although I cannot top what lostchicken said earlier (girl, that was beautiful and exactly what I wanted to say), I will still write the reasons for my nomination in my own words as a dedication to my fav authoress.
There are so many awesome authors here on Lit. So many of them even better than some of the published ones that I have read over the years. So much talent here.
My favorite genre is sci-fi/fantasy and am not much into vamp stuff either (I am a sucker for romance though). But once I started reading FTI, I simply got hooked. My first addiction, so to speak.
She has consistently delivered great chapters one after the other & it only keeps getting better. She had already completed 4 series when I first found her. I lost three nights sleep over them and never regretted the terrible hangovers or the hair I lost due to sleep deprivation. LOL. Even now, I remember parking my car to read a newly published chapter when I was on my way to work. She is that good.
She has created so many great characters in her series. (Annie, Lacey, Jen, Loretta, Cedar, Freya, Rayne, Millie, Mara and their alpha-males to name a few). Each one being very special, very different and very close to my heart. That really is no small feat. I have LMAO at their antics, LOLed with them, cursed at their fuck-ups and even shed those extremely rare, errant tears at a few occasions when they were experiencing heartbreak (I take my hunky rep seriously!)
Not only that, she always replies to feedbacks. Must say, I never expected her to be so humble & friendly. If I was so good at what I did, I might have been a pompous, egocentric bastard. LOL.
I would also like to mention "bashfullyshameless" here. Angels, Demons and Alex was awesome. Absolutely loved the romance between Lori & Alex (black pearl choker?! Fire dance?! Freaking awesome). Dude, keep writing.
I am a painter not a writer, so ignore any literary blunders I made here.
Well this and sexiest male were tough choices for me. Big fan of both authors! well went with one authors character so hopefully this is where I make it up to the other author
Most influential author
Wickedwendydru!
and if I could pick two male characters Shar'andath would be the second.