I picked up my first Ray Bradbury book, R is for Rocket, back in 1974. From that book forward, I became mesmerized. I went on to develop an intense love of science fiction. I know Ray has in the past refused the label as a sci-fi writer, but that's the path I followed. I picked up Asimov and Heinlein next, but my true love of writing comes from Ray.

I like to think his influence shows in my writing. His book Zen in the Art of Writing is an incredibly inspiring book, one I recommend to many. I sincerely wish I had motivated to meeting Ray over the years. Looking back, meeting Ray Bradbury would have been a pinnacle in my life.

In many ways, though, in reading his work, don't you feel you know him somewhat? I remember reading I Sing the Body Electric and wondering what human could write such incredible stories.

I feel fortunate to have writing as a passion. I feel even more fortunate to have discovered Ray at such an early age because I believe his writing influence to be one of the finest around.

Writing is a craft, something practiced and polished and placed on display. When I read the Martian Chronicles, Ray's description of the country setting back on earth conjured my senses as no writer had ever been able to do for me. I could hear and touch and smell autumn from mere words! Oh the power of words I learned from that book overwhelmed me.

Thank you Ray for incredible stories. I know I am but one of legions of fans. I cannot pick a favorite Bradbury story. Too many wondrous works to even attempt to do so.

What about you?

Well, I was writing before I heard of Ray, but count me in that he inspired me to keep writing and made me much better at it.