I've always enjoyed poetry and I started on Shel Silverstein when I was young. Poe became a huge inspiration later on. Other inspirations include Alvin Schwartz (writer) and Stephen Gammell (illustrator) who worked on the Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark book series. Various Hiphop artists played an integral part as well as Kevin Smith:screenwriter, actor, film producer, and director, as well as a popular comic book writer, author, comedian/raconteur, and podcaster, not only do I appreciate his work I appreciate his personable stage presence and personality. I've always loved wordplay and appreciated intricate ways just words can make you feel and give you a visual for what the writer is communicating to the reader. It's incredible how a combination of words can form something so amazing and memorable!! I also do music with my group Wicked Tyme, check us out via these links! http://www.facebook.com/WTthirteenoclock?ref=ts&fref=ts http://m.soundcloud.com/johnyarson https://mobile.twitter.com/WickedTyme http://www.reverbnation.com/WTthirteenoclock http://www.youtube.com/user/WTthirteenoclock