Reader Stories: Who's Made a Difference to You?

While books on writing have a lot to say about the writing process, many valuable skills and strategies can be learned by studying the work -- as well as the lives -- of writers you admire. What writers have made a huge difference to your work or your life? Tell us a little bit about your favorite writers. (If you have a picture that's out of copyright, or one you took yourself, please feel free to upload it!)