Many books have shaped the way I live and think. Books on money, fantasy stories sci-fi, religion and many more. It all started with children's stories but I think The Book that made me read is: "THE BLACK ARROW BY Robert Louis Stevenson."

A medieval adventure which showed me how many of the days current writers of books and films had borrowed from this not so well known classic. The King- Richard Crookback, his cronies and well meaning supporters. Our hero - Dick Shelton - being drawn into the war for the throne of England. How he is made "alive" in the pages. Slowly we track his growth, rather feel his emotions and absorb his understanding. The heroin meets our Dick the first time riding in the guise of a man. The twists of this relationship and how they bond is another undercurrent to the story. The battle scenes are fantastic and I still read them when I need to create my own. Another item which RLS uses to a great effect is 'mystery' How Dick's father died? or Who is the Black Arrow? or Who is the spy?

For many this book may lack the 'seriousness' or 'philosophy' but what it did was introduce to me the joy of good writing- so there.