TTBadguy, I totally feel you on that. My mom was a big reader so she encouraged it. Used to read while walking, always bumping into things (that's pretty dangerous though) and getting yelled at but somehow I just could not bring my self to put intersting books down. Started writing around the age of seven
Still not epic at it though. I have read alot from most of the authors you listed but any particular recommendations? You know, like the book your life would not be complete if you had not read