I love writers all across the board, but one who influenced me very directly at the beginning was Mary Renault.
“On my income tax 1040 it says 'Check this box if you are blind.' I wanted to put a check mark about three inches away.”
“Being forced to work, and forced to do your best, will breed in you temperance and self-control, diligence and strength of will, cheerfulness and content, and a hundred virtues which the idle will never know.”