Re: Favourite writer.
I was greatly influenced by reading "The story of Gerda" by John Sutcliffe as it was serialised in Atomage. I later found the whole book and the story can be found on the net. I have just started writing my own stuff and I'm sure that Sutcliffe's influence is clear.
Does laziness breed creativity?
Yes. I also write poetry and sometimes wake at 3 am with a poem fully-formed in my mind. I deny writing these verses as I'm asleep. You can't get any more lazy than that!