Conversation so far:
When did Ray Bradbury start writing?
Ray Bradbury began writing his own stories at age 11, during the Great Depression — sometimes writing on the only available paper, butcher paper.
Are any of Ray Bradbury's ealier stories still around?
Bradbury published his first short story, “Hollerbochen’s Dilemma”, in the league’s “fanzine,” Imagination! He published his own fanzine, Futuria Fantasia, in 1939, which copies can still be found today.
Why did Ray Bradbury get into writing?
An aunt read Ray Bradbury short stories when he was a child. This period provided foundations for both the author and his stories.

Question: Did anyone influence him?
Self-contained rewrite: Did anyone influence Ray Bradbury?