I am an older gentleman, who has been a fan of sify-fantasy since the 1960s. I am presently writing my own novel in the "heroic hantasy" genre (about 120k words) and am putting the final polish on it before submitting. I have also had a short story published and a one act play produced. 
I normally avoid becoming tagged as a rabid fan of anything (Trekkie, Trekker, etc.") but a couple of years ago my teenage son turned me into a dedicated browncoat. Oh well, if you're gonna get trapped, better get trapped by the best. I am a fan of H. Beam Piper and H. P. Lovecraft (since 1962) one of my favorite movies is still "Forbidden Planet" which I saw in the theater as a child (the invisable "monster From the Id" scared the juices outta me). I also love Snne McCaffery's "Dragonriders of Pern" series and am eagerly looking forward to seeing the movie (if and) when it comes out in 2011.
Oh, and did I mention that I was an English major in college? Better not split any infinitives in MY presence!
Good luck and hunt well.