I have been very much impacted by the short story/novelette format in science fiction and historical fiction genres. I like stories that are quick to tell, but take years of experience to understand. No particular author, though Bradbury and Wells were some of the earliest.

One of my favorites is "The Veldt". It taught me that "happy endings" all depends on your perspective, which is thought provoking and terrifying.

Btw I really like the content on your page. Post more about Norway! I spent almost a year in Värmland (SWE), and came to enjoy they "part Swedish part Norwegian" culture.