I actually get asked this so often, it's unreal. No, my series is nothing like Game of Thrones/ASOIAF. I like to think that my series is unique (as unique can get) and I don't really believe in comparing myself as an author and my works to that of other writers; only because no author is the same and we've all worked hard on individual ideas.
However, I will say that I've been inspired by writers like J.R.R. Tolkien, Bram Stoker, Gerorge R.R. Martin (to a certain extent) and Darren Shan.
I'm going to be honest - I have no idea! I love reading fantasy and historical fiction, watching TV series and films and (did I mention already) I cannot go a day without listening to music. I'll listen to anything from film soundtracks, classical music to pop or rock. Literally, anything (I even make an exception for the occasional gangster rap when a certain bad ass character calls for it). All of these things play a huge part in inspiring me and influencing my writing.
But really, I suppose the ideas just come to me mostly in the middle of really important things outside of writing, when I don't have a pen or piece of paper to write it all down - because that's just my luck. I have been told that my ideas for books can get a little dark (which is great, since I write dark fantasy) and verging on disturbing sometimes. I'm never too sure whether I should take that as a compliment or if I should go and see a therapist (can I do both?) But as long as no one is getting hurt or offended by it then, hey - I must be doing something right.
Yes, absolutely! I love writing Dark Fantasy in particular because, not only do I find it can be a gruesomely awesome genre in general, it really allows me to delve deep into the darker side of humanity. My books tackle loads of different issues - depression, suicide, alcoholism; sexism and racism, physical disablities and so much more. These kinds of things need to be talked about, whether they're pleasant or not. Unfortunately, they do make up a huge part of our society.