"I read very widely, both non-fiction and fiction, so I don't think there's a single writer who influences me"

This quote by Peter Benchley suggests that he is not affected by any one specific writer. Rather, he checks out extensively from both fiction and non-fiction sources, which permits him to draw motivation from a variety of sources. This might be interpreted as a sign of Benchley's independence as an author, as he is not relying on any one particular author to form his composing design. It could likewise be viewed as an indication of his objectivity, as he is willing to explore different categories and styles of writing. By reading extensively, Benchley is able to get a much better understanding of the craft of writing and develop his own unique style. Eventually, this quote recommends that Benchley is a self-motivated and independent author who is not scared to explore different genres and designs of writing.