Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a part-time UK government worker, soon to retire. A former journalist, I have made various attempts to break into fiction without success until recently. I have written and published three books, with three more in the pipeline.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Short and sweet is a collection of short stories in a wide range of genre. I like writing short stories and sometimes publish them online but wanted to put together anthology to showcase some of my work. The stories were inspired by a wide range of events and experiences over my lifetime, different places, and different people. Some of the stories have been influenced by stories from history or from reading about science and space.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t think so. I tend to write either early in the morning or late at night, I sit at my keyboard in a cubby-hole room when I am feeling in a creative mood or sometimes I will sit relaxing in an armchair, typing on a laptop. I often think up stories while I am doing other things like riding my motorcycle or going for a long walk. I am definitely more creative when I am away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Of all the authors I have read, I think Raymond Chandler’s Marlowe novels have been the most influential. I have also picked up some of my approach from Stephen King, although I have only read a few of his books. Philip K. Dick I think gave me a sense of the fact/fiction dynamic and for anything sci-fi, Mary Shelley has to be the starting point. For historical work, I would say Conn Iggulden.
What are you working on now?
I am have just completed the first draft of an animal adventure novel: Run with the Pack which I am planning to publish on Amazon soon. A tale of survival written from the POV of two wolves. Other works in progress include a story of an astronaut who wakes up from hibernation for a journey that should have lasted three years to find out that she is not three years older but 128 years older! I have also completed a children’s picture book which has been edited and awaits a rewrite.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
facebook author page
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Just keep writing. Whatever your standard, whatever you think of your work and whatever others say, the only way it will improve is to keep at it.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
There will never be a better time to write than now.
What are you reading now?
Debi Alper, Nirvana Bites
What’s next for you as a writer?
Try to decide what genre is best for me
What is your favorite book of all time?
Melville Moby Dick
Author Websites and Profiles
Ray Taylor Website
Ray Taylor Amazon Profile
Ray Taylor’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile