Writers on Writing: Tanya R. Taylor

Tanya R. Taylor has worn many hats throughout the years as a wife, mother, entrepreneur, and author (just to name a few). She has been writing since she could remember holding a pencil and published her first book titled: A Killing Rage as a young adult. She is now the author of both fiction and non-fiction literature. All of her books have made Amazon kindle’s Top 100 Paid Best-sellers’ List in several categories. Cornelius climbed to #1 in the Teen & Young-adult Multi-Generational Family Fiction category in November 2015. And her supernatural, suspense/thriller – INFESTATION: A Small Town Nightmare: The Complete Series was #1 multiple times in the Amazon UK store in the Religious Drama category, March 2016.

Tanya writes in various genres including: Paranormal Romance, Fantasy, Thrillers, Science fiction, Mystery and Suspense.

What is the most important thing you’ve learned about writing?

The most important thing I’ve learned is that writing is a craft that one must truly enjoy and have a passion for if he or she is to continue the course. The reason there must be enjoyment and passion is because writing a book requires a lot of time, effort, creativity and sacrifice. I know what it’s like to have a deadline to meet and I’m the only one up at three o’clock in the morning or at home alone typing away on my PC on a holiday while my husband and kids are out having a good time. With all that it takes to get the story out there, you don’t know if anyone would even like it or want to give it a read. That’s why the desire to write must be stronger than the need to know if your efforts would be fruitful financially. It’s a chance you take because your passion is ingrained within the craft.

How has this helped you as a writer?

 

Each time I’ve written a book, somewhere towards the end, I always wondered if anyone would enjoy the story or find it the least bit interesting. That can take a toll on you if you allow it to. Bearing in mind that I’m only following my passion is what gives me the confidence to put my work out there for the world to see and quietly hope that it brings others enjoyment as well. Furthermore, I realize that there was a reason the story came to mind in the first place and unfolded the way it did – many times taking on a life of its own. It’s amazing how that happens and I’m often gratified by the responses I receive after having taken the leap.

 

Mac or PC?

 

I use a PC. My work station is in a corner of my bedroom.

Do you use Word or Scrivener?

 

Microsoft Word is my program of choice. I have been using it for many years.

 

Do you write or take notes with an iPad or tablet?

 

I often use a lined legal pad. I prefer those for writing my outlines and taking notes.

 

Do you have any writing rituals?

 

I usually start writing early in the morning and continue for several hours. I think it’s the best time of day for me when my thoughts flow very easily, then late at night after everyone goes to sleep.

I also create an outline before starting my stories. I do not depend upon it totally as the story progresses, but use it mainly as a tool to ensure that the points I want included will be inserted where appropriate.

 

Do you start by writing or researching first?

 

I spend quite a bit of time researching first if my story requires some in-depth knowledge of something in particular. I like to get that out of the way, so that afterwards, I can dive right into the plot with a free flow of thoughts without the research aspect of the project on my mind.

Favorite spot to write in the winter?

 

At my home work station in my bedroom.

Favorite spot to write in the summer?

 

In my car at the beach.

Visit Tanya’s website for the latest news.