Laura Taylor Interviewed by Simon Duringer
Published on October 19, 2013
Laura Taylor Interview
Here it is... The one, the only, the Queen of romance writers! Winner of far too many awards to list and with 1.5 million + books sold worldwide, this is an author and veteran of the publishing industry worth dropping everything for! Read about her thoughts on writing, the publishing industry and organisations to join in pursuit of success! Only on Simons 10 Q Interviews. Live NOW!!!
via: http://simonduringer.com/?p=418
SD Q1: You are an incredible novelist, role model to many and veteran of the publishing industry. At what age did you first become interested in writing and who or what finally inspired you to make the transition from reader to professional writer?
LT A1: My grandmother was responsible for inspiring my childhood dream of becoming a writer. I was a painfully shy child, and she saw a need for me to become more communicative and to have a greater understanding of myself and my thoughts. She called the first journal she gave to me at age 6 my Book of Dreams.
Although my academic pursuits, as well as my Bachelor of Science Degree, focused on law enforcement, that world proved quite harrowing at times. I had been journaling since childhood, and I was also an avid reader – both journaling and reading served as significant stress relievers. I think I walked a natural seeker’s path to my writing career, which I undertook at age 30 when my interest in criminology waned.
I never thought I could do a better job than already published writers, but the more I read, the more I longed to be a part of that creative community. And so, I took the plunge and began my first novel at age 30 after a life threatening bout with cancer. Becoming ill taught me to establish my priorities and to focus on them. Writing and the pursuit of a healthy lifestyle remain dual priorities all these years later.
SD Q2: You appear to have grasped electronic publishing firmly and with both hands achieving 500,000 downloads to date in addition to the incredible 1 million paperbacks you have sold. What is your impression of the publishing industry today and what does the future hold for the next generation of authors?
LT A2: My impression of publishing today is that the paradigm is shifting dramatically, and the possibilities for future generations of writers are limitless. That’s the good news. The tougher news, at least from my perspective as both a veteran writer and editor, is establishing the highest possible standards for our books.
When a writer takes on the Author-Publisher role, that writer is replacing more than a few dozen people and a corporate structure from the traditional publishing world. The onus is now on the writer to be realistic and pragmatic when establishing a viable book production team.
I would never presume to do this work alone. I am not fully qualified, despite having spent 30 years in this industry. I work with a brilliant artist, a young woman who grasps my vision for the faces of my books, a formatter who is also a skilled writer, and another very successful writer who acts as my social media consultant. Like all writers, my goal is to reach readers and to entertain them – that happens one reader at a time, one book at a time. That is one of the few things that has not changed during the preceding 30 years.
SD Q3: Romantic Times Lifetime Achievement nominations, Reviewers Choice awards, Georgia Romance Writers (GRW) MAGGIE awards, Romance Writers of America (RWA) – Golden Heart, Golden Roses and RITA awards… You’ve won or been nominated for each and every one. In your career to date, which award are you most proud of winning and why?
LT A3: Although I am deeply appreciative that my industry has honoured me with numerous book review and peer awards, the most meaningful award is that which is expressed to me through the loyalty of my readers. Romance readers are truly unique. They are the readers who open their hearts and make vulnerable their own emotions as they read my books. Their letters, their praise, their laughter and their tears – those are the true awards of my writing life; those are the awards that reside in my heart, inspire me to continue to write, and nurture me when life becomes particularly challenging. I am in the midst of an endless love affair with my readers.
SD Q4: With 1.5 million sales, that’s a huge fan base and sending each reader a Christmas card might be a big ask! Do you receive much by way of fan mail and if so how do you keep up with responses?
LT A4: Many readers routinely reach out to me, and I am often challenged to keep up with the flow of correspondence. Technology being what it is, most are now willing to check my Twitter and Facebook accounts for updates. And for that blessing, I am truly grateful.
SD Comment: Just in case anyone would like to friend or to follow Laura on Twitter of Facebook, here are the links;
Facebook: LauraTaylorRomanceWriter
Twitter: AuthorLTaylor
SD Q5: Which of your books did you get most pleasure from writing and why?
LT A5: Moment by Moment comes to mind as a personal favourite – I was able to situate a very sensual love story, which is what I invariably write, at my favourite local beach, as well as reflect creatively on a component of law enforcement within the larger framework of a tumultuous romance. It’s been particularly well received by readers since its release last month as an eBook.
I must confess, romance readers in this digital age are utterly remarkable. This year, I have re-released updated eBook editions of some of my backlist books – Desert Rose, Midnight Storm, Heartbreaker, More than Friends, Fallen Angel, Wilder’s Woman & Moment by Moment – and the reception has been nothing short of astounding. I am absolutely thrilled by the response! I’m also delighted to share with everyone the fact that I will re-release many more eBooks in 2014.
SD Q6: You are whisked away to a more romantic era and find yourself at a themed ‘time-warp’ ball. You must provide a completed dance card to the ushers in order to exit and return home. Given that you can choose anybody from any era in time to dance with, which three individuals would top your list and why?
LT A6:
Dance 1: My lover, because I adore being in his arms.
Dance 2: My late father, because he taught me to waltz when I was just 14, and I treasure that memory.
Dance 3: And you, Simon, because you asked the question!
SD Comment: Me? I am honoured, but must prepare…your second dance was the Waltz, so which should we dance, and what music should we glide to?
LT Answer: I love the mystery of the waltz – it speaks to shared conversation and private laughter – and it would be my dance of choice with everyone on my list. And my music of choice would be a subtle version of Tchaikovsky’s classic waltz from Act II of Swan Lake. Alas, I have a romantic heart!
SD Q7: You are a founder member of Novels, Inc. What motivated you to be a part of this organisation and what does it offer to authors, how/where can one sign up?
LT A7: I am very proud of my participation as one of the Original 25 Founding Members of Novelists, Inc. (NINC). The organization functions as an advocate for multi-published member writers who reside across the globe. There are plenty of opportunities for those interested in exploring NINC membership opportunities:
Another organization that I highly recommend is based in the UK. It’s The Alliance of Independent Authors (ALLi), and it is headed by my talented colleague, Orna Ross.
SD Q8: You have written a large number of Romantic novels since the 90′s, what actually is the total and do you think there is a limited amount an author can continue to deliver at such a high standard before becoming complacent or adhering to a predictable formula?
LT A8: I honestly cannot imagine becoming complacent when I write a love story. It doesn’t matter how many books I write in the future or have written in the past. What matters is the joy and passion that I am able to bring to each novel. I treat each and every book, from the first moments of conceptualization to the final execution of that concept, with the respect and love that my hero and heroine offer to each other. I make a promise to the readers each time I begin a novel. In a nutshell, I take a vow to give them my very best effort with every single word that I write. A lesser standard does both writer and reader a disservice.
SD Q9: A lot of talented authors seem to give up on their dreams as the negative responses come back from publishers. What advice would you give to those wishing to enter the literary world today and do you think it is becoming too crowded a place for talented authors to break through the mire?
LT A9: Talent is like cream. It rises to the top.
In my view, traditional publishing fails everyone when it neglects to contract the books of midlist writers. That is where the stars of the future once got their start. That is the pool of talent that must be allowed to emerge and find its legs with every generation of writers. In that talent pool we once discovered the stars of an entire generation.
Currently, traditional publishing appears to be dropping the ball. Fewer and fewer debut novels are being purchased, and fewer and fewer writers are being groomed by traditional publishing. Incredibly talented people are being ignored or rejected at every turn by traditional publishing. Personally, I am appalled that they don’t seem able to adapt their business model to the digital age.
Fortunately, however, talented writers are finding their way to the ranks of the Independent Author-Publisher. Their attention to detail and their willingness to write and produce their own books gives me optimism that those luminous talents will successfully forge a path through the mire in order to be acknowledged for their creative skill. Readers will discover and validate them. My caution to all of these writers would be as follows: be scrupulous, pay attention to the details, don’t get in a hurry, and never forget that a great book concept does not guarantee a skilled execution. The latter takes time, patience, editing, and then more editing!
SD Q10:
Hypothetically, if you were to host Simons 10 Q Interviews, who would be your first guest and why?
LT A10: My first guest would be a dedicated romance reader, simply because romance readers fascinate me. I love listening to them speak about what attracts them to certain types of book, especially romance novels.
SD Comment: Laura, thank you very much for your time, your answers have been both open and informative, now I should tale my leave and venture out to get my feet into shape for our Waltz!
A run down of titles relisted and review snippets to Laura’s credit are listed below;
(Click on the title to purchase from the UK. For US, DE, CA & US use links at the end of the post)
Desert Rose: “If you like patriotic, tough as nails military guys with a sensitive side, read this!”
Midnight Storm: “It’s got everything – love, lust, action, suspense, and great characters!”
Heartbreaker: “Storytelling at its all-time best!”
More than Friends: “Another superb romance from Laura Taylor … I could not stop reading this book!”
Fallen Angel: “Excellence continues!”
Wilder’s Woman: “Romance at its finest!”
Moment by Moment: “Captivating, exquisitely written, and heart-warming.”
Interviewer Simon Duringer’s 5* Amazon rated thriller Stray Bullet can be purchased at;
The Laura Taylor interview took place on 18 October 2013
Simon Duringer © 2013.
MOMENT BY MOMENT: “Laura Taylor explores the risks of love with sensitive precision. A chance meeting on a California beach between a soul-weary documentary filmmaker and a beautiful former cop leads first to friendship and then to something much deeper. But can these two people overcome bitter lessons of the past to build a lasting relationship? Ms. Taylor’s superb characterization and haunting ambiance will leave a lasting impression on your heart.” ROMANTIC TIMES Book Reviews
Amazon US link
Amazon DE link
Amazon CA link
WILDER’S WOMAN: Former federal prosecutor, now ex-con, Craig Wilder once symbolized the very best of the justice system, until a vengeful man and a faithless wife transformed his world into a living hell. No one knows the true extent of the damage done to Victim Advocate Tasha Lockridge – not even ex-husband Craig Wilder. Tasha’s fierce determination fuels her now that she’s found the evidence to vindicate Craig. She vows to fight for him, for the restoration of his reputation, for a reversal of his conviction, and for the rescue of his soul. Convincing Craig that she is his best ally is just the first battle in their seductive war of wills. This is a war Tasha intends to win. Only then will Craig Wilder realize that Tasha Lockridge has always been and will always be … WILDER’S WOMAN.
Amazon US link
Amazon DE link
Amazon CA link
FALLEN ANGEL: “In Fallen Angel a lovely explosives expert retires to life as a specialty shop owner in Northern Nevada and falls in love with a high-powered lawyer. But can he accept who and what she has been? Multiple Award-Winning Romance Writer Laura Taylor touches our hearts with her sensitive perception of two wary lovers who find renewal in each other’s arms.” ROMANTIC TIMES Book Reviews
AMAZON US link
AMAZON DE link
AMAZON CA link
Laura Taylor Interview
Here it is... The one, the only, the Queen of romance writers! Winner of far too many awards to list and with 1.5 million + books sold worldwide, this is an author and veteran of the publishing industry worth dropping everything for! Read about her thoughts on writing, the publishing industry and organisations to join in pursuit of success! Only on Simons 10 Q Interviews. Live NOW!!!
via: http://simonduringer.com/?p=418
SD Q1: You are an incredible novelist, role model to many and veteran of the publishing industry. At what age did you first become interested in writing and who or what finally inspired you to make the transition from reader to professional writer?
LT A1: My grandmother was responsible for inspiring my childhood dream of becoming a writer. I was a painfully shy child, and she saw a need for me to become more communicative and to have a greater understanding of myself and my thoughts. She called the first journal she gave to me at age 6 my Book of Dreams.
Although my academic pursuits, as well as my Bachelor of Science Degree, focused on law enforcement, that world proved quite harrowing at times. I had been journaling since childhood, and I was also an avid reader – both journaling and reading served as significant stress relievers. I think I walked a natural seeker’s path to my writing career, which I undertook at age 30 when my interest in criminology waned.
I never thought I could do a better job than already published writers, but the more I read, the more I longed to be a part of that creative community. And so, I took the plunge and began my first novel at age 30 after a life threatening bout with cancer. Becoming ill taught me to establish my priorities and to focus on them. Writing and the pursuit of a healthy lifestyle remain dual priorities all these years later.
SD Q2: You appear to have grasped electronic publishing firmly and with both hands achieving 500,000 downloads to date in addition to the incredible 1 million paperbacks you have sold. What is your impression of the publishing industry today and what does the future hold for the next generation of authors?
LT A2: My impression of publishing today is that the paradigm is shifting dramatically, and the possibilities for future generations of writers are limitless. That’s the good news. The tougher news, at least from my perspective as both a veteran writer and editor, is establishing the highest possible standards for our books.
When a writer takes on the Author-Publisher role, that writer is replacing more than a few dozen people and a corporate structure from the traditional publishing world. The onus is now on the writer to be realistic and pragmatic when establishing a viable book production team.
I would never presume to do this work alone. I am not fully qualified, despite having spent 30 years in this industry. I work with a brilliant artist, a young woman who grasps my vision for the faces of my books, a formatter who is also a skilled writer, and another very successful writer who acts as my social media consultant. Like all writers, my goal is to reach readers and to entertain them – that happens one reader at a time, one book at a time. That is one of the few things that has not changed during the preceding 30 years.
SD Q3: Romantic Times Lifetime Achievement nominations, Reviewers Choice awards, Georgia Romance Writers (GRW) MAGGIE awards, Romance Writers of America (RWA) – Golden Heart, Golden Roses and RITA awards… You’ve won or been nominated for each and every one. In your career to date, which award are you most proud of winning and why?
LT A3: Although I am deeply appreciative that my industry has honoured me with numerous book review and peer awards, the most meaningful award is that which is expressed to me through the loyalty of my readers. Romance readers are truly unique. They are the readers who open their hearts and make vulnerable their own emotions as they read my books. Their letters, their praise, their laughter and their tears – those are the true awards of my writing life; those are the awards that reside in my heart, inspire me to continue to write, and nurture me when life becomes particularly challenging. I am in the midst of an endless love affair with my readers.
SD Q4: With 1.5 million sales, that’s a huge fan base and sending each reader a Christmas card might be a big ask! Do you receive much by way of fan mail and if so how do you keep up with responses?
LT A4: Many readers routinely reach out to me, and I am often challenged to keep up with the flow of correspondence. Technology being what it is, most are now willing to check my Twitter and Facebook accounts for updates. And for that blessing, I am truly grateful.
SD Comment: Just in case anyone would like to friend or to follow Laura on Twitter of Facebook, here are the links;
Facebook: LauraTaylorRomanceWriter
Twitter: AuthorLTaylor
SD Q5: Which of your books did you get most pleasure from writing and why?
LT A5: Moment by Moment comes to mind as a personal favourite – I was able to situate a very sensual love story, which is what I invariably write, at my favourite local beach, as well as reflect creatively on a component of law enforcement within the larger framework of a tumultuous romance. It’s been particularly well received by readers since its release last month as an eBook.
I must confess, romance readers in this digital age are utterly remarkable. This year, I have re-released updated eBook editions of some of my backlist books – Desert Rose, Midnight Storm, Heartbreaker, More than Friends, Fallen Angel, Wilder’s Woman & Moment by Moment – and the reception has been nothing short of astounding. I am absolutely thrilled by the response! I’m also delighted to share with everyone the fact that I will re-release many more eBooks in 2014.
SD Q6: You are whisked away to a more romantic era and find yourself at a themed ‘time-warp’ ball. You must provide a completed dance card to the ushers in order to exit and return home. Given that you can choose anybody from any era in time to dance with, which three individuals would top your list and why?
LT A6:
Dance 1: My lover, because I adore being in his arms.
Dance 2: My late father, because he taught me to waltz when I was just 14, and I treasure that memory.
Dance 3: And you, Simon, because you asked the question!
SD Comment: Me? I am honoured, but must prepare…your second dance was the Waltz, so which should we dance, and what music should we glide to?
LT Answer: I love the mystery of the waltz – it speaks to shared conversation and private laughter – and it would be my dance of choice with everyone on my list. And my music of choice would be a subtle version of Tchaikovsky’s classic waltz from Act II of Swan Lake. Alas, I have a romantic heart!
SD Q7: You are a founder member of Novels, Inc. What motivated you to be a part of this organisation and what does it offer to authors, how/where can one sign up?
LT A7: I am very proud of my participation as one of the Original 25 Founding Members of Novelists, Inc. (NINC). The organization functions as an advocate for multi-published member writers who reside across the globe. There are plenty of opportunities for those interested in exploring NINC membership opportunities:
Another organization that I highly recommend is based in the UK. It’s The Alliance of Independent Authors (ALLi), and it is headed by my talented colleague, Orna Ross.
SD Q8: You have written a large number of Romantic novels since the 90′s, what actually is the total and do you think there is a limited amount an author can continue to deliver at such a high standard before becoming complacent or adhering to a predictable formula?
LT A8: I honestly cannot imagine becoming complacent when I write a love story. It doesn’t matter how many books I write in the future or have written in the past. What matters is the joy and passion that I am able to bring to each novel. I treat each and every book, from the first moments of conceptualization to the final execution of that concept, with the respect and love that my hero and heroine offer to each other. I make a promise to the readers each time I begin a novel. In a nutshell, I take a vow to give them my very best effort with every single word that I write. A lesser standard does both writer and reader a disservice.
SD Q9: A lot of talented authors seem to give up on their dreams as the negative responses come back from publishers. What advice would you give to those wishing to enter the literary world today and do you think it is becoming too crowded a place for talented authors to break through the mire?
LT A9: Talent is like cream. It rises to the top.
In my view, traditional publishing fails everyone when it neglects to contract the books of midlist writers. That is where the stars of the future once got their start. That is the pool of talent that must be allowed to emerge and find its legs with every generation of writers. In that talent pool we once discovered the stars of an entire generation.
Currently, traditional publishing appears to be dropping the ball. Fewer and fewer debut novels are being purchased, and fewer and fewer writers are being groomed by traditional publishing. Incredibly talented people are being ignored or rejected at every turn by traditional publishing. Personally, I am appalled that they don’t seem able to adapt their business model to the digital age.
Fortunately, however, talented writers are finding their way to the ranks of the Independent Author-Publisher. Their attention to detail and their willingness to write and produce their own books gives me optimism that those luminous talents will successfully forge a path through the mire in order to be acknowledged for their creative skill. Readers will discover and validate them. My caution to all of these writers would be as follows: be scrupulous, pay attention to the details, don’t get in a hurry, and never forget that a great book concept does not guarantee a skilled execution. The latter takes time, patience, editing, and then more editing!
SD Q10:
Hypothetically, if you were to host Simons 10 Q Interviews, who would be your first guest and why?
LT A10: My first guest would be a dedicated romance reader, simply because romance readers fascinate me. I love listening to them speak about what attracts them to certain types of book, especially romance novels.
SD Comment: Laura, thank you very much for your time, your answers have been both open and informative, now I should tale my leave and venture out to get my feet into shape for our Waltz!
A run down of titles relisted and review snippets to Laura’s credit are listed below;
(Click on the title to purchase from the UK. For US, DE, CA & US use links at the end of the post)
Desert Rose: “If you like patriotic, tough as nails military guys with a sensitive side, read this!”
Midnight Storm: “It’s got everything – love, lust, action, suspense, and great characters!”
Heartbreaker: “Storytelling at its all-time best!”
More than Friends: “Another superb romance from Laura Taylor … I could not stop reading this book!”
Fallen Angel: “Excellence continues!”
Wilder’s Woman: “Romance at its finest!”
Moment by Moment: “Captivating, exquisitely written, and heart-warming.”
Interviewer Simon Duringer’s 5* Amazon rated thriller Stray Bullet can be purchased at;
The Laura Taylor interview took place on 18 October 2013
Simon Duringer © 2013.
MOMENT BY MOMENT: “Laura Taylor explores the risks of love with sensitive precision. A chance meeting on a California beach between a soul-weary documentary filmmaker and a beautiful former cop leads first to friendship and then to something much deeper. But can these two people overcome bitter lessons of the past to build a lasting relationship? Ms. Taylor’s superb characterization and haunting ambiance will leave a lasting impression on your heart.” ROMANTIC TIMES Book Reviews
Amazon US link
Amazon DE link
Amazon CA link
WILDER’S WOMAN: Former federal prosecutor, now ex-con, Craig Wilder once symbolized the very best of the justice system, until a vengeful man and a faithless wife transformed his world into a living hell. No one knows the true extent of the damage done to Victim Advocate Tasha Lockridge – not even ex-husband Craig Wilder. Tasha’s fierce determination fuels her now that she’s found the evidence to vindicate Craig. She vows to fight for him, for the restoration of his reputation, for a reversal of his conviction, and for the rescue of his soul. Convincing Craig that she is his best ally is just the first battle in their seductive war of wills. This is a war Tasha intends to win. Only then will Craig Wilder realize that Tasha Lockridge has always been and will always be … WILDER’S WOMAN.
Amazon US link
Amazon DE link
Amazon CA link
FALLEN ANGEL: “In Fallen Angel a lovely explosives expert retires to life as a specialty shop owner in Northern Nevada and falls in love with a high-powered lawyer. But can he accept who and what she has been? Multiple Award-Winning Romance Writer Laura Taylor touches our hearts with her sensitive perception of two wary lovers who find renewal in each other’s arms.” ROMANTIC TIMES Book Reviews
AMAZON US link
AMAZON DE link
AMAZON CA link
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