Author Interview with Taylor Morrison
Taylor Morrison is an amateur first time published author. With many works in progress, Taylor plans on publishing their first book in late 2017. Taylor lives with their husband and is expecting their first child in July 2017.
To learn more about upcoming projects visit Taylor's website: Taylormayemorrison.com
What is the first book that made you cry?
The ending to "Love Bites" by Lynsay Sands. Something about the love between the two main characters just pulled my heart strings.
Does writing energize or exhaust you?
EXHAUST. It's not good to think that way and want to be a writer but honestly, writing gives me headaches. It's a curse. I don't like to write, but I love to have written.
Does a big ego help or hurt writers?
It hurts them big time. A big ego leads to you believing you're amazing and any critique is nonsense. I know a few people who act this way and their writing has not (and will not) ever improve because of it. Keep your ego small and your mind open.
What is your writing Kryptonite?
Rewrites. I don't mind editing my work but if something needs a rewrite either because of a point of view problem or a plot issue, I put it off as long as possible.
Did you ever consider writing under a pseudonym?
I used to but I haven't gone back to it. Seeing my name on a book cover is just the best feeling in the world.
Do you try more to be original or to deliver to readers what they want?
I like to do a little of both. I prefer to do my own thing but I usually try to at least include what my readers want. Without the readers, I wouldn't do very well.
Do you think someone could be a writer if they don’t feel emotions strongly?
Depends. I think they could but it would be harder. Emotions need to be in the story to allow the reader to understand and feel what the characters are going through. If you don't have much empathy it would be hard to know what to write to convey those emotions.
Do you want each book to stand on its own, or are you trying to build a body of work with connections between each book?
I'm doing a little of both right now. I'm working on a vampire novel that will be a part of a three part series while also working on two other books that will be a stand alone. I'm currently also planning two other novels for a different series.
If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be?
Keep writing, you'll be doing this for a long time.
How did publishing your first book change your process of writing?
I published my first short story back in April and after that, I started putting more effort into my blog. I realized that I should be cracking down more on writing and also editing.
What was an early experience where you learned that language had power?
I made my 4th-grade English teacher cry when I read my poem over the morning announcements at school. I never realized people would listen to me so much.
What are the most important magazines for writers to subscribe to?
writers digest
What’s your favorite under-appreciated novel?
Drawing Blood by Poppy Z. Brite. It's seriously underrated and extremely good. It’s graphic so I only suggest it to older people or people who aren't sensitive.
How many unpublished and half-finished books do you have?
Currently, I have 9 works in progress at the moment and 2 that I'm actively working on.
What’s the most difficult thing about writing characters from the opposite sex?
Getting the reader to envision them as that gender without shoving it down their throats.
What is your favorite childhood book?
Harry Potter shaped my life.
