Lawrence G. Taylor interview

AUTHOR INTERVIEW

A little introduction:

Hi, My name is Lawrence G. Taylor, and I was born in Georgetown, Guyana. I went to England to work and study. During my evening classes, I did various jobs. Since the 1970s, I live in Sweden; retired from a mental health occupation. In addition to writing, I enjoy reading, listening to music, and doing landscape photography and a morning stroll. 

When did your love of books begin?

In my teens, I didn't like to read books in my spare time too much. I was much for socialising and attending the cinema. Reading books became a passion for me after I arrived in London.  At first it was mostly non-fiction, though gradually I began to enjoy fiction.   

When did you start to have the wish to become an author?

It could have been in the mid-sixties. In London, I visited the West Indian Student Centre, where some Caribbean authors appeared as guest speakers. I became politically conscious and socially involved in discussions with fellow students. Some West African colonies gained independence from Britain and British colonies in the Caribbean. In the United States, there have been many civil protests in connection with the Black Civil Rights Movement. I remembered seeing James Baldwin on television in Paris. I was inspired and began to read his essays and two novels. The goal of making the world a better place for poor and disenfranchised people overwhelmed friends and me. The need for self-realisation has become apparent to people in various regions of the world. From my corner of the world, I offered oral support for the black American struggle. The question of identity, which is authentic black, was in full swing. Of course, there were perspectives from left, right and centre. I held a left-wing position on matters like this and others. But over time I have moved to the centre.

How have you found the process for becoming an author?

Laborious. I'm not a natural storyteller, and excellent writing doesn't come easily to me. But I was ready to work hard.  Writing essays came easily to me. Storytelling became a challenge. I remembered reading many short stories and novels by mainly American and British authors, hoping that some magic would rub off on me. I made notes about their styles. Anyway, writing a novel appeared impossible to me. I did begin one and only finished it years later, after having written a few short stories and novellas. So I decided for short stories, which was not easier. But shorter. It's good for aspiring writers, however.

What would you say to those wanting to become an author?

What comes first to mind is reading, reading, reading! Write regularly, on everything. Keep a diary or notebook. I kept one for writing random thoughts, even when I went abroad on holiday. I wrote long letters to friends living in other countries. I would describe things, social events and the like. I also developed an interest in psychology and social sciences. I wanted to better understand myself and people in general. Later I worked as an orderly in general hospital, and later became interested in mental health. I attended a two-year course at the High School for Adults. I worked for a few years before I began studying psychotherapy. Prior to studying mental health, I received a BA in English and Education.

Tell us about your book/books:

My themes are coming of age (YA), the human condition, unrequited love, love relationships, loneliness, racial discrimination. The characters are West Indian expatriates in Sweden or the UK. Swedish, English, and Black Americans. 

Some of my stories were first written at a time when there were social, economic, and political upheavals around the world. I was a big dreamer in those days, aiming to be part of the change or hope of it. The stories are a conglomeration of events that I have experienced and the act of distorting them to my liking. The stories are the products of this era in my life, and actual events that I have experienced in close contact, and a deliberate effort to distort them for my purpose, of which the themes are an indication of what I mean.

What do you love about the writing/reading community?

It is wonderful to connect with readers and writers and share a common interest, even though our genres are different. Feedback is important. It isn’t always pleasing to read bad reviews. But I learned to appreciate them, by being inspired to work harder.

If you could say anything to your readers what would it be?

If you think of becoming a writer, then just get on with it. Nothing perfect comes on the first go. If they are satisfied with being voracious readers, they should not shy away from posting a short review. Whether it's about my story or another writer's.

Where can people connect with you?

I have a blog (lgt41blog.wordpress.com) where I post mainly guest blogs. I find it hard to write about things or about myself casually. My life’s pretty normal. But when they ask me questions, I always reply to them. Of course, I would be happy to hear their reaction to my stories. Writers can learn a thing or two from their readers. I have learned from patients and clients about myself.