The Author
THOMAS JAMES TAYLOR
My name is Tom Taylor. My books sport the name Thomas James Taylor because it looks more author like. I have been asked to write a little something about myself and my writing, so here goes:
I began writing in earnest during the late 80's. Attempting to write was an idea I had ratting around in my head since my early teens, when it was not uncommon for me to scratch prose onto scraps of paper in attempt to make sense of the world and to exorcise various demons. I never figured I had anything to say, and that very thought may have been what instigated my years of peripatetic wondering in order to learn what was out there in the world.
I was never a huge fan of the human race; how, en mass, we blunder about making momentous mistakes, warring with one another, our greed, and seemingly never keeping an eye toward the future while unable to learn by past mistakes. Singularly, I love human beings; their ability to dream a better future, to create something out of pure thought born of necessity or of simple desire; and our innate, often unexplored connections to the universe surrounding us, and how experiences and individual perceptions affect our personal realities has always been fascinating to me.
I was born a natural observer, I think, and over the early, often aimless, sometimes misdirected years, I picked up a wealth of information and began to form an opinion of my own regarding everything life has to offer, and of the many things we, in our day-to-day survival, often miss. Thus armed, I felt I might just have sufficient to begin tentatively scratching stories onto paper.
The early stories provided opportunity to give voice to a range of subjects, much of which people in polite society or in quiet conversation seemed unwilling to drag out into the light of day, but which, nevertheless are a major part of all our lives. Because people live so demanding lives, and, perhaps, tend to switch off in their downtime, I hoped to provide entertainment with content capable of firing the imagination, and of describing what it is to be human, and the incredible potential each of us is heir to.
There’s so much I might say in this too-short space, but it’s this I choose to say: The art of releasing the great potential existing in the youth of today is a delicate one, but it just might begin by capturing their imagination through literature. It was mainly for youngsters hungry for knowledge and ideas that I began writing, but also to provide variable perspectives for looking at our world and ourselves, of accepting what at first might seem foreign and unlikely, provoking thought into what our separate realities are. Entertainment, too, hopefully, and perhaps a peek into areas deserving of closer contemplation.
Thomas James Taylor: A Master Storyteller Shaping Imagination Across Generations
An accomplished Australian author whose career spans over four decades. With an impressive body of work comprising twelve novels and short story collections, Taylor’s writing captivates readers with its imaginative scope and profound insight. From his debut in the mid-1980s to his most recent foray into science fiction, his diverse literary repertoire includes explorations of real-life events, the bizarre and unusual, crime and romance, philosophy, and speculative futures.
A recipient of the prestigious Pacific Book Award’s Star of Exceptional Merit for his works For Your Pleasure and Questionable Behaviour, Taylor has consistently earned high praise from critics and readers alike. His ability to weave compelling narratives filled with intrigue, emotional depth, and originality has cemented his reputation as a literary powerhouse. Each new release surprises and delights his audience, often challenging conventional storytelling norms.
Born and raised in the serene environs south of Adelaide, South Australia, Taylor’s early years were steeped in the vibrant cultural backdrop of the 1960s and 70s. A lifelong lover of adventure and science fiction tales, he drew inspiration from these genres to escape the monotony of everyday life and fuel his creative imagination. His journey through life—marked by triumphs and tribulations—infuses his writing with authenticity, empathy, and a deep understanding of the human condition.
Now 70 years old, Taylor continues to channel his passion for storytelling into crafting works that resonate with readers across generations. His meticulous approach to storytelling ensures that every idea finds its perfect format, whether in a novel, novella, or short story collection. This adaptability underscores his commitment to delivering engaging and thought-provoking literature.
Through his writing, Thomas James Taylor remains a steadfast advocate for the transformative power of literature. His stories not only entertain but also illuminate, offering readers a mirror to the complexities of life and a portal to the boundless possibilities of imagination.
In an Age of Media Overload, Thomas James Taylor Urges Mindful Consumption
In a world awash with information and media, Thomas James Taylor delivers an essential reminder to readers: “What one feeds the intellect is of great importance.” He stresses the need to be deliberate about the content we consume, as it profoundly shapes our thoughts and beliefs. The advent of 24-hour news cycles, often riddled with misinformation, bias, and questionable motives, has left Taylor deeply concerned about future generations' ability to discern truth from falsehood.
Taylor expresses dismay at the relentless flood of shallow content masquerading as entertainment, which inundates minds with superficial distractions. He argues that the next generations must cultivate critical thinking, embrace originality, and dare to challenge the status quo. To resist the toxic effects of mass media, Taylor advocates turning to books as a source of intellectual refuge. He champions rich, thought-provoking literature that encourages readers to exercise judgment, discernment, and explore ideas largely absent from mainstream narratives.
Books, according to Taylor, hold the antidote to the mental clutter that burdens our fast-paced, materialistic lives. He highlights how dedicating just fifteen minutes a day to enjoyable reading can dramatically enhance mental clarity and overall well-being.
As a passionate reader and accomplished author, Thomas James Taylor offers a compelling perspective on the transformative power of literature. In an era where separating fact from fiction has become increasingly challenging, his call for critical thinking and intellectual enrichment through books serves as a beacon of hope for those seeking truth and understanding amid the noise of modern media.
