Interview with Lee Taylor
Author of CLIFTON FALLS (a zombie story - part 1)
Hi, everyone - my name is Lee Andrew Taylor, author of 4 horror-style novels & 9 movie scripts. I tend to write what I see, so my stories read like movies playing out inside my mind. I wanted to get non-readers back into reading. Most of us are watchers now, so I've combined the two. A lot of my readers have said they saw themselves inside my story as they read it, and the characters were like people they knew. It's always great to hear someone say they've visited one of my imaginary worlds.
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Quick description of the book for a new reader - what should they expect?
- A reader should expect gruesome horror, comedy, & romance, & be prepared to be sucked into the lives of the main characters. To fall in love with the married couple, & to want to know if enemies become friends.
What was your inspiration for this book?
- This novel developed inside my mind over many years, since I watched my first zombie movie in 1980. If anyone can remember the film - the living dead at the Manchester Morgue - & liked it, then my story is a must-read. It has similar ideas, but, like all my stories, I wanted to freshen things up. After all, the movie was released in 1974.
Which authors do you admire? How have they influenced your writing style?
- I admire anyone who writes. I don't follow authors. I'm not a fan. If I was, I probably wouldn't write my own stories, but I used to read James Herbert novels growing up. I liked how his stories read like a movie playing out on screen. I suppose I took my style of writing from him.
Can you tell us a little about the locations in your book?
- It's based in the town of Clifton Falls. It's meant to be made up but I've since found out that there's a Clifton in the UK.
What advice would you give to aspiring authors?
- To keep going. Writers write. They can't help it. Even if they don't make money from it.
Could you talk a little about your writing process?
- I try to write something every day, even if it's just for 30 minutes. Sometimes, I move from one story to another. It all depends on whether I get stuck with one.
Which character has had the greatest impact on readers?
- Now that I can't say. I've had many readers mention one particular character in this story, but, if I mention the person, it will take away the excitement.
If the book were to be adapted for TV or film, who would you see in the lead role? Who did you have in your mind’s eye ?
- I've always wanted to make this into a movie. Ever since I came up with the idea in the late 90s. But who plays the lead role has changed over the years. I do like the actor Jack O'Connell, who was in the hit TV series - Skins -
How have readers responded ?
- So far, so good. I've just released the follow-on part of this story, so am letting everyone know. Originally, my idea was just 1 book of over 118,000 words, but I re-wrote it as a 2-part novel of around 145,000 words. Part 2 carries on where part 1 left off.
Where next? What are you working on now?
- Right now, I am writing a ghost story set at the start of the Covid Lockdown. It's not in novel format just now, as I also write movie scripts, but, if I get decent feedback for it then a novel will be next.
