Taylor Leon Interview: “The key for me is always the premise”

Taylor Leon, author of the captivating Erin Dark series, talks to me about his work and explains the influence that other writers, as well as TV and films, have on his work.

Tell me about how you came to define your writing style. What drew you towards crime and thriller writing?

I have been writing since I was about seven and over many years have experimented in probably every genre, but thriller writing comes the most naturally to me. I have a low boredom threshold so, if I’m reading a book or watching a film it really must grip me and not let go. That is how I naturally approach my writing. I must keep myself hooked first and foremost- hopefully that will then be the same for my readers.

The key for me is always the premise, it might be a scene that I “see” first, but it always comes back to the premise. If I ‘m choosing a book to read, or a TV show to watch, then I want it scream out to me: “Wouldn’t you like to know more?” That in a nutshell is what I’m trying to achieve when I start a book. The premise must consume me and prey on my mind 24/7 before I will consider turning it into a novel.

Please tell me about the Erin Dark series. What defines your writing style?

Erin Dark became a police detective after her mother was murdered and the killer never caught. Over time however, she has become disenchanted with her day-job which she doesn’t think always provides justice. Now she also leads another secret-life with a group of vigilante witches who, quite literally, send unrepentant, evil criminals to hell. The series follows Erin as she juggles the two very different lives she leads, and the moral questions she faces.

In the first book, Dark Justice, Erin and her new partner, Detective John Cade, are investigating what at first appears to be a straightforward gangland murder but which transpires to be something bigger and more sinister. Erin needs to convince her Coven to come out of the shadows and help her save thousands of people from a planned terrorist act.

In the second book, Dark Games, Erin is on the trail of the mysterious Games-Master who has created a game for serial killers to compete with one another for a huge cash prize, by murdering specially selected victims and earning points.

In terms of style, my writing is “efficient”; I steer clear of wordy prose, and concentrate on keeping the story moving forward and the reader interested. Of course, there are some ebbs and flows, there has to be in order to build tension and unleash the unexpected twists, but the story is king and it must always march on. Strong, interesting characters are vital in making this happen!

Are there any particular mediums or narrative troupes you like to use in your writing and why?

I write in short chapters, each one ending in a way that, hopefully makes the reader want to keep turning the page to find out what happens next.

Otherwise, I don’t consciously use any particular medium or trope. I write what I “see”. I have the premise, a brief outline of where I think the story will go (which usually changes!) and a set of rules (in a series there is a larger story arc to keep an eye on). But then I let the characters take-over. I see things through their eyes, and hear their voices in my head, and then I write it all down.

What do you enjoy reading and how does this influence your writing?

I enjoy reading all types of fiction and styles, but my three favourite writers are Cormac McCarthy, David Peace and Stephen King. I could read anything those guys write.

When I was growing up I read a lot of thrillers, especially Tom Clancy, Frederick Forsyth, Robert Ludlum, Dean Koontz and Stephen King. At the same time, I also read the so-called more “literary” writers (oh how I hate that term) like Isabel Allende, John Updike, Armistead Maupin and John Irving. I have always tended to veer away from nineteenth century fiction, with the exception of Charles Dickens.

Reading books to me is like watching TV. Sometimes you want a fast-thriller, other times you want something a little deeper, or maybe a comedy, and so on. I just read whatever the mood takes me.

I don’t think any single book or writer has influenced me, but my whole reading experience has shaped the way I write and subconsciously think about character, dialogue and plot.

If you could collaborate with anyone, living or dead, on a writing project, who would it be and why?

I find novel writing such a personal and immersive business that I imagine I would find it quite hard to collaborate with anyone on a book. Hats off to those that do- one of my favourite books is The Talisman which was a collaboration between Stephen King and Peter Straub, and of course, James Patterson has built up an industry collaborating with other writers. For some, it clearly works- after all they don’t come much bigger or better than SK and JP!

But I would love to collaborate on a TV series. Say, contribute an episode or two to a show like Doctor Who. I actually have an outline for a Doctor Who episode that, believe me, would blow everyone’s mind, but I’m keeping it to myself for now, because you never know…

Have you got any exciting new plans or projects coming up that you’d like to share with me?

I have three first drafts written and several outlines on the go at any one time, so it is always very exciting. My next couple of books are thrillers without a paranormal element so a slight difference from the Erin Dark series, but believe me, just as exciting. Maybe even more so! I am hoping the first one will be published in October. I am also working on my first YA novel which does have a strong sci-fi slant, and which I am really excited about. It’s different to my first four novels, but still retains the excitement and unexpected twists and turns. Then, of course, there is the third Erin Dark novel that is also in work. I can’t forget Erin, not after the way I ended Dark Games!

Are there any new books or writers that you are looking forward to later in the year?

Besides McCarthy, Peace and King, I tend to browse and choose books as I go along. Having said that I have enjoyed the last couple of Adam Croft books, so I imagine I will keep an eye out for his next one.

Anything you’d like to add?

Just that I hope you enjoy my books as much as I enjoy creating them.

Thanks Taylor for answering my questions, it’s been awesome to hear your thoughts. You can find out more about Taylor’s work HERE.

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