Tim Taylor is the next author to be featured on my 6Ws series. A U.K. author, he writes contemporary and historical novels, and some poetry. His latest novel is Revolution Day, published by Crooked Cat Books.

I love his response to the question: why does he write. His answer? “Because I have to!” Yeah, I believe a lot of us can relate.

Here are his responses to my 6Ws — who, what, when, where, how, and why. (How does end with a W.)

Who is author Tim Taylor?

I’m a novelist, originally from Staffordshire in the English Midlands but now living in Yorkshire with my wife Rosa. I also do a bit of academic research and teaching, in Ethics, at Leeds University. And I enjoy playing the guitar, reading, and walking up hills. I used to be a civil servant, but left in 2011 to spend more time writing.

What does he write?

I write contemporary and historical novels, and some poetry, though I’m not very prolific. I write short fiction in various genres, including sci-fi and humour, mostly for fun rather than publication – though the pieces do sometimes appear on my blog (see link below). I also write the occasional academic article.

When does he write?

Whenever the rest of life doesn’t get in the way! Typically two or three days a week, though it will be less when I’ve got a lot of teaching on (it’s sporadic) and more in the summer, when there isn’t any.

How does he write?

In different ways, depending on what I’m writing. With fiction, I like to have a rough plan of the story before I write – though it needs to be flexible as the characters may have their own ideas. I usually write quite slowly. If I’ve set aside a day for writing, I’ll have a target of a minimum of 1,000 words (that I’m reasonably happy with, not just any old words – I tend to edit as I go along). I will usually write a bit more than 1,000, but often not by much. I know people who write much faster, but if I tried to do that it would mean less time spent writing but much more time spent editing – and while I love writing, I hate editing! On the other hand, when I’m at a writing group I will generally write a piece of some kind in 45 minutes or so in response to an exercise or a random selection of words. This might be a first draft of a poem, or a bit of flash fiction, or – just occasionally – a passage that will end up in a novel.

Where does he write?

All over the place! Upstairs at a PC in the home office, downstairs on the sofa on a laptop, in a notebook at various writing groups.

Why does he write?

Because I have to! Otherwise all those ideas would just go round and round in my head and I would never get any sleep! And because I enjoy it.

More: Give readers a brief description of your latest book.

My most recent novel, Revolution Day (published by Crooked Cat) is about an ageing dictator Carlos Almanzor, who is clinging on to power as Manuel, his ambitious vice president, plots against him. Meanwhile, his estranged wife Juanita is writing a memoir of his regime and their marriage, chronicling his rise to power and subsequent descent from idealism into autocracy and repression. In time she and others close to Carlos will find themselves unwitting participants in Manuel’s plans.

Other works:

My first novel, Zeus of Ithome, is a historical novel set in ancient Greece, about the real-life struggle of the Messenian people to free themselves from centuries of slavery under the Spartans. My next, all being well, will be about a woman’s relationship with his father as he loses his memory.  I’ve also published an academic book, Knowing What is Good for You (Palgrave Macmillan 2012).

Tim Taylor on social media:

Revolution Day on Amazon: http://authl.it/4yo

Website:  http://www.tetaylor.co.uk/

Blog: https://timwordsblog.wordpress.com/

Facebook author page:  https://www.facebook.com/timtaylornovels

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/timetaylor1