DR. SHARMA TAYLOR: Crafting Stories That Resonate Across Borders

Dr. Sharma Taylor, a celebrated novelist and short fiction writer, masterfully bridges cultural divides through her exploration of the complexities of the human experience. Born and raised in Portmore, Jamaica, her journey from a curious child with a passion for books to a critically acclaimed author and mentor is as captivating as the stories she writes.

Balancing the precision of her corporate legal career with the boundless creativity of storytelling, Dr. Taylor views writing as a space to let her imagination soar. “Writing is where I let my inner child play,” she shared. “It helps me make sense of the world and connect with others.” Her stories, rich in Caribbean authenticity, explore universal themes of love, loss, and the quest for belonging.

In an engaging interview with VBD Magazine, Dr. Taylor shared heartfelt reflections on the experiences that have shaped her craft, her profound passion for storytelling, and her aspirations for the future.

Educational Background

Dr. Taylor earned her Bachelor’s degree in Law from The University of the West Indies in 2002, followed by her Legal Education Certificate from the Norman Manley Law School in 2004. Continuing her specialization, she completed a Master of Laws in Corporate and Commercial Law at The University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus, in 2008. Her academic journey culminated in 2013 when she received a Doctor of Philosophy in Law from Victoria University of Wellington in New Zealand.

Dr. Taylor has enriched her craft through various writing courses, including programs offered by the University of the West Indies (Mona and Cave Hill campuses), the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity in Alberta, Canada, Arvon, the Bocas Lit Fest, the BIM Literary Festival, Commonwealth Writers, and the National Cultural Foundation in Barbados.

A Love Affair With Stories

“I credit my mother who is a retired primary school teacher, for fostering my love of reading and writing,” says Dr. Taylor. Reflecting on her childhood, she shared an anecdote that speaks volumes about her early passion for books:

“There was a supermarket not far from where we lived, and at the checkout line, there were stacks of books like Nancy Drew and The Hardy Boys. I would invariably take a book and say, ‘I want this.’ My mother didn’t have the heart to say no, even if it meant putting back the rice or flour. Books were my escape, my friends, and my way of seeing the world.”

Her fascination with storytelling deepened as she read her way through her childhood, using books to fuel her imagination and explore new worlds. “Writing was something that made me happy even as a child,” Dr. Taylor said. “It’s something I wanted to do to bring that same happiness to others.”

Shaping A Writer

Dr. Taylor’s academic journey took her from Bridgeport Primary School to the prestigious St. Andrew High School for Girls in Jamaica. It was there that a third-form English assignment marked a pivotal moment in her journey as a writer.