20 | The Tribune | Weekend
Friday, June 29, 2018
books
What makes a great writer Best-selling Bahamian author releases 21st novel By FAY KNOWLES
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est-selling Bahamian author Tanya R Taylor, who was once an honour roll student at Aquinas College, said one of the reasons she is so prolific in her writing might be because she taught herself to type without having to look at the keyboard when she was just 17. “Other than the flow of thoughts, I think this is what helps me get through my books rather quickly,” she said. Ms Taylor writes in various genres, including paranormal romance, fantasy, thrillers, science fiction, mystery and suspense. On July 7 she will release “The Groundskeeper”, which will be the eighth book in her popular “Cornelius Saga” series and her 21st work of popular fiction. “Cara – The Beginning”, her ninth in the Cornelius
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The cover of the latest instalment in the “Cornelius Saga” series. series, will also be released in the near future. The author’s former English and literature teacher at Aquinas, Shona Knowles (now the school’s principal) said of her erstwhile student: “Tanya entered my seventh grade English class as a shy, quiet and intelligent young school girl. As a language teacher, I exposed my students to the writing process from the moment they stepped into my room. Thus, it was at this time that I realised that Tanya was indeed
Tanya R Taylor a gifted young writer. She quickly grasped the writing process and was always eager to craft and share her writing. Whenever one read Tanya’s narrative and descriptive essays, one was catapulted into her world of vivid imagination.” “The Groundskeeper” is on track to reach Amazon Kindle’s Top Paid Bestsellers’ lists, like Ms Taylor’s previous books have done. This book is bound to keep readers on the edge of their seats again: “Is six feet deep really deep enough? The new Groundskeeper thought he had an ordinary job, but this one nearly cost him his life.”
Ms Taylor’s thriller “Hidden Sins” recently shared the Canadian bestseller lists on Amazon with John Grisham and the successful indie author Mark Dawson. Principal Knowles said: “I am not surprised that today Tanya is a prolific mystery author, as that was always her favourite genre. It was indeed a pleasure to teach Tanya who was always well-prepared for class and displayed a burning desire to learn new writing techniques which she was sure to incorporate in the awe-inspiring pieces she penned. During my six-year interaction with Tanya in the classroom I watched her mature into a proficient writer.” Mrs Knowles said she was elated to critique one of Tanya’s books. “However, I must admit that one of my humblest moments as an educator was to have my student, Tanya, dedicate her book ‘Cornelius’ in my honour.” Ms Taylor said of her former teacher: “She was always a lovely lady who cared about her students. Anyone could tell her heart was in it and she loved what she did.” Perhaps this is the real key to being a successful writer, being fortunate enough to have a dedicated teacher who loves their profession and wants only the best for their students. For more information on Tanya R Taylor’s books, go to amazon.com/ author/tanyartaylor or tanyartaylor. wordpress.com.
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