Jodi Taylor, the acclaimed author whose bestselling novels have captivated readers worldwide, stands as a testament to the power of perseverance and creativity. Known primarily for her hit series “The Chronicles of St. Mary’s”, Taylor’s rise to literary prominence is an inspirational story of determination and passion for history and storytelling.
Taylor’s journey to becoming a bestselling novelist was not straightforward. Before embracing a full-time writing career, she was in the RAF and went on to various local government roles. It was her love for history, coupled with a fascination for time travel, that ultimately fuelled her transition from an avid reader to a celebrated writer.
Having retired from her role as Facilities Manager for North Yorkshire Libraries she moved to Turkey to run a hotel with her brother. While there she challenged herself to write a book. In 2013, when she was 60, Taylor self-published her first novel, “Just One Damned Thing After Another” introducing readers to the adventures of the St. Mary’s Institute of Historical Research, where historians explore major historical events in contemporary time. The success of the first book led to a publishing deal with Accent Press, and later with Headline, part of the Hachette group. Taylor’s rise to fame was marked by her distinctive voice and ability to seamlessly merge historical fact with science fiction and adventure.
However, fans may not be aware that Taylor’s love of history only came about when she took her A-Levels at night school in her 40s. The building blocks of the St Mary’s series are harvested from her own life experiences. The chaos and mayhem of St Mary’s comes from her time working of local government – but with less bad language. Her time in the RAF provided the basis for some of the time-travelling procedures and protocols used in the books.
Her inspirational writing career is marked by her prolific output. She has authored over 25 novels, including standalone works and other series, along with numerous short stories and novellas. Each new release is eagerly anticipated by her global fanbase, and her books have been translated into multiple languages, expanding her reach and impact.
A self-confessed bibliophile, Taylor draws inspiration from a lifetime of reading and a deep appreciation for the written word. Influences from literary giants such as Sir Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman are evident in her work, yet she has carved out a distinctive voice that is uniquely her own. Her books effortlessly blend humour and adventure with heartfelt moments, making them appeal to readers of all ages.
Taylor’s commitment to her craft and her readers is evident in her active engagement with fans and her dedication to writing. Despite her success, she remains grounded and approachable, often attributing her achievements to the unwavering support of her readers.
Currently residing in Gloucestershire, Taylor continues to write, finding new plotlines from researching historical events and her boundless imagination. Her latest release promises to deliver the same excitement and adventure that her readers have come to love. While Jodi’s transformation from retiree to international best-selling author may seem as much a fantasy as the adventures she writes about, it is very much real. Not only that but it is a living testament to pursuing your dreams no matter your age.
Book details: The Ballad of Smallhope and Pennyroyal – out 12th September in hardback, eBook and audiobook formats ISBN 978-1035415892
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