Raymond G. Taylor
Bio
Author living in Kent, England. Writer of short stories and poems in a wide range of genres, forms and styles. A non-fiction writer for 40+ years. Subjects include art, history, science, business, law, and the human condition.
Stories (641)
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Will it flop on its face
This is the first attempt at a cover design for my new book: Will it fall on my head? What do you think? I would really appreciate some honest and direct feedback, as I am unsure if my approach will work. Of course what I am looking for is something to grab attention. Specific questions, if anyone cares to answer them, are:
By Raymond G. Taylor2 years ago in Poets
Back to school blues
First day back at school tomorrow and Susan was not happy to return after the long summer vacation. “There’s really nothing to worry about, dear. You’ll be fine,” said her Aunt Emily. Susan was not convinced. Emily tried to reassure her. “You’ll be able to see your friends again.” That was true, but she was not sure she wanted to see them, particularly if it meant going back to school to do so. First day after the long summer break, it was also the day when she and four other children had been selected to tell the class about their summer. They were told to choose one thing that they had done during the vacation, and speak about it for five minutes, bringing something along to use as a visual aid. A kind of show and tell.
By Raymond G. Taylor2 years ago in Fiction
This is not a work of art
When I created this digital image, I was not intending to create a work of art. I was just having a bit of fun with AI. Having created it, though, I think I have inadvertently done just that. Created a work of art! Yes, really! Why, then, have I called this story "This is not a work of art"? The simple reason is that the digital image IS a work of art precisely because it IS NOT a work of art. The artistic value of the work is defined in its own contradiction. Now, this might seem complete nonsense, and perhaps it is, but I will try to explain what I mean.
By Raymond G. Taylor2 years ago in Art
Short and Sweet TOO
Here is a collection of some of my short stories, for publication in a book later in the year... perhaps. The above illustration is my first attempt at the cover design. What do you think? The "Please do not lick..." line is from an Andy Warhol painting: Please do not lick this page. Here is the provisional list of stories. Those without a link are not currently available on Vocal. I would be grateful for any feedback on the cover design, the title of the book (there is a Short and Sweet 'one'), or choice of stories or running order. Please add any comments below below.
By Raymond G. Taylor2 years ago in Fiction
Write Chapter One and Win
Sometimes we just need to get those words down on paper (or on screen). All of the thinking, dreaming, planning and putting off the dread moment of turning a blank page into one with a single word on it must end. Write that word. Write that sentence. Write Chapter One. Can't think of a first sentence? How about...
By Raymond G. Taylor2 years ago in Writers
Truth should be no stranger
One of my reasons for posting this story – Just One Last Job – on Vocal earlier today was to demonstrate how fact can be used to make fiction seem more real. This is all part of the job of being able to create authentic fiction stories.
By Raymond G. Taylor2 years ago in Writers
Inspired by art
In need of ideas to boost your next short story, poem or novel? Why not go take a look at some art? Visit an art gallery, look at some online images, or generate your own using an AI tool. Here, I suggest some ways of seeking inspiration in art works and provide some example paintings and sculpture to help.
By Raymond G. Taylor2 years ago in Writers
Long-lost Constable painting found in basement
A mystery painting found in a South London basement could be a long lost Constable. The painting, found in a house in Beckenham, South London, is believed to be a long-lost work by John Constable R.A. (1776 – 1837) known as A Summer Meadow. The work is currently under examination by art history academics at the National Gallery in London.
By Raymond G. Taylor2 years ago in Art
