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 (624)
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Nailed it yet?
One of the great things about being a Vocal+ member is the chance to stretch your skills, broaden your boundaries and take a step out of your comfort zone by entering Vocal challenges. To me, any attempt at writing poetry is a giant leap beyond anything I feel comfortable with.
By Raymond G. Taylor2 years ago in Writers
A time for crime
I had plenty of time to think about it during those long night shifts. In the end, I couldn’t believe how easy it was. As a security guard at the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, I had access to all areas. It took less than twenty minutes during the evening lockup. I slipped into the gallery, carefully razoring the painting out of its frame, before replacing it with a beautifully crafted fake. It would not fool anyone taking a closer look, but it gave me time to get away.
By Raymond G. Taylor2 years ago in Criminal
Building my next novel brick by brick... with a little help from my friends at Vocal
January has been a great month for me so far, and a fantastic start to 2024 – at least as far as my writing is concerned. I am delighted to be have been honored with two Vocal top stories. One is for an entry in the Abecedarian poetry challenge, the other an entry in the '#200' .
By Raymond G. Taylor2 years ago in Writers
Dreams in which I'm dying. Content Warning.
All I could hear was a rushing, roaring sound, like a waterfall or a drum roll, or maybe a radio not quite tuned in. The noise blotted out all other sound. I thought I had seen a bright flash of light. Perhaps it was lightning, a distant thundercloud. I tried to open my eyes without success. There was a vague notion of someone speaking but I could discern nothing meaningful. I had a sinking feeling, pressure on my chest, desperate to take a breath. My head felt like it was about to explode then, suddenly, I was free.
By Raymond G. Taylor2 years ago in Criminal
Images of wonder
If you have yet to see A World in Common at the Tate Modern you have run out of time. That is, unless you can get to London by January 14. That said, you may still be able to enjoy the magnificent photographic works of some of the best contemporary artists from the diaspora on show there.
By Raymond G. Taylor2 years ago in Art
Embarking on a life in crime
Still working on my Vocal Whodunit (attempt number two as it happens) and still finding it hard to get myself going. Partly, I think, because a plod through a predictable plot structure leaves me cold. I say predictable, because crime and detective fiction is probably the most structured of all fictional story frameworks. This is one reason why I don't read very much crime. I have yet to read an Agatha Christie from start to finish. I only know the stories because I have seen one or two on stage or screen. I suspect the others are not much different.
By Raymond G. Taylor2 years ago in Writers
