Who is Taylor Lowe? – Tell us a little about yourself.

I moved around a lot as a kid but spent the most time in Tennessee in the US but I did live ten years in a small village in Spain. So I can speak fluently Spanish. I have a degree in Criminal Investigation and currently working as a security guard. I’m married and have three kids.

How long have you been writing and what motivates you to write?

I first started writing when I was about fourteen/fifteen, however after my first story (a girl who grew angel wings) I stopped writing for a while. I didn’t pick it back up until about four years ago when I discovered Wattpad. I don’t know what got me started writing but when I found Wattpad, I was curious to see what people thought of my first story. After that, I fell in love with writing and connecting with readers.

You have three books in the Therianthrope series. Can you tell us how did the story come about? What inspired you to write it?

This was one of those moments where an idea simply popped into my head. A monster werewolf in the world of fluffy werewolves, so to speak, and wouldn’t go away. I decided to write it down and go with it because at the time I was rather frustrated with the werewolf genre. At that time it seemed that the genre was all teen romance and I wanted to read something more mature and grittier. So I decided to write my own.

Can you tell us a little about the stories you are currently working on?

Well currently I’m in the progress of writing the first draft of 5 different stories. I have new ideas popping into my head all the time and I can’t resist writing and posting them to wattpad. However, my book Bow Echo is what I’m working on with the idea of trying to get it to be traditionally published. It’s a paranormal/urban fantasy with a nymph as the Main Character.

You write in multiple genres. Do you find it difficult to switch from one to another? What inspired you to write in your chosen genres?

Honestly, not too much because I don’t think about genres when I start to write. I only worry about that later. My inspiration to write in the genres I do write in usually comes from my mood and the idea. If I’m in a sappy mood, I usually end up writing a romcom type of story like He’s My Tank or if I’m in a more serious mood I end up writing more of Therianthrope type stories. However Fantasy/Paranormal I have to say is my favorite.

Do you think that writing on a platform such as Wattpad has helped you grow as a writer?

Yes, I think it has. Especially in the mechanical sense. Speaking with people who were willing to edit my work, reading their corrections has helped me grow. Reading the feedback from my readers as well shown me what works with my writing and what hasn’t.

Are you a pantster or a plotter? Do you think serialized writing has helped you lean towards your preferred method?

I’m a pantster for the most part. I’ve tried plotting but so far it hasn’t worked too well with me. Usually it’s when I’m writing that I have those “Oh this could be good if I…” Whereas writing an outline I often find I’m hit with writer’s block. I don’t think serializing writing has made me lean majorly in one way or another. It has made me want to try to be a bit more of a plotter, especially with Bow Echo as I have certain things I want to do with the series.

What advice can you give to those that are just starting out on their online writing journey?

Many people are going to tell you to never ever get near clichés but that’s not true. Cliches are your training wheels. They will help you get settled into writing and into finding your voice. Also listen to your readers and critiquers. They are trying to help you and your first story is always going to have issues and you’re going to fall into the typical first story mistakes that most readers either hate or simply don’t enjoy. So simply try to learn from their feedback.

What is your most memorable moment on Wattpad?

I’ve been there a while so I can think of a few things. I guess I would have to say my most memorable would be He’s My Tank got into the finals for the Wattys in 2012. Back then there was special voting by us, the users, for the Wattys and I couldn’t believe it had actually gotten into the finals. It was really amazing and I really felt validated with that.

What books have most influenced your life most?

I guess the books that have most influenced my life is Katie’s Hellion by Lizzy Ford. Well it was more the author I suppose but this book and realizing Indie authors really can get out there really inspired me write and try to get out there. Also White Trash Zombie Books have also influenced me. In a world where fantasy/paranormal seemed to be a vampire/witch/werewolf world this series really inspired me to try to branch out with new ideas which is how Bow Echo came about.