The world of literature has been forever changed by the arrival of Jodi Taylor, an acclaimed author whose bestselling novels have captured the hearts of readers worldwide. With her hit series “The Chronicles of St. Mary’s”, Taylor has proven to be a force to be reckoned with, not just in the literary world, but in inspiring others through her perseverance and creativity.
Taylor’s journey to becoming a bestselling novelist has been a remarkable one. Before embarking on a full-time writing career, she served in the RAF and held various roles in local government. However, it was her passion for history and time travel that eventually pushed her to turn her love for reading into writing. After retiring from her position as Facilities Manager for North Yorkshire Libraries, Taylor moved to Turkey to run a hotel with her brother. It was during her time there that she challenged herself to write a book. In 2013, at the age of 60, she self-published her first book, “Just One Damned Thing After Another”, which introduced readers to the thrilling adventures of the St. Mary’s Institute of Historical Research, where historians embark on daring journeys to explore major historical events in present time.
The success of this book led to a publishing deal with Accent Press, followed by Headline, a division of the Hachette group. Taylor’s rise to fame was marked by her unique writing style and ability to seamlessly weave together historical facts with science fiction and adventure. Despite her natural affinity for history, many may not know that Taylor’s love for the subject only emerged when she took her A-Levels at night school in her 40s. Drawing from her own life experiences, the foundation of the St. Mary’s series is rooted in her time working in local government, albeit with much less profanity. In addition, her years in the RAF provided the basis for the time-traveling procedures and protocols featured in her books.
With a prolific output of over 25 books, including standalone works and other series, coupled with numerous short stories and novellas, Taylor’s writing career shows no signs of slowing down. Each new release is eagerly awaited by her widespread fan base, and her books have been translated into multiple languages, expanding her reach and impact around the globe. As an avid reader and self-proclaimed bibliophile, Taylor finds inspiration from a lifetime of devouring literature and a deep love for the written word. While she may draw influences from literary giants such as Sir Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman, Taylor has carved out a distinctive voice that is uniquely her own. Her books effortlessly blend humor and adventure with heartfelt moments, making them appealing to readers of all ages.
Despite her success, Taylor remains grounded and approachable, often attributing her achievements to the unwavering support of her readers. Currently residing in Gloucestershire, she continues to write, constantly seeking new plotlines from researching historical events and tapping into her boundless imagination. Her latest release, “The Ballad of Smallhope and Pennyroyal”, promises to deliver the same excitement and adventure that her readers have come to love. Taylor’s transformation from retiree to international best-selling author serves as a testament to the power of pursuing one’s dreams, no matter their age.