The largest two books I've ever read more than once are 'Bleak House' by Charles Dickens and 'The Stand' by Stephen King, about 1,200 pages each. Simon Toyne bleakbookcharle Change image and share on social
I knew from my television work that I could sit down and put words on paper but didn't know if I had the talent to tell a story in novel form. Simon Toyne formknowpaper Change image and share on social
When I set out to write 'Sanctus,' all I wanted to do was craft a piece of high quality entertainment. Simon Toyne craftentertainmenthigh Change image and share on social
All writers steal. You might as well steal from the best. Simon Toyne stealwriter Change image and share on social
Epic stories, especially 'quest narratives' like 'The Iliad' and 'The Odyssey,' are brilliant structures for storytelling. The quest lends itself to episodic storytelling. Simon Toyne brilliantepicepisodic Change image and share on social
Quest stories are about the oldest form of narrative there is, and they're also the perfect metaphor for life because we're all on a journey trying to figure out where we're going and who we are. 'Solomon Creed' is just doing it with more danger and guns involved. Simon Toyne creeddangerfigure share on social
I think 'The Searcher' is a departure from my first because it's less grounded in religion and is far more rooted in the mythic tradition: more of an existential thriller where the main character is actually the central mystery, and his journey is all about trying to figure himself out. Simon Toyne centralcharacterdeparture share on social
It is easy to be inspired by history when you're living in a part of it and allow that to seep into your writing: having said that, a minimalist room with no distractions is often better; the most exciting visions should already be in your head. Simon Toyne distractioneasyexcit share on social
As a writer, I always try as hard as possible to get out of the way of the story, so maybe that's the most important thing my readers should know - I'm all about the story, not about the ego. Simon Toyne egohardimportant Change image and share on social
I looked back at the years since I'd left college and thought of the list of things I'd have liked to do. I'd always wanted to write a book - not a small undertaking. I never felt I had the time or creative energy to spare in order to write one as well as I wanted. Simon Toyne backbookcollege share on social
