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
I hate it when characters know things but only reveal them when it's convenient to the story. I'd never do that. That's cheating. Simon Toyne charactercheatconvenient Change image and share on social
'Sanctus' was done on speculation. I had no agent or publisher. I was being sensible, I suppose, by writing a standalone novel. I figured if that one didn't work, no one would be interested in reading a sequel. Simon Toyne agentfigureinterest share on social
We have long suspected that the faceless organisations that run our world - be it the church, multinational conglomerates or the government - keep things from us. Simon Toyne churchconglomeratefaceless Change image and share on social
If you look at the great Westerns, and at Greek, Roman, and Norse mythology, they all contain elements in common: a harsh landscape; demons or outlaws trying to stop or kill the protagonist; and there are mythical legends at their core, innate in all cultures. Simon Toyne commoncoreculture share on social
One of the things that made me try writing novels was I could take time off to be with the kids. That's the practical side of what I love about the writing life. Simon Toyne kidlifelove Change image and share on social
'Solomon Creed' is a man who knows everything about everything but nothing about himself and is on a journey of redemption to try and reclaim his identity. Simon Toyne creedidentityjourney Change image and share on social
It's interesting to note that when something like a virus tries to poison us, the first thing our bodies do is heat up. We burn away the infection. Maybe that's what Earth is doing to us. Simon Toyne bodyburnearth Change image and share on social