Rick Taylor is obsessed with water, whether it’s a long-distance swim off the coast of England or surfing a wave top in Byron Bay, Australia. He’s also a writer, prolific in both books and magazines. And he teaches this skill, also prolifically, with upcoming workshops at Collected Works book store, Algonquin College, Carleton University, the City of Ottawa and by a cottage in the Gatineau Hills, all before mid-summer. His Website is at http://www.taylorswave.ca/

What is your present state of mind?

Selling a house, buying a house.

What is your biggest fault?

Being a hopeless romantic.

Where is your ideal place to live?

Anywhere with my wife Dale.

When were you happiest?

Living in a beachhouse for a year in Byron Bay Australia, surfing and writing.

Who is your favourite historical figure?

Hemingway.

What human quality do you most admire?

Enthusiasm.

What is the most over-rated human virtue?

Wearing one’s virtues on one’s sleeve.

Who is your favourite fictional character?

Huck Finn.

What was your greatest misfortune?

So much water, so little time.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

Go for it.

What is your greatest extravagance?

Surfing.

What is your favourite journey?

Anything in water.

What is your greatest regret?

That I only have 25 years left.

What talent would you most like to have?

Playing guitar.

What is your most treasured possession?

My wife and kids.

What male quality do you most admire?

Humour.

What female quality do you most admire?

Empathy.

What is your motto?

Sharks happen.

Art has the potential to…..?

Help us all rethink life.

What, if anything, scares you about the creative process?

The black box.