Interview with Rob Shelsky

Published 2013-12-17.
Do you remember the first story you ever read, and the impact it had on you?
Yes, it was The Thing In The Cellar, at least it was the first story that had a real impact on me that I can remember. It scared the hell out of me!
How do you approach cover design?
I either let publishers do it (with some input from me), or if I'm handling it, I think of the basics of audio visual techniques. I go for high contrast, simple designs that show up well as thumbnails. The cover should say something about the story, if only give the feel. I've improved in this over time. My early attempts were...not the best.
What are your five favorite books, and why?
The entire Dune series as written by Frank Herbert (not the others). Also the Foundation Trilogy by Isaac Asimov. The Caves of Steel series by Isaac Asimov. The Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling. And, since I'm limited here, any two SF books by Andre Norton.
What do you read for pleasure?
Not much. I'm mostly reading/editing/proofing my own work. When I have a chance, I dip into the Golden Age of SF, or read a thriller by Douglas Preston, Lincoln Child, or something on that order.
What is your e-reading device of choice?
Kindle is my e-reading device a choice, but the Nook is a close second. Lately, my tablet is gaining a lot of favor with me.
What book marketing techniques have been most effective for you?
I use a lot of social media. That seems to help quite a bit. I also do press releases. How effective these are, I don't know. And I do radio interviews, which seem to help a lot, as well as the occasional TV interview. Conventions help, as well.
Describe your desk
Cluttered! I'm doing five things at once usually, it seems.
Where did you grow up, and how did this influence your writing?
I grew up all over, literally. I've lived as a kid in Massachusetts, New York, Connecticut, California, Texas, and Australia. I went to school in most of those places, as well as Canada.
When did you first start writing?
When I was fourteen, just for fun.
What's the story behind your latest book?
The story behind my latest book, just requested to be put under contract as a series, is an SF thriller about ancient spaceships, secret societies, and an NSA agent.
What motivated you to become an indie author?
I decided I wanted more control over my life.
How has Smashwords contributed to your success?
Smashwords not only contributed to my success, but started me on the whole road to indie publishing, and for that I'm very grateful.
What is the greatest joy of writing for you?
Just writing itself. I enjoy being a word smith, of constructing something from my imagination, making it real, tangible for others. I have to write. It's a part of me.
What do your fans mean to you?
Everything. I love to write, but without fans to read my work, I wouldn't be able to be a writer for long!
What are you working on next?
My second book in the series, The Apochrypha, titled (tentatively) The Creator Code.
Who are your favorite authors?
I have many, but Isaac Asimov, Arthur C. Clarke, Ray Bradbury, Robert Heinlein, Andre Norton, Alastair Reynolds, are some of my mainstays. But I also like Tom Clancy, and even Jane Austen, no less!
What inspires you to get out of bed each day?
To do my daily activities, writing, walking, gardening, and (although not inspirational, but a necessity) housecleaning.
When you're not writing, how do you spend your time?
Plotting books in my head, dwelling on major philosophical questions, wondering about science and researching things in that regard. Or, when I want to veg out, I watch television. Thank God for Netflix!
How do you discover the ebooks you read?
I search for topics I like, as in thrillers, SF, mysteries, etc. So it's a bit hit or miss.
Do you remember the first story you ever wrote?
Yes I do. It was actually a play and it was about William the Conqueror, no less. Sucked big time!!!
What is your writing process?
I sit down, go through my emails (gotta check those rejection slips--yes, I still submit some stuff to publishers), and then I just go right to where I left off in the book I'm working on at the time. I leave my computer on, and the MS Word program open to the page where I left off the night before. I just pick up from there.
Smashwords Interviews are created by the profiled author or publisher.

Latest books by This Author

Quantum Immortality the Hypersoul and Afterlife
Price: $2.99 USD. Words: 39,110. Language: English. Published: September 22, 2021 . Categories: Nonfiction » Science & Nature » Cosmos, Nonfiction » New Age » The Paranormal
Life immortal, an afterlife? Is there any scientific evidence that might support such a hope? Yes, there is and this book deals with the idea of quantum immortality, quantum suicide, the nature of consciousness, the power of the mind--what it is and what it can do.
Shattered Reality The Mandela Effect
Price: $2.99 USD. Words: 45,670. Language: English. Published: August 20, 2018 by Rob Shelsky. Categories: Nonfiction » Science & Nature » Time, Nonfiction » New Age » The Paranormal
Can we rely on our memories? Is the past changing? Is "someone" interfering with our timeline, and if so, who and why? Rob Shelsky delves into all these issues and many more in his latest book, Shattered Reality The Mandela Effect. A word of warning; if you prefer to believe in a safe, unchanging reality, then this book might not be for you!
The Mystery That Is Mars
Price: $3.99 USD. Words: 57,010. Language: English. Published: October 12, 2017 by Rob Shelsky. Categories: Nonfiction » New Age » Aliens & UFOs, Nonfiction » New Age » The Paranormal
Mars--a planet of endless mystery and wonder! Humans for centuries have had a strange fascination for the enigma that is Earth's sister world. Author Rob Shelsky takes us to the red planet. He tries to uncover the truth about the paradox that is Mars. Did Mars once have life, even intelligent life? Does it now? Do we need to fear Martians or aliens? The Mystery That Is Mars--a must read!
Time Travel Invasion
Price: $3.49 USD. Words: 77,220. Language: English. Published: June 5, 2016 by Rob Shelsky. Categories: Nonfiction » New Age » Aliens & UFOs, Nonfiction » Science & Nature » Time
Time Travel Is Real! Time Travel Has Already Been Done! Time Travelers Are Invaders From The Futurel! Rob Shelsky goes where most books on the subject of time travel won't! His careful research and evidence suggests incredible and frightening possibilities. If you want to know more about time travel, whether or not it and time travelers exist, then read Time Travel Invasion. That is, if you dare!
Deadly UFOs And The Disappeared
Price: $3.99 USD. Words: 72,530. Language: English. Published: February 28, 2015 by Rob Shelsky. Categories: Nonfiction » New Age » Aliens & UFOs, Nonfiction » New Age » The Paranormal
Are extraterrestrials our “space brothers” or is there evidence of something else, something much darker happening? The deadly side of UFOs—just what’s going on? For too long, researchers have overlooked or glossed over the deadly nature of UFOs. Author Rob Shelsky tackles this issue head on. He builds a strong case, drawing evidence from multiple sources, that UFOs are not our friends.
For The Moon Is Hollow And Aliens Rule The Sky
Price: $2.99 USD. Words: 66,500. Language: English. Published: March 31, 2014 by Rob Shelsky. Categories: Nonfiction » New Age » Aliens & UFOs, Nonfiction » New Age » The Paranormal
Is there a “No Trespassing” sign on the Moon? Have we been warned away by an alien intelligence? Is the Moon hiding a hollow core, one with an alien civilization? Do aliens take to hollowed-out worlds out of a very real fear? UFO Investigator and Author Rob Shelsky has discovered evidence and information that strongly suggests the idea of a hollow moon with aliens is a fact, rather than fiction!
Mysteries Of Mothman
Price: $2.99 USD. Words: 24,420. Language: English. Published: October 14, 2013 . Categories: Nonfiction » New Age » Supernatural, Nonfiction » New Age » The Paranormal
Mysteries of Mothman Tries to Answer Such Questions as: -- How Did the Whole Mothman Mystery Begin? --What is the Origin of Mothman? --Just What Is the Mothman? --What is the Mothman Curse? --Is the Mothman Demon Related? --Can the Mothman Really Predict the Future? --Is the Mothman an Alien or Something Supernatural? Want to know the answers? Read the book! A concise compendium of all the facts
Ancient Alien Empire Megalithia
Price: $2.99 USD. Words: 64,800. Language: English. Published: September 29, 2013 by Rob Shelsky. Categories: Nonfiction » New Age » Aliens & UFOs, Nonfiction » Science & Nature » Astronomy
Ancient Aliens ruled a worldwide empire, Megalithia, at the dawn of civilization. Who were these aliens? Why were they here? This is the first book to take all the information on Ancient Aliens, put it together, and find answers. Were aliens responsible for the Great Flood? Was the Younger Dryas "Big Freeze" a nuclear winter? The answers lie in Ancient Alien Empire Megalithia, an in-depth book!
Bradbury County
Price: $1.99 USD. Words: 5,300. Language: English. Published: November 22, 2012 by Rob Shelsky. Categories: Fiction » Science fiction » Short stories, Fiction » Horror » Weird fiction
The ultimate Dystopia, where entertainment can drive one mad! For Phillip, the invitation to a prestigious party in the neighboring county is a godsend, a chance to escape a monotonous and dreary existence in his own overpopulated and poor county. When the host refers to a mysterious "shower," Phillip is intrigued--poor innocent! He has noidea the "shower" seals the fate of his Bradbury County...
Serpents' Teeth
Price: $2.99 USD. Words: 11,820. Language: English. Published: October 6, 2012 by Rob Shelsky. Categories: Fiction » Horror » Weird fiction, Fiction » Science fiction » Adventure
Maggie and Hanna, two researchers, discover a strange city in a cavern beneath the sea. There, they unearth an ancient and deadly mystery involving a sunken, 18th Century French ship. Earth is in jeopardy and so are their lives, for although the lost City of Ys is ancient, alien hybrids may yet live and dwell in its dark depths. And if they do, then here, indeed, "there be monsters." A Novella.
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