Interview with Royce Sears

Published 2016-03-17.
What is the greatest joy of writing for you?
Writing is a joy in and of itself for me. Each time I sit down to write more of the story, my goal is to write a story that I would want to read, and hold myself to that standard with each development in the plot.
What's the story behind your latest book?
"The Elegance of Nature: Prophecies of the New World" started off as a short-story intended to do nothing but help me discover the nuances of writing for publication. It grew and blossomed into the beginnings of tale much longer than a short story could encompass. The characters took on a life of their own and told their story, and continue to tell their story, as the second novel in "The Elegance of Nature" series unfolds.
What do you read for pleasure?
I try to vary my reading tastes but invariably end up coming back to my favorite genres, Science Fiction and Fantasy. Some of my favorite authors include Robert Heinlein, Anne Mccaffery, Issac Asimov, Arthur C. Clarke, J.R.R Tolkien, and Robert Jordan.
When did you first start writing?
I started writing in elementary school and won a few contests, which spurred my desire to write. After getting hooked on the L. Sprague Decamp's Conan series in seventh grade, I started writing my first "manuscript." I filled pages and pages of notebook paper with the gory details of Conan-like combat scenes in my atrocious handwriting and my seventh grade english teacher, who stressed creative writing, took that "manuscript" home over the summer. She brought it back the following school year with edits and suggestions that further fueled my desire to become a writer.
Describe your desk
My desk is, more often than not, a cluttered mess of handwritten notes, printed pages, and index cards. There are two kid-size lunch boxes, one of which is about thirty years old- a marvel super-hero "Secret Wars" lunch box with Captain America, Spider-Man, and Ironman on the front. Some candles that are great for clearing the mind, a statue of a wolf, and the drinking glasses emblazoned with the star-ship Enterprise--a gift from my wife--complete the often messy work area where I spend much of my time.
When you're not writing, how do you spend your time?
I have a variety of interests, including reading first and foremost. Since much of my time is consumed with work, as a Registered Nurse, or writing, the majority of my time is spent doing the normal humdrum things like yard work, laundry, dishes, and the other mundane tasks of life. Time permitting, I enjoy fishing, hiking, walking the dog, and helping my wife with her studies in nursing school.
How do you discover the ebooks you read?
I find many of my ebooks right here on Smashwords. I'm always looking for well written books that capture my attention.
What is your e-reading device of choice?
While I prefer to have a physical book in my hands, I read e-books on my tablet.
What book marketing techniques have been most effective for you?
I'm still learning how to effectively market my work, so I'll have to get back to you on this one...
How has Smashwords contributed to your success?
I have found Smashwords, and their distribution channels, to be an outstanding platform to work with.
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Books by This Author

Prophecies of the New World-Second Edition
Price: $0.99 USD. Words: 75,350. Language: American English. Published: March 25, 2016 . Categories: Fiction » Young adult or teen » Science Fiction, Fiction » Science fiction » Apocalyptic
An alien virus, accelerating evolution in wild and unpredictable ways has rendered humanity an endangered species, but an ancient prophecy, a Warrior of the People, and a prophetic vision may be the keys to healing both the human race and the planet. Explore a world where old magic and ancient prophecy shape the future in the first book of The Elegance of Nature Series.
The Key to Humanity
Price: $0.99 USD. Words: 12,390. Language: English. Published: July 30, 2015 . Categories: Fiction » Science fiction » General
(5.00 from 2 reviews)
Mahel, an agent of the advanced civilization responsible for creating the Human experiment and living among humans for over three hundred years, must face the challenges of protecting humanity as the closely guarded knowledge of the experiment becomes known to the enemies of the Varanian Empire and the Key to Humanity could be unleashed on the unsuspecting peoples of Earth.