Hallo out there! I’m here to tell you all about myself. Well, not really. As Chris said to the Horsecow when he asked ‘What is *wrong* with me?’ I don’t have the time. However, I do have the time to answer an even baker’s dozen of questions, because I’m a terrible, terrible man who can’t follow instructions. I couldn’t pour piss out of a boot if the how-to was written on the heel.I suppose I ought to tell you at least a *tiny* bit about myself, right? My name is Robert C Roman, and I write Weird Fiction, which is a mix of Sci Fi and Horror, and Slipstream, which is a mix of Sci Fi and Fantasy, and Romantic Action Comedy, which is where the John and Joan Cusack live. I’ve said it before, I’ll say it again, and someday I’ll remember that it’s not witty the second time you say it, I write them *all at the same time*. On to the questions!
What was your first sale as an author?
My first sale as an author was a Paranormal Romantic Comedy Novella entitled Fae Eye for the Golem Guy. It’s a fun little story about a straight laced Golem who falls in love with a wild child Sidhe. For those of you who’ve read it, yes, it was almost as much fun to write as it is to read.
My first sale as an author was a Paranormal Romantic Comedy Novella entitled Fae Eye for the Golem Guy. It’s a fun little story about a straight laced Golem who falls in love with a wild child Sidhe. For those of you who’ve read it, yes, it was almost as much fun to write as it is to read.
Tell us about your next release.My next release is the Paranormal Romance What Not to Fear. It's the sequel to Fae Eye for the Golem Guy, and it's my first full length novel to be published!
What is your favorite color?
Some uncharitable sorts will question my right to a guy card, but I don't see how anyone can have a favorite color. Any color is going to look terrible when placed next to colors neither complementary nor contrasting. Instead, I have a favorite color *scheme*. That scheme being black, dusty rose pink, and gold. I was married in a surcoat with those colors.
Some uncharitable sorts will question my right to a guy card, but I don't see how anyone can have a favorite color. Any color is going to look terrible when placed next to colors neither complementary nor contrasting. Instead, I have a favorite color *scheme*. That scheme being black, dusty rose pink, and gold. I was married in a surcoat with those colors.
Does your significant other read your stuff?
Thus far only as a Beta reader, which means she never actually sees the finished product. I think she's said her favorite so far is What Not to Fear. For some reason, though, she tends to not like my heroines.
Thus far only as a Beta reader, which means she never actually sees the finished product. I think she's said her favorite so far is What Not to Fear. For some reason, though, she tends to not like my heroines.
Do you have critique partners or beta readers?
Sweet merciful Jesus yes. I do not blaspheme; good beta readers are a gift from God on high, proof that there is a kind and loving God. Of course, some people say my sense of humor disproves that, but I think that just means he's got a wicked sense of humor.
Sweet merciful Jesus yes. I do not blaspheme; good beta readers are a gift from God on high, proof that there is a kind and loving God. Of course, some people say my sense of humor disproves that, but I think that just means he's got a wicked sense of humor.
What do you think makes a good story?
Emotional investment. Any story where you can't avoid emotionally investment in the characters is a good one. Of course, making a story make an irresistible demand for emotional investment from the reader requires characterization, dialogue, plot, pacing, and occasional snippets of prose to die for. Or just overuse the tearjerker tropes, but that's cheating.
Emotional investment. Any story where you can't avoid emotionally investment in the characters is a good one. Of course, making a story make an irresistible demand for emotional investment from the reader requires characterization, dialogue, plot, pacing, and occasional snippets of prose to die for. Or just overuse the tearjerker tropes, but that's cheating.
What book are you reading now?
I'm presently reading The Wise Man's Fear by Patrick Rothfuss. Specifically, I'm reading the copy he signed for me at RT. Random strangers have gone 'ooh!' at the sig.
I'm presently reading The Wise Man's Fear by Patrick Rothfuss. Specifically, I'm reading the copy he signed for me at RT. Random strangers have gone 'ooh!' at the sig.
Have you attended a high school reunion? Yes, my 20th. What did you learn?
That everyone recognizes my face after 20 years, but no one recognizes me because I don't reek of nerd. Seriously, I had one person say "Bob? No, you can't be Bob Roman, Bob Roman is a geek!"
That everyone recognizes my face after 20 years, but no one recognizes me because I don't reek of nerd. Seriously, I had one person say "Bob? No, you can't be Bob Roman, Bob Roman is a geek!"
Morning Person? Or Night Person?
Night Person. VERY Night Person.
How do you know?
When I've been on long breaks from work and my schedule drifted to 'whenever my body wanted to sleep' I slept from 8 AM to 12 Noon every day.
Night Person. VERY Night Person.
How do you know?
When I've been on long breaks from work and my schedule drifted to 'whenever my body wanted to sleep' I slept from 8 AM to 12 Noon every day.
Is there a writer you idolize? Oh, no. Not at all. (YES!) If so who?
Pratchett! Pratchett! Pratchett! Pratchett! Pratchett! Pratchett! Pratchett!
Pratchett! Pratchett! Pratchett! Pratchett! Pratchett! Pratchett! Pratchett!
What is the next big thing?The Next Big Thing is going to be the release of my first full length novel, but shortly thereafter (I hope!) will be the release of my first print book. I've set my own conditions for 'winning' at the game of life. One of them is seeing my name on the spine of a book in a brick and mortar bookstore. Another is seeing someone cosplay as one of my characters. Hint hint!
I'm a fan of the old school Purity Test and similar things, so I'd have to go with 'What's the most private thing you're willing to admit, here and now?' Your answer?
From now on, whenever someone dies, the words " You have all the weapons you need…now fight!" are going to be in my head.
What? You didn't say our answers have to make sense without a LONG explanation.
Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?
Yes! I want to thank each and every person who has read one of my books! Any time I realize someone would actually pay to read one of my books I feel like I can fly. Any time someone actually takes the time to *say* they liked one of my books?
Whoa. Such a rush. Only way I can describe it.
Yes! I want to thank each and every person who has read one of my books! Any time I realize someone would actually pay to read one of my books I feel like I can fly. Any time someone actually takes the time to *say* they liked one of my books?
Whoa. Such a rush. Only way I can describe it.
Well, that's it! A baker's dozen from the guy who can't seem to follow rules or color in the lines. Keep your eyes open, I'm back to writing, and summer is coming soon, with those long ten-thousand-words-of-new-fiction days. See you then!
12 comments:
Hey Robert!
It was so great meeting you at RT! I love you quirkiness and I love the way you put it in your books.
You write outside the box, which is great, not the same cookie cutter stuff, Very fun reads. Good luck with your next book.
Pratchett. I need to read one of his books ... someday. Years ago, when I ran an early incarnation of The Music of Chaos through Critters, one of my beta readers compared my writing to Pratchett's. But other than Good Omens, I haven't read any of his books.
I have The Name of the Wind on hold at the library. Thanks to budget cuts, it's a loooong hold. Think I should just break down and buy it?
Cool to learn a little more about you. Gotta love that whacky sense of humour of yours.
Love the description of the surcoat...I'm sure you looked quite dashing!
In my high school we were known as gnurds. ;-)
I promise to cosplay if you bring back a certain character inspired by a Blue Bloods game with a NPC side kick named Cory.
Single set of arms and legs version. :P
@Stephanie - It was great meeting you!
@P.K - My recommendation is to start with Guards Guards at the earliest. There are several multi-novel storylines, and that's the first one that starts with Pratchet writing as Pratchett, not Pratchett trying to write as Adams.
@Leanne - Thanks!
@Maureen - No one noticed me, which was as it should be. Image Google "The Accolade" - that's the image I took to the dressmaker for the Ur-Goth's dress.
@PJ - Feh. Jesse's in BlueBloods, but that's cheating. And it's not done. You could do a good Leigh Abrams, though... ;-)
Bob, you know I'm dumb ass lazy...if you don't supply a link I'll never get out and find it... Well, maybe this once...
BTW, I got my pocket kraken today...;-)
@Maureen - SWEET!
I'll post a picture of my tabard some time soon. In the meanwhile, check this -
http://www.illusionsgallery.com/Accolade.html
I actually did check that out... what a gallant picture you must have made... ;-)
The pocket kraken is really cool. I look forward to showing it off at my next convention... Let me see, BayCon, over Memorial Weekend.
I should make up some 'Where's the Kraken" flyers to promote my contest and leave them around... Add that to the massive list I have laying around somewhere...
How interesting Robert that your wife tends not to like your heroines. I'm almost postive my husband would hate my heros. Tall, ripped, full head of dark hair, did I say ripped?? But then, I don't let him read any of my stories. Not that he's offered. Sniff....
@Barbara - Actually, in my case, the heroines my wife doesn't like are the ones that have a lot in common with her. Not so much physically; more the personality.
Oh dear - is she recognizing herself? Or not? You could be in deep trouble there.
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