
Roy T Martin’s journey into the literary world started in the third grade where he’d compete against his brother to see who could create better storlines. From there he would continue to conjure up countless stories from historical fiction to romances. It wasn’t until his junior year in high school he decided to pick up poetry where he could better process and express his person feelings and thoughts. After publishing some of his works through Wattpad and Instagram he would go on to publish his first official piece of literature “Poetic Signature”. Currently he’s in the process of writing his first ever light novel. Get in touch if you’ve got any comments, questions, suggestions, or just want to say hello. He would be more than happy to hear from you.
Describe yourself in five words.
I’d have to say resilient, optimistic, expressive, adventurous, and talented.
What fact about yourself would really surprise people?
Mainly that I am a man of many faces. Different people know me for completely different ways of being, but oddly enough they’re all me. I’m a bit of a walking contradiction, but in a good way.
How do you work through self-doubt and fear?
Honestly, I get so anxious that I force myself to just get whatever is scaring me over with. I’m big on embracing my fear while also facing it head on.
What scares you the most?
I feel that the answer to this question changes a lot throughout life for most people but for me personally, it’s that I disappoint myself. At the end of the day I hold myself to a high standard because when we go to whatever is after this life, I just want to know I lived it “correctly”.
What makes you happiest?
As corny as it may be…love.
Why do you write?
I actually have several reasons for why I write. I do this to express my inner thoughts, to give readers another point of view or perspective that may change how they see their reality, and lastly because this is my dream.
Have you always enjoyed writing?
Oddly enough, no. As a kid I loved making stories but actually writing them felt too tedious. Although it was different for me when I got into poetry. I started in either my sophomore or junior year of highschool in hopes that it would impress a girl I liked. Ultimately it worked, but when things went south the poetry kept me together.
What motivates you to write?
Usually when I’m going through a rough patch the poems just flow for me.
What writing are you most proud of?
Pretty much all the stories and poems of my youth. I love to look back and see how far I’ve come creatively.
What are you most proud of in your personal life?
I’m most proud of the fact that I in live my truth, I’m just unapologetically me.
What books did you love growing up?
Going all the way back to grade school I loved anything that taught me about animals and different time periods. I was also a big fan of biology and Greek mythology.
Location and life experiences can really influence writing, tell us where you grew up and where you now live?
I come from Reading, Pennsylvania. Pretty much I grew up around a bunch of tallent, but also a major shortage of hope. It pushed me to want more from life and to believe in myself despite the odds. As for where I live now, I reside in Arizona. Don’t get me wrong, I still love Reading but the slower pace out here suits me just fine.
How did you develop your writing?
I just stared young and always prioritized that I felt my emotions. I was never one to numb myself and that helped to get the most out of my imagination.
Do you find it hard to share your work?
Even now I’m still a little shy about sharing my poems, but that’s changing rather quickly.
Is your family supportive? Do your friends support you?
Of course, my family is my rock when it comes to my career. As for friends, a handful of my old classmates still show love when it comes to my writing, but I’ve found more support amongst the local groups in my area. They gave me everything from words of experience to supplies and connections. One author even helped me to get my first book signing opportunity that’s coming up in December.
What else do you do, other than write?
I like to practice martial arts and even though it’s been awhile, I used to play the saxophone.
How do you write – laptop, pen, paper, in bed, at a desk?
I like to draft out ideas with a paper and pencil, then finalize everything on either my chromebook or my phone. As for where, it’s really wherever inspiration strikes.
Every writer has their own idea of what a successful career in writing is, what does success in writing look like to you?
As long as I’ve made a positive impact in the lives of my readers and I can afford to live comfortably and support my loved ones, I’d say that’s all the success I need.
Tell us about your new book? Why did you write it?
I’m glad you asked about it. My latest book “Poetic Signature: The Deluxe Edition” is a more complete version of my first ever published work “Poetic Signature”. I was going through a rough time mentally and felt like I had to channel those feelings and then boom. I think the best part is that it brings together two separate stages in my life and shows how I’ve matured.
When you are not writing, how do you like to relax?
These days, when I’m not typing away I’m either playing basketball or binge watching shows like there’s no tomorrow.
What do you hope people will take away from your writing? How will your words make them feel?
From what I’ve been told, my works inspire self reflection. I’m hoping readers use that introspection to see life differently and that they strive to be their most happy and authentic selves.
Do you have links that you’d like to share for others to read?
You can find more of me at my website https://www.rtmpublishing.com/ and my latest book “Poetic Signature: The Deluxe Edition” is out now on Amazon too.