Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am an American expatriate author, a traveler. I have lived in several countries, most of my life has been spent in France. I have lived in Paris for the last eleven years. As of today, in 2014, I have six books published; five of which are full-length novels.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
“The Wanderess.” It was initially inspired by the XVIII Century French “aventurier” novel “Manon Lescaut.”
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
What would be a “usual” writing habit? “tapping keys”? Other than tapping keys, I have only “unusual” habits.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
At this period in my life (36 years old), I find inspiration and new style techniques in French literature of the XVIII and XIX centuries… novels such as “Paul et Virginie,” “La Dame aux camélias,” and “Carmen”; and authors such as Alfred de Musset and Lamartine. The great “Histoire de ma vie” by Casanova is no exception, as it was written in French. Besides the French, I owe my education to the Russians. Pushkin and Dostoevsky have greatly influenced me.
What are you working on now?
At present, I’m promoting my new book: “The Wanderess” (http://www.wanderess.com)
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
People love my quotes. A lot of website publishers post quotes of mine they find on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/search?utf8=%E2%9C%93&q=roman+payne&commit=Search
I also founded a literary social network called CulturalBook (http://culturalbook.com) and a lot of the members like to connect with me there and check out my work.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Experience: Spend at least one night in jail. Spend at least one year living in a foreign country.
Always be open to any new experience that may come your way. Always, always, always carry a pen wherever you go… or some device that can note or record a new idea. Spend as much time alone as possible. Do not own a TV. Read biographies of other authors. Try to be like them until you invent yourself. Create yourself, your image. Without a unique image, you may as well be a journalist and not an author. Realize that being an author is the highest station on earth, the greatest position a human being attain. The president of a great country, the astronaut who visits the moon, the doctor who heals… they are all less than you because they do not write novels.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“Roman Payne, stop organizing parties in Paris. Write. Write. Write!! You were born to write!!”
What are you reading now?
A French libertine novel written in the 1750s. I don’t it was ever translated into English
What’s next for you as a writer?
It could be another book, it could be a ceremonial suicide, or it could be to watch the sunrise that is just now beginning.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Homer’s “The Odyssey” in English
Homer’s “The Iliad” in English
Casanova’s “Histoire de ma vie” in the original French (all 3,000 – 4,000 pages)
Author Websites and Profiles
Roman Payne Website
Roman Payne Amazon Profile
Roman Payne’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile