Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
William B. Royalter is a retired therapist that for more than five decades has studied such subjects as self-development, neurophysiology, human behaviour, cognitive processes and evolutionary psychology – just to mention a few.
Luckily, his brain is smarter than he is, and is able to break down even the most complex subjects into digestible, understandable chunks for him. And also being an alert and most effective B.S. defense radar and protection mechanism. With time, writing such a book was inevitable.
He is (or his brain is), therefore, both smart and individualistic enough to not be present in any social media. None.
This is his first work of non-fiction
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Ego. Based on the ancient and original meaning of the word; the whole person. It is mean as a guide for anybody wanting to go from automated behavioural patterns to becoming an independent, mature self. There are simple maps and tools that can be used by anybody, without any previous education or training.
It is the culmination of a long life working with self-development, behaviour and similar subjects. But, I never planned to write it. It just popped up. one day and demanded to be, well, manifested.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not really, but I try to write down whatever pops up – anytime, anywhere, before I forget it. I have come to trust my subconscious as an efficient producer of ideas. It is funny, too. It is like having a second self down there doing its best to entertain me. And it is more intelligent than I am.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Orwell, as far as fiction goes. Unfortunately, I must say, as some obviously have thought that his books were inspirational and motivational user’s manuals. And there are of course innumerable text books and academic works that are impressive. Oh, and everybody should read at least one book of Edward Bernays, to understand propaganda and manipulation of the masses.
What are you working on now?
Ego II. The second in a series of three. So stay tuned, there is more to come.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
As I am new to the game, I just keep throwing info around and look for who’s taking the bait.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
As the saying goes, the best time to plant a tree was twenty years ago, the next best time is today. So begin. Get started. You do not know how and where the journey ends: With practice, experience and maturity, it may be just you who create that masterpiece sometimes in the future – but you do not know today what your potential is, so take the first steps, and keep going.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“Claim your rights but pay your dues”. A motto from some Scandinavian Labour movement, strangely enough. But that was a long time ago, I don’t think they use it anymore.
What are you reading now?
As a retired therapist, I enjoy reading academic works and textbooks in many fields, some are quite impressive. Neurophysiology, neuropsychology and evolutionary psychology are of special interest to me.
What’s next for you as a writer?
As mentioned, to complete Ego II and Ego III.
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?
Some how-to and survival books, obviously, and possibly “Dangerous and Poisonous Tropical Animals Illustrated”. Or “How to Escape When Stranded on a Desert Island”.