Worksop: Young author well on way to achieving dream after publishing debut book

Matthew Roys, 21, of Gateford, has been writing stories for as long as he can remember and completed the book, titled ‘The Sword Summoner: History Repeats’, earlier this year.

The action-packed ‘re-imagining’ of the fantasy genre tells the story of a boy’s struggle to free his mother after his city is attacked by monsters who kill and enslave everyone within.

Determined to save his mother whatever the cost, the boy travels to the city of Onlasar, but is captured by desert tribes and forced into helping a young tribal princess flee her home.

Said Matthew: “I started the book at comprehensive school when I was just 13 years old, so it was a relief to finally get it finished and start working towards my goal of writing for a living.”

“I still open the book now and see loads of things I want to change, but that’s the same for any writer to some extent. You’re never going to completely be happy with your work.”

“Becoming a full-time writer is definitely my ultimate dream.”

“I can’t think of anything better than having a career where I don’t have to leave the house, and can sit drinking tea all day whilst writing fantasy epics.”

Matthew is currently a creative writing student at Sheffield Hallam University and said he feels fantasy is ‘looked down upon’ as a genre.

He has always taken inspiration from fantasy authors like Tolkien and Terry Pratchett for their unique writing style.

“I love how they add a dry humour to their writing,” said Matthew.

“ I like to incorporate a bit of humour into my stories as well, as I think the fantasy genre has become a bit stale- modern stories all seem to have the same formula.”

The book is published under a company called Matador but is self-funded and self-advertised by Matthew.

He added: “So far, I have managed to sell 101 copies, but I still have around 900 left to sell. I’ll get there.”

The Sword Summoner: History Repeats is available for purchase via Amazon UK priced at £7.99 for a paperback copy or £2.99 kindle edition.

Visit Matthew’s website at http://www.matthewroys.co.uk or you can email him at [email protected]. take am