By: Michael Beas – Atlas Elite Publishers
Setting off on a literary journey that surpasses the limits of the imagination, Robert L. DeMayo is a legend in the storytelling community. His writing is a powerful potion that animates characters and envelops readers in stories that don’t go away even after the last page is turned. We dive into this literary virtuoso’s creative sanctuary in this exclusive interview, revealing the inspirations, struggles, and victories that mold his enthralling novels. Take a journey inside Robert L. DeMayo’s head, where words become a brushstroke on a canvas representing the human experience, and the narrative takes on the status of an art form.
Can you share some highlights from your extensive travels to nearly a hundred countries before the age of thirty?
During my twenties, I embarked on ten six-month journeys to foreign countries, each encompassing an overland expedition. Little did I know that it would be the last decade before the internet shrunk the world. At that time, the idea of countries like India modernizing seemed unfathomable. Pre-internet travel presented unique challenges; most of the places I visited lacked guidebooks, and resources like Tripadvisor and MapQuest were non-existent. Communication with home was limited to brief, infrequent calls, often marred by static and an echo, leaving me with a sense of isolation and a lack of a readily available safety net. Nevertheless, the world felt vast and full of mystery, fueling my insatiable appetite to see as much of it as I could.
What motivated you to transition from a career in biomedical engineering to become a writer and explorer?
My mom raised me on captivating tales of Africa and Alaska—so I attribute my thirst for adventure to her. Our family-owned some land in northern Maine, where, during summer camping trips, my mother would enthrall my brother and me with her imaginative stories. Her gift for storytelling planted a seed of wanderlust within me, a seed that refused to be ignored as I transitioned into adult life. I was certain that countless adventures awaited me, thanks to these vivid narratives that had ignited my imagination. My mom, Pat, always said, “Never underestimate the value of a dream.”
How did your experiences journaling during your travels inspire your novels?
From a young age, I found solace in journaling. I also collected quotes, a secret passion my father’s disapproval of travel compelled me to keep. Hidden behind a mirror in my bedroom, I scribbled down inspiring passages about travel, retreating to these words late at night, drawn by the siren call of distant lands. Journaling honed my writing skills, complemented by a voracious reading habit that always accompanied my travels. These journals, thirty in total over a decade, became an invaluable treasure trove, ultimately forming the foundation of my major work, The Wayward Traveler.
Could you discuss your role at The Telegraph and the Hollis Times and how it contributed to your writing career?
My career as a foreign correspondent not only provided me with an income, albeit insufficient to cover all expenses but also opened doors to exciting opportunities. I was fortunate to secure sponsorships for gear from Eastern Mountain Sports and cameras from Olympus, which significantly enhanced my ability to capture and share my experiences. More importantly, it granted me an audience comprised of people I knew and cared for. This newfound platform encouraged me to constantly observe and document my travels, taking notes for future writing and capturing images to complement my stories.
What drove your involvement with The Explorers Club, and what responsibilities do you hold as chair of its Southwest Chapter?
When I first started at Eos Study Tours, I considered myself quite experienced—I had traveled extensively and seen much of the world. I thought I was a big fish, ha! My perspective shifted dramatically when I encountered some of the distinguished lecturers we engaged, such as Don Walsh and Alfred McLaren, both former presidents of The Explorers Club. Walsh is renowned for being the first person to descend to the Mariana Trench’s deepest point, while McLaren charted the ocean beneath the Arctic ice cap in a nuclear submarine during the Cold War. These individuals were authentic explorers, possessing extraordinary courage and a willingness to risk everything in pursuit of discovery. It wasn’t long before I realized that The Explorers Club of today is a collective of such intrepid men and women.
I have been a member of The Explorers Club for over two decades and have served as the Chair of the Southwest Chapter for the past five years. Our chapter boasts 88 diverse members spread across four states, each with unique expertise and passion. Our ranks include speleologists, conservationists, naturalists, astronomers, historians, overland explorers, underwater photographers, artists, and many others. Among us is a member distinguished by the world record for witnessing the most solar eclipses. At the close of each quarter, I collect 100-word summaries from members who have embarked on expeditions or published new research. These concise reports are then compiled and submitted as an update for The Explorers Club’s quarterly newsletter. Following their expeditions has given me hope for the future. In an era where modern exploration increasingly emphasizes conservation, I am honored to contribute to this vital movement.
Check out Robert Louis DeMayo’s work today!
Published By: Aize Perez
