About Me

Paul Royka's diverse and fascinating experiences bring an authentic touch to his writing.   Some of these experiences include being an antique appraiser on TV, a solo sailor across the Gulf of Maine, a night auditor at one of America's most haunted inns, and a tour guide of historic and haunted sites in Salem, Massachusetts.

He received his undergraduate degree from Clark University in Worcester, Massachusetts, and studied abroad at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland. After earning a Master’s degree from Claremont Graduate University in California, he wrote several acclaimed books on antiques, set world records at auction, and helped museums acquire important works of art for their collections. He is a former appraiser on the PBS series Antiques Roadshow. 

In addition to his career as an appraiser, he exhibits photography and paintings as a Master Circle member of the Salem Arts Association. He is also a member of the Salem Athenaeum and The Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. Paul provides guided retreats to locations mentioned in his memoir A Secret Gathering including Farandnear and Monhegan Island, Maine. He also enjoys giving historic and haunted tours where he currently resides in Salem, Massachusetts.