ABOUT:
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My name is Matthew (he/him), and I write books (stay tuned).
It’s so important to me that I am authentic in telling LGBTQIA+ stories. I have a long list of book ideas that I’m always thinking about, whether it be in line at the grocery store or while I’m hiking up the side of a mountain. I cannot wait for the world to meet my characters. As Eleven said in my favorite TV show Doctor Who, we are all stories in the end. That’s why I’m trying my best to make it a good one -- not only for me but also readers (I have a TARDIS tattoo to remind me of this, and my husband is my companion). I grew up in a small Alabama town that you probably haven't heard of, trust me. I know more about small towns than I’m willing to admit. I graduated with degrees in marketing, English, and psychology from a small Alabama college. While the past ten years were spent doing good in the nonprofit sector, I’ve always known I’ve wanted to be a writer. |
Q & A
What is your mission statement as an author?
Authenticity in telling queer stories with purpose.
What’s your favorite type of protagonist?
I like the kind of characters that clean up nicely but still have some grit under their fingernails.
What inspired you to start writing?
I’ve always wanted to be writer. The idea of taking words and creating stories fascinated me as a child. As I grew up and figured out who I was, I realized that it was hard to find myself in stories, that I didn’t feel seen. That drove me to start creating so I could see myself in the words and stories and journeys I’d often read about.
Do you listen to music when you write?
No, I like silence. However, music does play a key role. I like to envision myself as a character, and then I create a playlist of songs they'd enjoy.
What advice would you give a new writer just starting out?
The best writing advice I ever received was to never stop reading, and it had such an impact on my life that I often share those wise words. Read everything in the genre you want to write about. Then read every genre that interests you. Don’t hold back. Read everything you can. It helps you grow as a writer.
Best writing tip?
Outlining is my saving grace. That and developing backstories for each character to better understand them.
What would you say is your most interesting writing quirk?
If I ever feel creatively un-stimulated, I break out a notebook and write by hand to free my mind. Not just any notebook, though. I have to write in red notebooks. Don’t ask why because I don’t know. I woke up one day and decided red was my lucky color when it comes to writing.
Can I send you something I’ve written for feedback?
I wish I could say yes, but there aren’t enough hours in the day. Writing is a process that takes up all of my spare time.
What is your mission statement as an author?
Authenticity in telling queer stories with purpose.
What’s your favorite type of protagonist?
I like the kind of characters that clean up nicely but still have some grit under their fingernails.
What inspired you to start writing?
I’ve always wanted to be writer. The idea of taking words and creating stories fascinated me as a child. As I grew up and figured out who I was, I realized that it was hard to find myself in stories, that I didn’t feel seen. That drove me to start creating so I could see myself in the words and stories and journeys I’d often read about.
Do you listen to music when you write?
No, I like silence. However, music does play a key role. I like to envision myself as a character, and then I create a playlist of songs they'd enjoy.
What advice would you give a new writer just starting out?
The best writing advice I ever received was to never stop reading, and it had such an impact on my life that I often share those wise words. Read everything in the genre you want to write about. Then read every genre that interests you. Don’t hold back. Read everything you can. It helps you grow as a writer.
Best writing tip?
Outlining is my saving grace. That and developing backstories for each character to better understand them.
What would you say is your most interesting writing quirk?
If I ever feel creatively un-stimulated, I break out a notebook and write by hand to free my mind. Not just any notebook, though. I have to write in red notebooks. Don’t ask why because I don’t know. I woke up one day and decided red was my lucky color when it comes to writing.
Can I send you something I’ve written for feedback?
I wish I could say yes, but there aren’t enough hours in the day. Writing is a process that takes up all of my spare time.
