Written Author Interview
Awards and Accolades
Author of Irish Town (2020):
Published under the auspices of MARSMEN Ltd.
Killer Nashville Silver Falchion Award Winner (Best Juvenile/YA)
Reader Views Literary Award (Gold)
New York Big City Book Award (Distinguished Favorite)
Colorado Authors League Award Winner
American Literary Awards Finalist
Short Narratives Published (2020-2024):
“Custom Headphones;” 84th Parallel Literary Magazine
“Ms. Baker’s Home;” Fterota Logia Literary Magazine (Volume 2)
“Tick;” Empyrean Literary Magazine
“Tags;” Pensieve Art Collection
MFA: Creative Writing, Regis University (2020)
Interview Questions
Tell me about yourself. What do you like to do outside of writing. What is a day in the life like for you?
While my pen name is Matthew, I prefer Matt. I am a Colorado Native. I have been overseas twice. I lived in the UK teaching 3rd Grade. And I composed my first novel, Irish Town, off the Irish coast, on the small isle of Inis Sheer. I enjoy travel, but I am always finding my way back home to Denver, Colorado, which is also source of content for my narratives. I am currently a Composition Professor, as well as a Women’s Lit Professor.
I am a typical homebody writer, hermit mostly. But if I want to escape, I am fortunate to live near a golf course, so I play terrible golf.
My mentor once advised me to write in the early AM. The brain is most creative after waking up. So, I try my best to stick to that philosophy. I like a good cup of coffee, some background music, and sun.
What inspired your first novel? What was the thing that got you into writing in the first place?
I have a background in education. In my experiences, I observed a huge block in literacy for content relevant to the modern-day student. There simply isn’t enough engaging content with literary merit for youthful readers. I attempt to compose content that is engaging for all ages, while also incorporating literary techniques.
How do you come up with characters? Are they spontaneous or meticulously planned?
I find a flaw in a trope. For example, give an eye piercing to a cheerleader. Then, I find a name that alludes to this trope; Pierce. I think and refer to someone I know close enough that I can predict their reaction to certain situations. Last, I give those emotions to my characters as they are thrown in the events of the plot.
What are some of your favorite genres to read? Are there any books you’d recommend to first time readers or people looking for something new?
I am hard audience. I like dystopian YA with that wax’s poetic. My favorite example, “The Knife of Never Letting Go.”
What’s the most difficult thing about being a writer?
Patience to succeed.
What is your process to completing a novel from outline to final product?
I am a first-person, pantster writer. I think, think, plot, think, then write. But I do not plan. I compose the entire novel, then come back to it years later. Like a painter’s canvas, I use newly acquired skills and improve my original manuscript.
What’s the most unhinged thing you’ve written in your novel? Don’t worry, we don’t judge here.
Sex scene for highschoolers that is also delicate enough for YA.
What’s one thing about being a writer that absolutely drives you up the wall?
The stigma of independent publishing. Traditional will happen, but when? And why immediatley?
What does being a successful writer look like for you? What type of life do you want to live as a writer?
A writer is successful when they feel successful. Some writers write for money. Some writers write for fun. Some writers write for pain. And some writers just write. I want to be read like an artist. I want my words to be an expression of artwork. Then, I want to be a multi-millionaire, haha.
Describe your writing journey. If you had to write a story centered around it, do you think you could pull it off?
Depression, pain, heartbreak, loneliness, substance abuse, recovery, hope, work on craft, work on craft, work on craft, get your words out there. Create publisher. Publish my own work. Publish material of authors of similar ilk.
Yes.
Thank you!!!!
Follow and Connect with Matthew John Maegher
Social Media
Twitter: @MatthewMeagher8
Instagram: @matthewjohnmeagherbooks
Facebook: Matt.Meagher.12
TikTok: mattmeagher0
LinkedIn: matthew.meagher.22
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