Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My name is Dave Matthes, I’m a South Jersey native living in Pennsylvania working as a service and installation technician for the restaurant industry. I’ve written and self-published seventeen books of varying genres and styles, mostly novels and poetry. I’ve just finished the first draft of my eighteenth book which is a short novel. I live with my fiance just south of Philadelphia and we have a cat named Hank who is the most demanding life-sucker I’ve ever met, but he’s also the world’s greatest cuddler.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My most recent book is a collection of poetry and stories titled “On the Verge of Burning Down the Church”. The poems touch base on the idea of becoming so desperate in life you’re forced to rearrange whatever system of morality or truth you’ve been raised to uphold thus far in life.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Unusual? No. I have consumed my fair share of alcohol and other mind-altering paraphernalia, as I’m sure most other writers or artists can relate to. But nothing really unusual. I work a lot on the road, so when I’m not at home typing on my laptop, I’m at work shooting down notes in a notebook or whatever I can find.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Kerouac, Bukowski, Jim Morrison, John Fante, Cormac McCarthy, etc… the list is to lengthy to include everyone. But as far as my style of writing is concerned, I generally try to write somewhat differently with each subsequent book whether it’s poetry or a novel. I like to experiment with my writing, and while I feel I’ve somewhat mastered certain styles, I’ve only scratched the surface on others. Having a slew of authors ranging from several different styles helps to accommodate that need.
What are you working on now?
Just recently I’ve finished the first draft of a new novel, titled “No Old Souls at Fury Tavern”, a story that details the lives and intimacies of a handful of denizens at a dive bar. I’m also part way through another novel, which I am writing in the form of a journal that details my work life on the road and how it has effected my personal life/writing life. It’s called “Hotel Highway City Mountain” and is essentially the most pretentious thing I’ve written to date.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Over the years I’ve found at least for me, my best following comes from those I’ve “crossed paths with” on Instagram. The people there seem to be the most open-minded and The exposure is better than that experienced on Facebook.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Yea, don’t take writing advice from other authors.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
See the above.
What are you reading now?
Kerouac’s “The Dharma Bums”, “Hunger” by Knut Hamsun, and “Bone House” by Scott Laudati.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Next? Publishing “No Old Souls at Fury Tavern”, and working on the next book. Always, always working on the next book.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
The Holy Bible, for burning, I hear the pages burn pretty easily.
Author Websites and Profiles
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