Interview With Author Mark Matthews
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a 26-year Veteran of the United States Army, having served both as an Army medic and an engineer officer. After my time in the military, I turned my attention to writing Contracts for the Army at Aberdeen Proving Ground MD.
My first book, Invasive Species, will be released as part of my Extinction Event series in July 2023. The first book tells the story of an incredible battle between powerful forces. At the center of this conflict is a brave gladiator slave orc, determined to save the orc clans from the evil dragons and their relentless onslaught.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My book is inspired by a lifelong love of playing fantasy games and watching adventure movies. I’m a veteran of the US Army, and I draw on my experience as a medic to add realism to my work. I depict injuries in all their gruesome detail, with plenty of blood and agony included. Additionally, as an engineer in the military, I’m familiar with explosions and destruction, which I’m able to use to accurately portray things blowing up or being ripped apart.
I’ve tried to keep my scenes as close to real life as possible, so that readers can vicariously experience what it’s like for my characters. To do this effectively I draw on my own experiences with the armed forces, getting into the minutiae of what happens when someone is injured or when something is destroyed. This means that readers will be able to understand how dangerous certain situations can be and the consequences they can have if not handled properly.
Beyond just making sure that each scene is realistic and accurate, I also take care to ensure that each action packed moment has depth and meaning. Even though there are certainly moments of intense violence in my book, there’s always an underlying purpose behind every scene. Whether it’s providing insight into a character’s personality or pointing towards a moral lesson about human nature, each incident serves a higher purpose than just providing entertainment for readers.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I write each chapter as a three act scene, I strive to create a captivating story with intricate details and well-developed characters. The first act is dedicated to world building; this includes fleshing out the locations of the story, constructing believable backstories for characters, and introducing tension between characters or groups. The second act crafts the narrative and characters further and often contains the main conflict of the story. In act three, I attempt to provide a resolution or cliffhanger that encourages readers to turn to the next chapter. This allows me to build anticipation and suspense in my writing, while also giving readers a satisfying end.
The third act i focus on often contains a resolution or cliffhanger that encourages readers to turn the page. This allows me to build anticipation and suspense in my writing, while also giving readers a reason to start reading the following chapter.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Steven King’s iconic post-apocalyptic novel The Stand has been a major source of inspiration for me as a writer. I’m always mesmerized by how he can have multiple story threads and characters intersect and culminate in an intense climax. I try to capture that same magic, to create storylines where seemingly disparate events, locations and characters build to a final intensive end scene.
What are you working on now?
I’m currently working on Book 2, the great dying, where . Dragons were wreaking havoc on the orc clans, their powerful wings slashing down entire villages in a single swoop. The orcs desperately tried to unite their scattered fragments into a cohesive army that would be capable of standing up against such a relentless force.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Just face book so far.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
The best way to become a successful writer is to conduct thorough research and then write about what you have learned. Doing so will give your writing more accuracy and detail, allowing you to create content that is more interesting and engaging. Furthermore, when researching topics related to your writing, be sure to go beyond the surface level of knowledge by looking for information from multiple sources. This will ensure you get the full picture, rather than relying on one source for all of your research needs.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Writing is no easy feat – it takes skill, precision, and dedication. But when it comes to marketing your book, the difficulty increases exponentially. After all, a novel will only reach its intended audience if you’re able to effectively spread the word about it
What are you reading now?
Too busy working and writing and being a critique partner for other new authors.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I wish I had the time to read, to lose myself in new worlds and explore different perspectives. But alas, my life is consumed with work and writing and critiquing manuscripts for other aspiring authors. It’s a challenging yet rewarding role that requires immense focus and attention to detail.
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?
I’m a realist, probably survival books.
Mark Matthews’s Social Media Links