Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a college swimming coach by day, and avid writer, swimmer and dog lover in my free time…
I have currently self-pusblished three books and a short story in the last 16 months. My first, One Degree, I started writing in 2007 and published in 2013. My latest novel, What We Leave Behind, I started in 2009 and just put out this week. I hope to be in a habit of publishing at least one book a year, minimum, form here on out…
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
What We Leave Behind.
From the Inside Flap
Prologue:
I started writing this novel in 2009, after losing my remarkable dog, Rawley, to a bone tumor in a very emotional process. As the next year continued, my other canine companion of twelve years, Max, passed away from liver cancer. In that same period, a very dear coaching colleague – far too young to deal with her medical issues – passed away from cancer. Not to be a bearer of grief, as we all deal with these events in our lives, but from 2008-2012, I watched as my father battled pancreatic cancer, fighting with amazing resolve.
Amidst so much loss and pain, it was easy to write the sad parts of this book. The trick was keeping the hope, the love, the fight, and the joy – that they all managed to hold onto – represented in my heroine, Jane.
Despite numerous challenges, I knew I wanted to push through and finish this work when a former teammate from college lost her struggle with cancer earlier this winter. This book’s dedication is for those people who struggle with illness and pain, and yet never lose their optimism or their love for others. I hope I do them – and through them, all of you – justice.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Pretty typical habits – Love Hemingway’s quote -“Write drunk, edit sober” Seems to work for me most of the time. 🙂
What authors, or books have influenced you?
David Sedaris, Amistead Maupin, JK Rowling, David Estes
What are you working on now?
Book 2 of the “Cristman” Trilogy, A new sic-fi piece called “Tomorrow Never Came”, and a saucy look at sex and relationships called “Closet Whore”.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Amazon and Facebook have been great to me so far. Besides you guys at AMC!
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Keep at it. Be patient. Write, edit, write, edit and then don’t be afraid to put your work out there.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
If being good was easy, everyone would do it.
What are you reading now?
David Estes – The Dweller series
What’s next for you as a writer?
Hopefully more publishing and a wider fan base. But regardless of that, I want to keep putting work out there that inspires, creates discussion, and reminds people of important things we often forget in this life. Things like striving to improve, being kind to others, and making a difference in this world. Pretty standard stuff…lol
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 Harry Potter Series (I know that’s more than 3), Me Talk Pretty One Day, and How To Survive on a Dessert Island – The Manual
Author Websites and Profiles
Matthew Alan Website
Matthew Alan Amazon Profile
Matthew Alan’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account