Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My name is Matthew Chau, currently a student at California State University, Fullerton studying English. I currently have two self-published books under my belt under Amazon.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My newest book release was a poetry collection called Get Well Soon. Written, formatted and released in 21 days, after being released from my day job. It is an ode to my current dating partner, in which I have known for three years but only started dating just recently.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I only write during the night! No exceptions! I will gather thoughts and anything as a simple word that is on my mind or I find a connection with in my notes and write. As an avid Hip-Hop fanatic, I will usually have a vinyl record spinning in the background as I write. I also usually never capitalize in my poems to a stylistic preference.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I try not to be influenced by other writers as I like all my thoughts and ideas to be genuine. I draw inspirations and ideas from anything I read, however; a concept or line, large or small. I am greatly inspired however by musical artists such as Frank Ocean, Tupac Shakur, Nas, Jay-Z, Drake, Lil Wayne, Earl Sweatshirt, Joey badass, and Danny Brown to name a few.
What are you working on now?
Off of my new release Get Well Soon, I am going to take some time off from writing as I always like to do. I will pick it up again soon; even in the off-season, i’m always taking notes.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Still a niche I need to advance in, to be honest. Currently, it’s mostly Amazon advertising and word of mouth and social media. I am trying out smaller newsletter and promotions to test the waters.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
It’s a daunting process, to create and publish a book. As cliche as it sounds, just keep pushing and don’t stop for anything!
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
think of your five closest friends – your skill cap is the median of those five.
What are you reading now?
my own books 🙂 – fine-tuning my own work
What’s next for you as a writer?
possibly one more full poetry book, and then transition slowly to fiction work.
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?
48 Laws of Power
Decoded – Biography of Jay-Z
The Law of Attraction
1984
Author Websites and Profiles
Matthew Chau Website
Matthew Chau Amazon Profile