Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m British, living just outside of Bristol in South-West England. I come from the same village where one J k Rowling was born. I am married with 4 children ranging from 6 up to 20. I have lived in this area all of my life, aside from when I was at university in Southampton, where I studied Geology. I’m 6 foot 3, have brown hair, blue eyes…. maybe we don’t need all THAT detail! Although I do have a rune of protection from fire tattooed on my shoulder. I have been writing on and off for just over a decade, with quite a gap between the epic fantasy series I created named ‘The Tome of Law’ and my current series, which is more horror-inclined.
My completed works to date:
The Tome of Law (Epic Fantasy)
Book 1: The Focus Stone
Book 2: The Path of Dreams
The ARC Chronicles (Adventure Horror)
Book 1: Hellbounce
Book 2: Hellborne
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Hellborne – The ARC Chronicles Part 2.
The name for the book comes from the theme of Hell that I am running with, coupled with a play on words for the term ‘borne’. If one is carried, one is borne from one place to another. It also refers to the origins of the child my protagonist carries. That is all I can refer to without spoilers.
ARC is an acronym for Anges de la Résurrection des Chevaliers, or in English, ‘Angels of the Knight’s Resurrection’. In essence they are the organisation who stand against the foretold incursion to earth of Demonkind, an event that has been in the offing for thousands of years, ever since an event happened in Hell with disastrous unforeseen consequences. The tale I am telling is part of their history, but not all of it.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I find it hard to write in other places than my current locations. Those are at work during my lunch hour, on the bus to and from the office ( I have a google nexus with Bluetooth keyboard that comes in very handy) and the local sports centre when my kids are at swimming lessons or a party. Other than that, as long as I can block out my surroundings with music I am normally fine. There is nothing worse than knowing someone is looking over your shoulder while you are writing.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I absolutely love the works of Lovecraft. That man had a way of description that I have never seen in any other book I have read. If I ever produce anything that even comes close I will be a happy man. He set the bar for strange and unusual tales and it was a high bar indeed. I also feel a strange sort of kinship with the fictional author ‘Hank Moody’ (played by David Duchovny in ‘Californifcation’). A writer who produces the goods, means well, but can’t help but get himself into trouble.
Most directly, my mentor the author David Farland (www.davidfarland.com) has taught me loads over the years. My current series would not be what it is without his influence.
What are you working on now?
I have a few projects on the go; A children’s book for the ages of about 3 – 6, a potential short story, and Hellbeast.
Hellbeast – The ARC Chronicles Part 3 will tie up the current series. I am at time of writing about 16 chapters in, with probably another 20 to go. I say probably, for although I have detailed chapter notes, as any author knows, sometimes the story takes on a life of its own and you can’t help but just go along for the ride.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Personally I try to funnel everything through www.matthewharrill.com. It is my brand and as such I try to ensure I use all the same imagery on social media sites, and other outlets. There are many out there, including this one, and I am trying as many as possible. Amazon, Goodreads, Twitter etc etc. You name it, I’ll try it!
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Keep writing. And when you have finished, write some more. The more you write the better you get as long as you are prepared to take constructive criticism. Discard the haters that are just trying to get a reaction. If someone gives you feedback accept it with good grace, even if you don’t like what they say or how they say it. There is always a lesson to be learned.
Research. Get your facts straight. Get them straight before you even consider writing. If you research diligently, and once you have the overall story arc, plan your chapters in detail, by the time you come to write the chapters it should be so much easier for you.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Being told that my chapters had to drop down to about 2500 words per chapter. My fantasy series is gargantuan in its chapter length, and The ARC Chronicles flow much smoother for having smaller chapters. I thought it would be a challenge, but it focuses the mind on what you are aiming to produce. Less really is more.
What are you reading now?
I recently read ‘On Writing’ by Stephen King, as well as a bunch of novels by other authors at my publisher in an attempt to gain an understanding of what they are in to. Most of the time though, I don’t have time to read, otherwise I don’t have time to write!
What’s next for you as a writer?
Other than the children’s book, I have a short story that I intend to write in the ARC world entitled ‘The Eyes Have No Soul’, and then a possible legacy series set in the future in the same world. There is also talk of an erotic thriller too….
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?
Desalinisation – if you are going to be stuck on a desert island, might as well have some sort of inkling (however futile) on how to separate salt from water.
Wilderness survival for dummies – lots of good tips.
How to build your own fishing rod – crucial for a place surrounded by water.
Oh and a complete printed edition of the Encyclopaedia Britannica – for fires!
Author Websites and Profiles
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