Interview With Author Matthew Paris
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I was born and raised in Houston, Texas. As a kid I never thought about writing. I was more of a sports kid. I played football and ran track. I didn’t realize I had a talent in this until my sophomore year of high school. My English teacher came up to me and put an A paper on my desk. She leaned over and said; Matt, I think you have a talent in this and you should explore this. I didn’t really get serious about writing until college. I attended Texas Tech University and they have a great English department. I graduated and begin writing screenplays. I’ve written several short films that have been shown over three continents. It was the United States, Europe, Middle East, and Africa.
I was contributing articles at The Sports Column when I decided I want to write a book. I’ve written three sports books because I’m a sports coach in Houston. I coach soccer and basketball. The other book I wrote has nothing to do with sports. It’s called The Passing of Time and is very much a spiritual book. I enjoy writing about all kinds of subjects.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is called, “The Passing of Time”. It’s very much a spiritual book and has a lot to do with motivation and how do you handle problems in a positive manner. Life is a roller coaster ride. There are many ups and downs. But, you have to deal with it and get through it. How do you handle your problems in a positive manner? It’s all a mind set.
I’m a coach and mentor so I’ve seen and heard a lot of problems from my young athletes. In the worst situation you have to stay positive because there’s an answer to everything.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Most people like to set a time to write. I usually write when I feel inspired. If I think of a story I might sit down for an hour or two and flesh out the plot and characters. If I write at night, I’m a little more tired and my mind wonders. I might right something that is totally out of the blue and not have anything to do with the story. I’m more alert and write better when I have energy.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
They’re many authors that inspire me. Stephen King, Richard Matheson, Chuck Palahniuk, to name a few. My favorite book is “I Am Legend” by Richard Matheson. A great book that deals with the loneliness and struggles of the main character Robert Neville. That book checks all the boxes on what a person is feeling even in a post apocalyptic world that the book is set.
What are you working on now?
I’m writing a book called, “Runners on The Storm”. It’s my first novel. It’s about. group of troubled youth who start a running club with the local small town coach. These group pf boys get put in a group home where they can learn and deal with their emotions. They find that running is a peaceful and zen like atmosphere in the doing of it. They end up starting their own team and run all the way to the state championship.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I like using basic social media pages like Twitter, and Facebook. I tend to share the Amazon pages with a lot of my friends and try to promote word of mouth. You could have your own website, but might have to pay the servers. Sometimes entering a book contest is another way to get the word out. However, word of mouth is the best marketing.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
The best advice I can give is just to keep writing. Take some time out and write what you are thinking and feeling. Also, feel good about what you have written. I know a lot of writers who will get far in the process and then trash it. Remember, always feel good about what you write. If you Geel it’s not good enough that’s the kiss of death. Always be confident about what you put down on paper.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Be motivated and confident no matter what you are doing. You may win some and lose some, but you keep moving forward. That also applies to writing.
What are you reading now?
I’m reading “GreenLights” by Matthew McConaughey. it’s a great memoir about a man who had it tough in his childhood years in Texas. He worked hard and became a very successful actor and Oscar winner.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I’ll keep contributing sports articles to The Sports Column and I’ll finished my novel, “Runners on The Storm.” There are many things that are looking bright down the road.
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 would bring I Am Legend, The Art of War by Sun Tzu, and Salem’s Lot. I would be in literature paradise.
Author Websites and Profiles
Matthew Paris Author Profile on Smashwords
Matthew Paris’s Social Media Links