Interview With Author Matthew Paris
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve written six books. In my years growing up in Houston I was very active in sports. After I graduated from Texas Tech University, I started to take writing more serious. I also coached for fourteen years in Austin. Most of my books have been about sports, except for two. “The Passing of Time”, and my poetry book, “A Confrontation of Souls and Words.”
Growing up in Houston, I enjoyed writing and English Literature was my best subject. I really didn’t get serious are learn the craft until college.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is called, “Honor Among Players”. It’s deals with fictional characters based around a fact based event. The story is that it’s the 1994 NBA Finals between the Houston Rockets and New York Knicks. It tells the story of Thomas Watson, a middle school basketball player who wins tickets to game seven. His journey leading to game seven will test his loyalty and friendship. Who will he take to the game?
It’s a very vibrant story for middle school and high school athletes and it teaches you about the city of Houston. It was the first time where I really saw a city and all communities come together. Rallying behind their basketball team.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t think I do. A lot of people I know who are writers like to set a time to write. I really don’t do that. I write when I have free time. That could mean anytime. At night, or during the day. It just whatever inspires me in the moment.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I like novels, But the authors I really like or Chuck Palahniuk, Richard Matheson, and Stephen King. My favorite novel is “I Am Legend” by Richard Matheson. I felt he really captured the loneliness of our main character and what would that be like in a post apocalyptic world. You have no one. How does one survive? The book captured it very well.
What are you working on now?
I have several ideas in the works. I have a story about dealing with bullying at a young age. I have another idea about a guy who is outcasted by society and he needs to do what he can to survive.
I also write articles for The Sports Column online. Human interest pieces and history of sports so people can learn about the great athletes that came before.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
You can look me up on Facebook, or my Amazon profile for my books. I honestly think the best method of marketing a book is by word of mouth. However, You can always Google my name or one of my books to see where they are.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
The best advice is to learn your craft and keep writing. You don’t need to ask permission to do it just do it. There are different forms of writing. So, I would suggest find the one that is best for you. You have copywriting, novel writing, poetry, screenwriting, etc. You have to keep doing it to get better at it. Practice makes perfect.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Keep moving forward and don’t ask for anyone’s permission. That is how winning is done.
What are you reading now?
The book I’m reading now is “The Wager: A Tale of Shipwreck, Mutiny and Murder” by David Grann.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I have a bunch of things that I’m working on now. I write all episodes of my sports podcast, “The Matthew Paris Show”, and I’ve been writing some sports articles. I will always write, but my next book is a little ways off.
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”, “Salem’s Lot” , “The Wager”, and ” Fight Club”.
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