Interview With Author N. Forbes Matheis
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I grew up in the cool rural hills of Manchester, Jamaica. I went to an All-Girls school and spent many days rumbling and tumbling through my family’s corn fields and cattle pens until I went off to university in the city of Kingston. From there, I spread my wings and traveled to many countries, admiring different cultures, landscapes and life forms. Along the way, I studied law and theology and hold a Masters degree in both fields of studies. After being called to the Bar, I married my husband and moved to Germany (his hometown). We later lived in South Africa before moving to the USA where we currently reside with our 13 years old dog, Candy. I enjoy reading, writing, researching, cooking, gardening and empowering others.
I have published two fiction novels, three non-fiction/inspirational/self help books and three children’s book.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is “Woman Wise Up, Rise Up”. It is a call to women including myself to rise above the adversities, particularly those that reared their heads during the pandemic.
Often as women we question our identity, purpose and ability to be good mothers, sisters, daughters, spouses and leaders in the work force. This book is a reminder to myself and other women that we can live into our fullest potentials and that we have access to everything we need to succeed and rise to the abundant lives that we were created to live.
The book includes scriptural meditations, stories from other women, journal prompts, affirmations and music and art therapy to help women connect with their inner strengths through the power of the Sacred Feminine and Divine Woman embodied in Yahweh.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I like to eat crushed ice while I write. The brain freeze really does something for me. Yikes
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Maeve Binchy is one of my all-time favorites. I love how she captures the culture of Ireland in her books.
I read in German and French as well and also love the German author, Charlotte Link. She has a unique way of building tension and keeping her reader’s attention that I find admirable.
Authors that have stuck with me from my youth include Jamaica Kincaid and Michael Anthony. They both tell stories of going up, coming of age and young romance in a way that sucks you right out of your chair and into the scene.
What are you working on now?
I am working on the last book in the Pitayta Gully Trilogy.
When Tracks Fade and A Great House for Mary are the first two books in the Trilogy.
When Tracks Fade introduces the young protagonist (Millicent) in her rural hometown. It shows her family challenges and secrets as well as her own demons. The readers get to see as she falls in love for the first time, gets hurt and witnesses a horrifying crime.
The second book, A Great house for Mary, zooms out and reintroduces the protagonist in her late twenties. The scene expands beyond her local hometown to foreign countries and the world of crime and violence becomes more palpable. Love amidst economic hardships and moral trials is the compelling force that drives the protagonists.
The third book comes full circle and takes it all back to Millicent’s home town where it all began. The protagonist is in the later stage of life but is still energetic, full of passion and determination. She returns home to help solve the mystery of her murdered brother and must face the demons that she left unleashed while she was living abroad.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
The best place to access my books is on Amazon.com. Readers can follow me at my author page:
Readers can also visit my website and read about my travel, spiritual and culinary experiences on my blog page.
https://nforbesmatheis.wixsite.com/mysite/books
For those interested to see what and how I cook and keep my garden, they can visit my YouTube channel at:
https://www.youtube.com/@NATForIslandLiving
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write from your heart.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Tap into your own unique voice.
What are you reading now?
Rogue Force by Jack Mars
What’s next for you as a writer?
I continue to hone my skills as a writer; writing more, reading more and researching about how to become a better writer. And of course, learning better marketing skills is something I have to continue learning. I love to write but I also want to know that people have access to my work. Especially as it regards my inspirational and self help books, I want to know that they are getting into the hands of people who will benefit from them. All my books have inspirational undertones and I hope that the readers will in some way be empowered.
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?
Green Days by the River- Michael Anthony
A Year in San Fernando- Michael Anthony
Das andere Kind- Charlotte Link
Circle of Friends/ Light a Penny Candle- Maeve Binchy
Author Websites and Profiles
N. Forbes Matheis Amazon Profile