Author Spotlight: Matthew Meagher

When did you first start writing?

When I was in the fifth grade, my yearbook had a “Look for me in the future section,” I said, “I will be a writer.” So, I started writing in grade school.

At what point did you know you wanted to be an author?

I wanted to be an author after teaching fifth grade. I felt that there was a need for fresher voices with our young generation of readers.

Was there any author or book in particular that inspired you to write? Or a teacher/mentor?

I was inspired by the content matter in Suzanne Collins’, “The Hunger Games.” The content was graphic and literary, but approachable for any reader.

How many books have you written? What are they called? Where can they be found/bought?

Irish Town is my first novel and can be found on Barnes and Noble, Amazon, and Audible. I also have a short story published in this month’s issue of 34th Parallel Magazine. All the publication purchase links, as well as my reviews, are on my website here.

What genre do you write?

I write speculative, young adult, and new adult fiction. I primarily focus on first-person narration.

Are any of your characters based on people you know in real life?

Every character, event, and subject matter is an allusion to my life.

What inspires you to write the most?

I am inspired to get non-readers to enjoy a book.

What is your favorite thing about writing?

My favorite thing about writing is the creation. I get lost in my writing like one would a book. I tell a story I want to be told.

Do you listen to music while you write or read?

Yes, I listen to MTV music videos at 4 am.

What do you write — short stories, poems, novels, novellas, blog posts etc.?

I write blogs, novels, novellas, short stories, flash, poems, and memoir.

Have you tried to go the traditional route with publishing? How did it go?

I am both self and traditionally published. I used my self-publication Irish Town as an example of my writing to publishers and was recently traditionally published in a national literary magazine. Personally, I don’t feel the need for an agent right now, but will when I sign a contract.

What advice would you give to others who want to self-publish?

I would invest in a website. Everyone needs a link, or you’re in trouble.

Do you have any advice for aspiring authors?

You have to have thick skin and care only about the opinions of people that matter. Reviews are important, but quality is always better than quantity.

Who is your favorite author now?

My favorite author is Patrick Ness from The Knife of Never Letting Go.

Do you have any favorite books you recommend right now?

I recommend “The Spectacular Now,” by Tim Tharpe and “The Knife of Never Letting Go,” by Patrick Ness.

Besides writing, do you have any other hobbies?

I snowboard, hike, and play softball.

Are you on Twitter or do you have an author website we should check out as readers?

My twitter handle is @MatthewMeagher4. My website is matthewjmeagher.com. I do have a TikTok at mattmeagher0.

In conclusion, is there anything else you want to share about your writing or that you want your readers to know?

I write for the best kind of readers…everyone.

End of Author Interview with Matthew Meagher

I hope you enjoyed learning a little more about author Matthew Meagher. His book Irish Town is available on Amazon or Barnes and Noble. From the chapters I have read so far, I can say that the characters are very well crafted and raw. Also, the story is compelling and keeps you wanting to read and learn more. Take some time and check it out if you haven’t already!

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Thank you for reading!