May Indie Author Spotlight-Matthew Castle
This month on Indies&Ink, we’re excited to spotlight Matthew Castle, an author whose stories pull you in and don’t let go. Known for blending romance with gripping, thought-provoking elements, Matthew crafts narratives that take readers on unforgettable journeys, exploring the “what ifs” of life while weaving in twists that keep you guessing.
A single dad and early childhood educator, Matthew brings both heart and depth to his work. As a multi-genre indie author, his writing spans from powerful nonfiction to engaging children’s stories and emotionally driven fiction, showcasing his versatility and passion for storytelling. Matthew is an author who pours everything he has into his work, and it shows on every page.
Indie Author Interview:
Q: How long have you been writing or when did you start?
A: I’ve really been writing since I was a little kid. But self publishing as an indie author was 2023 when I published a short story based on my life. I did like 7 of them and some poetry before I started writing short stories and novellas. My first novel debuts June 21st of this year.
Q: What is the most valuable piece of advice you’ve been given about writing?
A: Read Read and Repeat. Stephen King said something like that. I truly believe it . Also to be apart of a community of readers and writers. It can get lonely as a writer with imposter syndrome and just the not knowing things about the indie world. And the community helps so much!
Q: What advice would you give to a writer working on their first book?
A: I would say the above but also I’ve heard the advice write what you know which is great but I would go further and say write your passion.
Q: Are there any books or authors that inspired you to become a writer?
A: Definitely Lord of the Rings. As someone who struggled with things as a kid and with mental health, LOTR gave me the great escape away from the harsh reality. I hope to give that to readers too. But author wise I give that to Stephen King. There are others but King is the author that made me salivate for books and creating stories.
Q: Has writing and publishing a book changed the way you see yourself?
A: Yes and no. I’ve always wanted to be a story teller. I’ve learned as an indie author, I have to be so much more.
Q: When you’re writing an emotional or difficult scene, how do you set the mood?
A: I love to listen to music of all kinds and depends on the genre I’m writing and that world.
Q: What, to you, are the most important elements of good writing?
A: Being honest. If they don’t believe you, you have nothing.
Q: What comes first for you — the plot or the characters — and why?
A: Def the story/plot. My characters grow with the story.
Q: How many books have you written and which is your favorite?
A: I’ve written like 3 nonfiction titles that are made up of shorts of my life with mental health, loss and poetry. I’ve written two fictional short stories, 4 childrens books and 5 novellas. My Novel that comes out soon, Her Name was June,is my favorite, Pine Hollow is my heart and Will it be us? Is my passionate ORIGIN .
Q: What inspired the idea for your book?
A: Her Name was June came out of a revenge story for a western love story that turned into so much more.
Q: How did you come up with the title for your book?
A: I wanted a name that would make people feel hope or think of the sun
Q: If you could meet your characters, what would you say to them?
A: I’m sorry
Q: Share something about yourself that your readers don’t know (yet)?
A: Some readers may not know that I’m a teacher and I love playing madden and red redemption 2. I love supporting indie authors and bookstores and always looking for more. My favorite reading genres are horror, thriller and then fantasy and western sometimes.
Matthew Castle is a wonderful addition to the indie author community, and we’re excited to see what he creates next.
Check out Matthew Castle’s author page on Indies&Ink to explore more of his work and connect with him on social media.
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