Featured Interview With Matthew Paris
Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I was born and raised in Houston, Texas. Growing up, I never really thought too much about writing. I come from a sports family. I played football and ran track in high school. English was my favorite subject and I did well in it. However, I didn't realize that I might have a talent in this before my sophomore year in high school. I was sitting in English class and my teacher put this A paper on my desk. she said, Matt, I think this is a talent and you should explore this. I thanked her, but I didn't really get serious about writing until I went to Texas Tech University.
After I graduated college I went to Austin for 15 years. While in Austin I wrote several short films that won accolades at festivals and was distributed over the United States, Europe, Middle East, and Africa. Since, I have a background in sports I contributed articles to The Sports Column and wrote four books. My latest book is "The Passing of Time". I recently, moved back to Houston to be closer to the family.
I don't have any pets at the moment, but I grew up with three dogs in the house and I miss them.
At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I've always been into stories at an early age. As far back as I could remember. My favorite authors are Stephen King, Richard Matheson, and Chuck Palahniuk. In college, I took a British Literature class where we read "Frankenstein", and "Bram Stoker's Dracula". Those are interesting stories to study, but I also like a sports books. "Friday Night Lights" by H.G. Bissinger is the ultimate book of high school football.
I've been writing my whole life. But, I didn't get serious about it until college.
Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
I like Stephen King, Richard Matheson, and Chuck Palahniuk. My favorite book is "I am Legend" by Richard Matheson. Matheson is an interesting writer because he did a little of everything and every form. Matheson also wrote episodes of the original "Star Trek". However, in "I am Legend" he really captured the loneliness of the main character, Robert Neville. How do you live with none around? No love ones? The book goes into fine detail with that.
I like thrillers, but I also like inspirational stories. A lot of sports books focus on that. It really depends what I'm in the mood for. John Grisham is another fine author who's work I admire.
Tell us a little about your latest book?
My latest book is called, "The Passing of Time". It's much more of an inspirational, motivating, and spiritual book. The book focuses on problems that one may need to handle in a positive manner. I have written a bunch of little short stories in each chapter with a problem and how to solve it, positively. Readers who have read it seem to really love it. There's one reader that told me the book made her cry.
The book took me about three months to write. With each book, the writing process becomes quicker. When you have it mapped out in the mind or on paper. The biggest thing is to sit and do it. Always keep writing.
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