Introducing… Matthew Bowler
Today we meet Matthew Bowler!
Matthew has spent his life travelling to and living in different parts of the UK and around the world. These experiences taught him to place great value on the friendships he made along the way whilst discovering the delights of being lost amongst the shelves of a new library whenever he moved on. He now lives in Berkshire which is his base for dreaming up a multitude of stories that will bring the world to children who love to read exciting stories as much as he does. Matthew studied on the MA in Writing for Young People course at Bath Spa University.
What is your writing routine?
I start the day with a coffee and write a few hundred words or as much as I can by lunchtime. After a walk, I read a couple of chapters of whichever novel I’m reading, plus the same (whilst taking notes) with a craft book. I finish the day by re-reading what I’ve written as a first attempt at editing.
Who is your favourite author and how have they inspired you?
I don’t think I have a favourite author as such. I have found different novels to be inspiring through the years. As a child, I was infatuated with ‘Amazon Adventure’ by Willard Price and it’s no surprise that travel has become such a big part of my life. My favourite current author would be Sam Sedgman who incorporates travel, science, and intrigue into contemporary, captivating stories.
What was the inspiration for your manuscript?
I have more than inspiration. My daughter whose love of a good story brought me back to writing again. An incessant curiosity from my travels in the places I go, the things I see, and the people I meet. I do have one belief which is that people all over the world share similar values more than we realise and it’s this I like to bring out in my writing.
Who is your favourite character in your book?
My favourite would be the protagonist, Maisie. She goes through a range of emotions and comes out of the other side a stronger person…with a few exciting adventures along the way.
What inspires you first: character or plot?
Both, although I do concentrate on plot first as I get very excited when I think of a new idea.
Describe your perfect day.
It would be fairly similar to the writing routine that I have, without any interruptions of course! There is nothing better than that initial flash of inspiration. This usually happens when I’m out walking (which I do a lot), and I race home to do a bit research and write down the first lines of my new idea. If every day could be like this without life getting in the way, now that would be perfect.