THE WRITE PATH – Matthew W. Harrill

Matthew W. Harrill

In this series, guest bloggers tell us about fighting their way through the writing landscape, from their early beginnings to where they are now. My guest today is Matthew W. Harrill, author of Hellbounce, which has just been released.

So let me hand over my mic. The next voice you’ll hear will be Matt’s.

1. What made you want to be a writer?

That’s actually a quite difficult question. I don’t necessarily consider myself a writer as such, more someone who has a job but has written a few stories. I have a way of storytelling that people seem to be agreeable with. My first novel, ‘The Focus Stone’ (available on www.lulu.com) was the extension of a short story that just never finished. I’m quite creative naturally, and I have read a LOT of fantasy books, enjoying the larger series (I love being immersed in a world). I also have a brain awash with so many pointless random facts. It looks like I was always destined to put pen to paper.

2. What is the toughest part about writing?

Spelling, grammar, uncertainty as to whether the audience will suspend their disbelief and buy into the story. For me with Hellbounce, the most difficult part initially was proceeding with a much smaller word count per chapter. My Epic Fantasy series ‘The Tome of Law’ had chapters ten thousand words long. My goal, as set by my mentor David Farland (www.davidfarland.net) was to go between 2-2500 words per chapter, about 12 pages of text in standard editing format (12pt courier, double spaced lines etc etc – it helps give you an idea of what will be showing on the final pages). Initially, I was stumped, but having a word count in mind actually helps one focus on what is important, and as such I have found that my story flows a lot better, the hooks are easier to place. I have heard thus far from many different people that once they get started, they can’t put Hellbounce down. You can’t ask for more than that.

3. Have you experienced an aha moment, a piece of advice or a moment where something fell into place?

The moment of epiphany:

No, but the idea is fun!

Dave

Quoting “Harrill, Matt” :

Dave,

I was just wondering, have you ever come across a story whereby hell
is literally freezing over? I was wondering if the concept of the
inhabitants of hell coming back up to earth for help because they
are under attack from something that is taking that cliché literally
and trying to destroy the realm had ever been used before. I thought
it could make quite a story.

Matt

That’s where it all started, with a simple email and a unique selling point that became the book below:

4. Whose style do you admire, or is there a line you wish you’d come up with?

I have a bizarre and varied list of people I count as influences on what I have written. Obviously David Farland has been crucial in my development as a writer. He has always been there for me to bounce ideas off of, and as a writing guru of great magnitude, he has helped me make many right choices regarding style and content. I admire his books greatly. They are so easy to read. I am also a massive H P Lovecraft fan, and initially I wanted to create something Lovecraft-esque for Hellbounce. However it evolved into something that I can only describe as quintessentially ‘me’. Oddly, I do count the fictional author Hank Moody (from the TV series ‘Californication’) as an influence. Writing can be that fun.

Is there a line I wish I had come up with? The funny thing is when my publisher asked for teaser quotes, and I had my editor go through my story, she came back with some absolute gems, even to the point that I did not believe I had written them. I think I’m happy with my own creations:

5. Describe your ideal reader.

I think somebody who is prepared to think out of the box, is prepared for a surprise, a bit of a shock, a smidgeon of romance would be my ideal reader. I never started out writing this series with a target audience in mind. There is so much science to writing: marketing, audience research etc. I had an idea and I did my best to get it down on paper. There is no way I am the finished article, so in my opinion things can only get better with every book that is out there. My next book, Hellborne: The ARC Chronicles Part 2 is in editing and will be out soon, so anybody that has read book 1 won’t have long to wait. Book 3 – Hellbeast – is in my research phase. I go into great detail compiling notes, maps, scenes etc. I write each scene as if I am there, visualising it. I have been told my story has a movielike quality. It’s not text to me. It’s screen already.

I hope to keep everybody involved when my website, blog and mailing list all go live, hopefully within the next couple of weeks at www.matthewharrill.com. Anybody interested in Hellbounce can find it on Amazon at www.amazon.com/dp/B00KNLZO4S/. I find myself privileged to be surrounded with an excellent team as I undertake this journey. Faith Bartow my publisher, Rebecca Cartee my editor, Clarissa Yeo my cover artist and Michael Lowndes my marketing advisor are all top people. This is a team effort. I’m just the point man!