Hello and welcome! I'm so glad you're here.
This blog marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter—not just in my writing journey, but in how I connect with readers like you. However you got here—by chance or on purpose—thanks for stopping by. This space is where stories come alive beyond the page, where ideas are shared, and where conversations about mystery and storytelling take center stage.
Why start this blog? Well, writing a thriller is a solitary pursuit, sometimes seemingly endless hours of plotting, writing, editing, and second-guessing every plot point. But stories are meant to be shared and now that The Ignoble Lie is out in the world, I wanted to create a space where we could dive deeper together. Consider this blog our shared coffee shop table, where we talk about the hows and whys of the novel, the secrets between the lines, and even what might be next. The Ignoble Lie is the first book in a series I hope to continue for a while.
But I want this blog to do more. Sure, I'd love to talk about the book. I mean, what author doesn't want to discuss their literary child? But there are other topics I'd like to delve into, and these aren't limited to writing. I love movies. My collection right now consists of more than 5,000 titles. I'd love to hear about your favorite movie, what it is you like about it, and the meaning it holds for you. Disclosure: I'm an avid fan of horror movies, but my interests are wide-ranging. Recommendations are always appreciated.
In addition, listening to music is integral to my life. I do it while writing, and just about any other time I can. I enjoy most genres of music, from classical to heavy metal, and I'm always on the lookout for a new group or album to check out. I'd love to hear recommendations of stuff you enjoy.
And, of course, I want to hear about what you're reading and what books you'd recommend to others.
But let's go back to my book for a minute…
If you've already started reading The Ignoble Lie, thank you. And if you haven't, don't worry, there's no pressure. I will say that the novel is highly controversial and, like all books (fiction and non-fiction), should be read with a grain of salt. As a result, I have found that some readers love the book, while others find parts of it uncomfortable, and perhaps challenging to some of their core beliefs. I completely understand and respect this diversity of opinions, and I am happy to openly discuss the reactions readers have to the claims put forth by characters in the novel. My only requirement is that such discussions take place in a respectful and polite manner. I also would like to point out that at the end of the day, the novel is just that, a novel, and should be treated as such. I will also be sure to mark any comments/discussions with spoiler-alerts if warranted.
What to Expect Here
Here's a little of what you can expect from the blog going forward:
Discussion Posts: Open-ended questions, scene breakdowns, and reader theories.
Behind-the-Scenes: Notes on the writing process, research insights, and anything else that's on my mind at the time.
Q&As and Reader Spotlights: I'll be answering your questions and highlighting thoughtful comments.
Sneak Peeks: Be the first to hear about upcoming projects, new book news, and some bonus features.
Other Stuff: Talk of writing, reading, marketing, books, movies, and more.
Join the Conversation
I want this to be an interactive space more than anything, so don't be shy (coming from an introvert, this admonition is not without irony)—comment, ask questions, and share your thoughts. If you've got an idea for future blog topics or want me to elaborate on something from the book, please let me know. This is a space for readers and writers alike, and your voice matters here.
Thanks for being part of this journey. I can't wait to see where it takes us!
Until next time,
Matthew
P.S. I'd love you to join me on Bluesky as well!