Tell us about yourself:
What was your first book?
My first book is called CONVERSATIONS AMONG RUINS. It is a psychological thriller. Here is a brief description:
CONVERSATIONS AMONG RUINS is a portrait of a descent into madness, and the potential of finding salvation there.
While in detox, Daniel Stavros, a young, dual diagnosed* professor meets and falls in love with the cryptic Mimi Dexter. But Mimi has secrets and, strangely, a tattoo identical to a pendant Daniel’s mother gave him right before she died.
Drawn together by broken pasts, they pursue a twisted, tempestuous romance. When it ends, a deteriorating Stavros seeks refuge at a mountain cabin where a series of surreal experiences brings him face to face with something he’s avoided all his life: himself.
Though miles away, Mimi’s actions run oddly parallel to Daniel’s. Will either be redeemed, or will both careen toward self-destruction?
*The term dual diagnosed refers to someone suffering from a mood disorder (e.g., depression) and chemical dependency.
That having been said, THE BROTHERS’ KEEPERS is a close second. Both books were published last year.
Describe your first break.
My first break came in the form of a contract from All Things That Matter Press to publish CONVERSATIONS AMONG RUINS in July 2014. A contract from MuseItUp Publishing for THE BROTHERS’ KEEPERS was offered in November of 2014.
What is your favorite genre to read? To write?
My favorite genre to read is literary fiction, while my favorite genre to write is thriller/mystery. I’m sort of the opposite of Toni Morrison, who reads mysteries while writing literary fiction. I read literary fiction while writing thrillers/mysteries.
Are Happy Endings are must in your stories?
No. I strive for a certain amount of realism in my writing, and happy endings don’t always apply.
What makes a protagonist interesting?
What makes a protagonist interesting is a certain level of intellect along with some fatal character flaw.
What is the best thing about being a writer?
The best part of being a writer is having people read my books. I love getting feedback from readers and hearing how they enjoyed (or didn’t) the story. I try to answer every question I get, because to me, it’s all about the reader.
What is the worst thing?
The worst part of being a writer, and this is true with regard to several professions, is that you can never really leave it at the end of the day (or over the weekend). Words are constantly on my mind, and I sometimes have a difficult time taking a break from them.
Pantser or plotter?
Plotter, plotter, plotter. Oh, did I mention, I’m a plotter J That having been said, I leave enough room for spontaneous things to happen, because often the best writing takes place while you are writing, and not planning. Also, I think it depends on what you write. Thrillers/mysteries almost necessitate a good deal of plotting ahead of time, where other genres and types of fiction may lend themselves better to the pantser approach.
What do you see the direction of your future writing taking? What can we expect next? Give us a little taste.
Currently, I’m working on the next book in the Nicholas Branson series. Branson and Jessica Jones will be back for another high-stakes thriller, with another historical mystery/puzzle to solve.
Just for fun
Cat or dog person?
Until a few years ago, I would have considered myself a dog person and left it at that. But over the past few years I had the privilege of having the greatest white, short-haired cat, one that was sensitive to my every mood and stuck by me no matter what. Her name was Isabelle. Unfortunately, she had to be put to sleep last month. I am still mourning the loss.
Favorite food?
Pizza. Yes, I believe that pizza is the perfect food. A close second is anything my girlfriend cooks. Did I get that right, dear? I think I know where I’ll be sleeping tonight L
Favorite book?
Dostoevsky’s CRIME AND PUNISHMENT.
Favorite movie?
I’m going old-school here, and changing the pace, but I have to say THE SOUND OF MUSIC. I mean, what’s not to like about that movie? I find it hard to be depressed when watching that film—in fact, it is one of my secret weapons against depression. Disney movies are a close second.
Favorite holiday?
Christmas. I adore Christmas. In fact, I’m one of those lunatics who keeps his tree up as long as humanly possible, until it’s reduced in size and shape to something you’d see on CHARLIE BROWN.
Would you rather be the princess or the villain? Why?
Definitely the villain J Because I’d have a hard time being a princess ;-)
Who has more fun, orcs or hobbits?
Hobbits! Hobbits rule!
What was your first book?
My first book is called CONVERSATIONS AMONG RUINS. It is a psychological thriller. Here is a brief description:
CONVERSATIONS AMONG RUINS is a portrait of a descent into madness, and the potential of finding salvation there.
While in detox, Daniel Stavros, a young, dual diagnosed* professor meets and falls in love with the cryptic Mimi Dexter. But Mimi has secrets and, strangely, a tattoo identical to a pendant Daniel’s mother gave him right before she died.
Drawn together by broken pasts, they pursue a twisted, tempestuous romance. When it ends, a deteriorating Stavros seeks refuge at a mountain cabin where a series of surreal experiences brings him face to face with something he’s avoided all his life: himself.
Though miles away, Mimi’s actions run oddly parallel to Daniel’s. Will either be redeemed, or will both careen toward self-destruction?
*The term dual diagnosed refers to someone suffering from a mood disorder (e.g., depression) and chemical dependency.
That having been said, THE BROTHERS’ KEEPERS is a close second. Both books were published last year.
Describe your first break.
My first break came in the form of a contract from All Things That Matter Press to publish CONVERSATIONS AMONG RUINS in July 2014. A contract from MuseItUp Publishing for THE BROTHERS’ KEEPERS was offered in November of 2014.
What is your favorite genre to read? To write?
My favorite genre to read is literary fiction, while my favorite genre to write is thriller/mystery. I’m sort of the opposite of Toni Morrison, who reads mysteries while writing literary fiction. I read literary fiction while writing thrillers/mysteries.
Are Happy Endings are must in your stories?
No. I strive for a certain amount of realism in my writing, and happy endings don’t always apply.
What makes a protagonist interesting?
What makes a protagonist interesting is a certain level of intellect along with some fatal character flaw.
What is the best thing about being a writer?
The best part of being a writer is having people read my books. I love getting feedback from readers and hearing how they enjoyed (or didn’t) the story. I try to answer every question I get, because to me, it’s all about the reader.
What is the worst thing?
The worst part of being a writer, and this is true with regard to several professions, is that you can never really leave it at the end of the day (or over the weekend). Words are constantly on my mind, and I sometimes have a difficult time taking a break from them.
Pantser or plotter?
Plotter, plotter, plotter. Oh, did I mention, I’m a plotter J That having been said, I leave enough room for spontaneous things to happen, because often the best writing takes place while you are writing, and not planning. Also, I think it depends on what you write. Thrillers/mysteries almost necessitate a good deal of plotting ahead of time, where other genres and types of fiction may lend themselves better to the pantser approach.
What do you see the direction of your future writing taking? What can we expect next? Give us a little taste.
Currently, I’m working on the next book in the Nicholas Branson series. Branson and Jessica Jones will be back for another high-stakes thriller, with another historical mystery/puzzle to solve.
Just for fun
Cat or dog person?
Until a few years ago, I would have considered myself a dog person and left it at that. But over the past few years I had the privilege of having the greatest white, short-haired cat, one that was sensitive to my every mood and stuck by me no matter what. Her name was Isabelle. Unfortunately, she had to be put to sleep last month. I am still mourning the loss.
Favorite food?
Pizza. Yes, I believe that pizza is the perfect food. A close second is anything my girlfriend cooks. Did I get that right, dear? I think I know where I’ll be sleeping tonight L
Favorite book?
Dostoevsky’s CRIME AND PUNISHMENT.
Favorite movie?
I’m going old-school here, and changing the pace, but I have to say THE SOUND OF MUSIC. I mean, what’s not to like about that movie? I find it hard to be depressed when watching that film—in fact, it is one of my secret weapons against depression. Disney movies are a close second.
Favorite holiday?
Christmas. I adore Christmas. In fact, I’m one of those lunatics who keeps his tree up as long as humanly possible, until it’s reduced in size and shape to something you’d see on CHARLIE BROWN.
Would you rather be the princess or the villain? Why?
Definitely the villain J Because I’d have a hard time being a princess ;-)
Who has more fun, orcs or hobbits?
Hobbits! Hobbits rule!
BLURB:
Most of us are familiar with Jesus’ parents, Mary and Joseph, and Jesus’ purported spouse, Mary Magdalene. But what about Jesus’ siblings? What role did they play in early Christianity?
Contemporary Jesuit and renowned religious historian Nicholas Branson is about to find out…and the answer will shake the foundations of the Judeo-Christian world.
It all starts with the murder of a United States Senator in a confessional, and the discovery of a strange religious document among his possessions. At the urging of his FBI friend, Branson joins the investigation. His effort to uncover the truth behind the murder draws him into the search for an eight-hundred-year-old treasure and into a web of ecclesiastical and political intrigue.
Accompanied by a beautiful, sharp-tongued research librarian, Jessica Jones, Branson follows a trail of clues, from the peaks of the awe inspiring French Pyrenees to the caves of war-torn Afghanistan. Along the way, shadowy powerful forces trail the pair, determined to keep safe a secret buried for centuries.
Excerpt One:
Father Rawlings drained his cup and set it on the table. “What I’m about to tell you may sound ridiculous and melodramatic. At best it will seem the stuff of conspiracy theories and spy novels. However, I assure you it is not.” He fixed Branson with a steely gaze. “As God’s soldiers, we are engaged in a battle, Nicholas. As real as any battle ever waged. The war we fight has raged for centuries, but the battle we fight now could well be the last. And we, you and I, the Roman Catholic Church as a whole, must emerge victorious. Nothing less than the foundations, the stability of the Christian world is at stake.” He smiled again, this time with bitterness.
“Of course it sounds unbelievable, even paranoid, but believe me, it is neither. I choose my words carefully. I don’t make bold assertions I cannot support. I assure you I am telling you exactly how things stand, exactly what is at stake. Before I go on, however, I must demand a pledge from you, your promise to help the Church in the epic struggle in which we currently find ourselves. We require your guarantee, your warrant if you will, that you will use all your energies, resources, and powers to secure the interests of the Church, and that you will let nothing deter you from the task at hand. With this binding agreement comes an inexhaustible supply of resources: anything and everything you deem necessary to accomplish your mission. But I must have your pledge before we proceed.” Rawlings rose from his seat, motioning for Branson to stand as well. “Before you give me your answer, listen again to Jesus’ words: ‘He who is not with me is against me.’ Nicholas Branson, tell me now: Are you with our Lord, or against Him?”
UTHOR Bio and Links:
Dual diagnosed* from an early age, Matthew Peters dropped out of high school at sixteen. He went on to obtain an A.A., a B.A. from Vassar College, and an M.A. and Ph.D. from Duke University. He has taught various courses in a variety of disciplines throughout North Carolina. He is committed to increasing the awareness and understanding of the dual diagnosed. In addition to The Brothers’ Keepers, he is the author of Conversations Among Ruins, which features a dual diagnosed protagonist. Currently, he is working on a sequel to The Brothers’ Keepers.
*The term dual diagnosed refers to someone suffering from a mood disorder (e.g., depression) and chemical dependency.
Website: http://www.matthewpetersbooks.com/
Blog: http://www.matthewpetersbooks.com/blog/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MatthewPeters65
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/matthew.peters.79656
Amazon: http://amzn.to/1qklgNK
Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/1q8gsMs
Kobo: http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/the-brothers-keepers
MuseItUp Publishing: http://bit.ly/1l90G1B
Most of us are familiar with Jesus’ parents, Mary and Joseph, and Jesus’ purported spouse, Mary Magdalene. But what about Jesus’ siblings? What role did they play in early Christianity?
Contemporary Jesuit and renowned religious historian Nicholas Branson is about to find out…and the answer will shake the foundations of the Judeo-Christian world.
It all starts with the murder of a United States Senator in a confessional, and the discovery of a strange religious document among his possessions. At the urging of his FBI friend, Branson joins the investigation. His effort to uncover the truth behind the murder draws him into the search for an eight-hundred-year-old treasure and into a web of ecclesiastical and political intrigue.
Accompanied by a beautiful, sharp-tongued research librarian, Jessica Jones, Branson follows a trail of clues, from the peaks of the awe inspiring French Pyrenees to the caves of war-torn Afghanistan. Along the way, shadowy powerful forces trail the pair, determined to keep safe a secret buried for centuries.
Excerpt One:
Father Rawlings drained his cup and set it on the table. “What I’m about to tell you may sound ridiculous and melodramatic. At best it will seem the stuff of conspiracy theories and spy novels. However, I assure you it is not.” He fixed Branson with a steely gaze. “As God’s soldiers, we are engaged in a battle, Nicholas. As real as any battle ever waged. The war we fight has raged for centuries, but the battle we fight now could well be the last. And we, you and I, the Roman Catholic Church as a whole, must emerge victorious. Nothing less than the foundations, the stability of the Christian world is at stake.” He smiled again, this time with bitterness.
“Of course it sounds unbelievable, even paranoid, but believe me, it is neither. I choose my words carefully. I don’t make bold assertions I cannot support. I assure you I am telling you exactly how things stand, exactly what is at stake. Before I go on, however, I must demand a pledge from you, your promise to help the Church in the epic struggle in which we currently find ourselves. We require your guarantee, your warrant if you will, that you will use all your energies, resources, and powers to secure the interests of the Church, and that you will let nothing deter you from the task at hand. With this binding agreement comes an inexhaustible supply of resources: anything and everything you deem necessary to accomplish your mission. But I must have your pledge before we proceed.” Rawlings rose from his seat, motioning for Branson to stand as well. “Before you give me your answer, listen again to Jesus’ words: ‘He who is not with me is against me.’ Nicholas Branson, tell me now: Are you with our Lord, or against Him?”
UTHOR Bio and Links:
Dual diagnosed* from an early age, Matthew Peters dropped out of high school at sixteen. He went on to obtain an A.A., a B.A. from Vassar College, and an M.A. and Ph.D. from Duke University. He has taught various courses in a variety of disciplines throughout North Carolina. He is committed to increasing the awareness and understanding of the dual diagnosed. In addition to The Brothers’ Keepers, he is the author of Conversations Among Ruins, which features a dual diagnosed protagonist. Currently, he is working on a sequel to The Brothers’ Keepers.
*The term dual diagnosed refers to someone suffering from a mood disorder (e.g., depression) and chemical dependency.
Website: http://www.matthewpetersbooks.com/
Blog: http://www.matthewpetersbooks.com/blog/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MatthewPeters65
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/matthew.peters.79656
Amazon: http://amzn.to/1qklgNK
Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/1q8gsMs
Kobo: http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/the-brothers-keepers
MuseItUp Publishing: http://bit.ly/1l90G1B
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