Interview with Amy Matthews Conducted by an Author
Amy Matthews, an acclaimed South Australian author, is currently immersed in a nostalgic trip, re-watching the 1980s Anne of Green Gables mini-series and re-reading the beloved books. This escape from technology is part of a book project and a longing for a simpler world.
Matthews, who is an Associate Professor of Creative Writing at Flinders University, finds solace in the tranquil pleasures of long, lazy beach days, slow lunches with loved ones, and storytelling. Her passion for these simple joys is reflected in her writing, which resonates with readers for its honesty, warmth, and humor.
Her latest novel, "Best, First and Last", is no exception. The book, which has struck a chord with readers, follows the lives of three women from one family each grappling with heartbreak. It showcases Matthews' ability to delve into diverse narratives while maintaining her unique storytelling style.
Matthews' imagination does not want to be confined to a single genre. Over the years, she has written in various genres, including general women's fiction, literary fiction, romance, and historical romance. Her varied reading habits have made it easier for her to shift gears creatively between her different author identities.
Each of her pen names has a distinct voice and tone, which Matthews finds helps in managing her diverse writing career. She shares that her approach to managing multiple pen names and genres involves compartmentalizing her writing time or projects, developing distinct voices or styles for each pen name, and maintaining clear boundaries between the themes and audiences for each genre.
Teaching Creative Writing at Flinders University is an incredible gift for Matthews, as it allows her to study the craft for more than twenty years and be surrounded by passionate, enthusiastic students. When she's not teaching or writing, Matthews can be found unwinding in McLaren Vale, a favorite spot in South Australia. Here, she spends a slow morning at the beaches, has a lazy wine tasting, enjoys lunch at Pizzatecca, swims in the late afternoon, and watches the sunset over the ocean.
Matthews' dedication to her craft is evident in her work, as she has been discovered through her writing journey to be a naturally hard worker, particularly when it comes to writing. For readers eager to delve into Matthews' work, "Best, First and Last" is a great place to start. For more updates on her upcoming projects, fans can follow her on her official author website or social media.
Matthews finds her passion for simple joys, such as long beach days and storytelling, reflected not only in her current lifestyle but also in her home-and-garden-inspired novel "Best, First and Last". In addition, her future travel destinations may include exotic locations to gather inspiration for her travel-themed writing.
