A master of horror, Matthew Lutton is the author of 10 Drink Minimum (2022) and Candy Dish (2023).
Q: When did you first catch the writing bug? What drove you to persist?
A: I had written when I was younger and enjoyed telling stories. I was driving a lot for work and would listen to audiobooks on my drive, and then I would start to write my own endings to the stories. Some would be better in my head than the actual ones so I decided to try writing some short stories, and my coworkers seemed to really like them.
Q: What/who were your early literary influences, and how do you think their writing has shaped you as a storyteller today?
A: I have always been a big Clive Barker guy. Just the way that he can make grotesque stuff sound beautiful. Chuck Palahniuk is another huge one. I have always said if it makes you uncomfortable it’s horror, and he’s the master of that.
Q: What is the first book that made you cry?
A: The Giving Tree. I knew very young that something was wrong with that story, and as I got older I realized it was about an abusive relationship. A lot of people don’t see it that way but isn’t that what is amazing about art? I see one thing and you see another.
Q: Does writing energize or exhaust you?
A: It consumes me and makes me hate existence, and then when I finish it I can’t wait to start the next one.
Q: Do you try more for originality or to please your readers?
A: I write for me. I write a story that I would enjoy reading and hope that other people enjoy it also.
Q: Do you ever try to write to the latest trends? Why or why not?
A: Not really. I mean if I feel like I have something to say about it or it would be useful to a story then definitely. I was writing Candy Dish, and my story Caduceus was kind of a response to Roe vs Wade being overturned. I try to not be political or shove my beliefs down people’s throats, but politics can be horrifying.
Q: What is your approach to incorporating elements of diversity and inclusion in your writing?
A: I think it’s important to represent everyone and inclusion is fun but if it doesn’t fit your story then don’t force it. I also think if you make that decision then you need to do your research. A white male and a black male character are probably not going to have the same opinion or experience when being pulled over in a scene, and I think that stuff bugs me. Miles Spiderman and Peter Spiderman would have very different viewpoints on some things ya know? And that’s important to include I think.
Q: Do you have your own circle of writer friends? If so, what other authors are you friends with, and how do they help you become a better writer?
A: I do! I have an amazing group of writers I talk with and we are all very supportive of each other. I think when you realize we are not competition and all benefit when the other does well, it makes this a lot more fun.
Q: Have you ever gone on a “literary pilgrimage?” If so, where did you go and why?
A: Not really. I had written about Seattle, and Lisa decided to show me around after that, but now any new place I go, I try to include it in a story.
Q: Do you prefer to write stand-alone novels or series? Do you make connections between non-connected books?
A: I try to make all my stories stand alone, but I include Easter eggs or a connection to my other stuff. I really enjoy world building and hope to have my own King-like universe one day.
Q: If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be?
A: Spend the money on an editor. I was so broke when I first started, I cut corners anywhere I could. I ended up (still am) paying way more trying to fix it then I would have if I just spent the money the first time.
Q: How did publishing your first book change your process of writing?
A: I definitely felt more confident. I listened to what worked and what people enjoyed from my writing.
Q: What was the best money you ever spent on your writing career?
A: My cover artist. Again when I started out, I bought it cheap. Regardless of what people tell you, they will judge a book by its cover. I think Marcelle nailed my covers and they portray the feeling of what’s inside perfectly.
Q: What author’s work did you dislike at first but grew to appreciate later?
A: Probably Steinbeck. I don’t know anyone that wants to read about the Great Depression, but when you’re older you realize what struggle is and appreciate it on a whole other level.
Q: What author’s work did you like at first but later realized wasn’t that good? What changed your opinion?
A: Mike Salt. J.K. — I actually think a lot of King is over rated. It’s full of filler, and one thing I am terrified of writing is filler.
Q: What was an early experience where you learned that language had power?
A: I’m a big medieval history buff. If you look at most of the interesting times it all revolves around one book and its interpretation. Words are the most powerful thing on the planet. A book can be a weapon, a healer, a teacher or a destroyer.
Q: What’s your favorite under-appreciated novel?
A: The Odyssey. It has every lesson you need as a man I would say.
Q: Do you have an all-time favorite writer, or does your favorite change over time? Who is your favorite writer today?
A: Clive Barker hands down. Lisa Breanne a close second.
Q: What is your favorite genre to read? Do you write in that genre? Has that always been your favorite genre, or has your taste evolved as you have grown as a writer?
A: Horror definitely, but I’m a huge fantasy guy also. I loved the Legend of Drizzt stuff. My tastes have not changed, but I definitely appreciate all writing now.
Q: How do you balance making demands on your readers with taking care of them?
A: I expect nothing, only hope that they get to escape for a little.
Q: What – if anything – do you owe the real people upon whom you base your characters?
A: Not a damn thing.
Q: How many unpublished and/or half-finished books have you written?
A: 1 currently
Q: What does “literary success” or success as an author look like for you?
A: Being able to stay home and write and attend conventions I would call successfully becoming a writer.
Q: In your experience, what has been the best way to market your books? Where have you found the greatest return on your investment (whether it be time or money invested?)
A: Word of mouth is the best. If your book sucks, nobody will read it but it only takes one person who does a good review to make it take off.
Q: What kind of research do you do as part of your planning process, and how much time do you spend researching before beginning a new book project?
A: I like to research a ton into any kind of detail I put in my stories. If I have a salt circle I want to know what salt and how to draw it etc.
Q: What’s the most difficult thing about writing characters of the opposite sex?
A: Probably that a don’t have a vagina.
Q: What kind of music or sounds do you like to listen to as you write, or do you prefer complete silence?
A: I like writing at coffee shops mainly but every once and awhile I’ll listen to acoustic or instrumental.
Q: What are the ethics you see in writing about historical figures?
A: All is fair as long as you have done your research.
Q: How do you select names for your characters?
A: My friends, enemies and fans. I also do this for Patreon members.
Q: If you didn’t write, what would you do for work? (Or what do you do “for a living” if you aren’t supporting yourself with your writing – yet?)
A: I’m a butcher currently but I really would love to work in the labor movement field such as a union rep or organizer.
Q: Do you read your book reviews? How do you handle those reviews, whether good or bad?
A: I don’t mind any review as long as there is a reason given. “ONE STAR THIS SUCKS” is a waste of my time and theirs. Why did it suck? What didn’t you like maybe you didn’t understand what I was going for or maybe I completely f*cked it up but either way tell me that way I can improve. Also f*ck em I already got their money.
Q: Do you hide any secrets or “Easter eggs” in your books that only a few people will find? Examples?
A: I try to in every story. This makes it so much more fun especially if you’re a fan of something. It’s like being rewarded for being a fan or being loyal. A lot of characters in my stories will show up as background characters. For example, in an anthology I am in my main character has a neighbor she hates who is the MC of my story, “Can’t Complain” in Candy Dish.
Q: What was your hardest scene to write?
A: The rape scene in 10 Drink Minimum. Something like that you want to make sure it’s done as respectfully as possible (if possible).
Q: What have you written that you found to be the most fun to write?
A: Stories that make people have an audible or physical reaction. Any time a fan says I gasped or threw the book across the room, I smile.
Q: Do you Google yourself? If so, have you ever been surprised by what you have found?
A: All the time. The fact that they haven’t found the bodies is always fascinating.
Q: Have you ever asked an AI tool (Chat GPT, Google Bard, etc.) about yourself? Did the AI tool know who you were? Did it provide correct information about you?
A: I have and it basically said, “Who?”
Q: What one thing would you give up to become a better writer?
A: That’s a loaded question…let’s talk
Q: Do you read any literary journals? If so, which one do you find most useful to you in advancing your craft?
A: No, but I could talk to Andrew Van Wey all day. That man is an encyclopedia of writing and marketing knowledge.
Q: What is your favorite book from your childhood?
A: So many. My mom used to read me the Berenstain Bears, so those hold a place but I mean, Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark is huge.
Q: Do you have a favorite book of all time?
A: The Odyssey
Q: What is the most difficult part of your artistic process?
A: Writing a scene can take me all day. It’s a physical process, and sometimes it makes it very tough to write any significant length.
Q: Does your family support you as a writer?
A: My Mom is very supportive, and my siblings will read it if I give them free copies.
Q: Why did you choose to write in your genre? If you write in more than one, how do you balance them?
A: Horror is something that everyone can relate too. We do everything out of fear or love, and often they intersect. Horror is a great way to inform someone of something or teach a lesson without it being boring or beating them over the head with it. I also think anything can be Horror. Monsters are scary but so is cancer, divorce, and the death of a parent.
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