Username: Morrell_Fic_Alliance

Real Name (optional): Matthew

1. Where are you from? (Country / State)

Born in Dallas, Texas. Spent two thirds of my life flying back and forth between St. Louis,
Missouri and Southern California. I think it's fair to say I'm of two completely different worlds.

2. When did you start writing? (At what age or which year)

I really started writing when I realized I'd forgotten my Junior Year history midterm on the day it
was due. I skipped two classes to use the computer lab and all of lunch in the library to finish a
ten page paper. After I finished what I considered a rough, but passable draft, I ran off campus
to the Rite-Aid across the street to dress up my word vomit in a fancy laminated binder. By the
time my fifth period rolled around, I volunteered to go first and give my one minute oral summary
of my report that I had just fabricated. I stood up. Blacked out. About a minute later, I'd turned in
my report and sat down. I was told I gave an "Uncharacteristically eloquent and imaginative
report."
Here's the kicker; this was a History report. A factual, documented event with at least three
primary sources including at least 10-20 footnotes. It wasn't supposed to be, for instance, a
report on the Failed Russian Invasion of Northern Japan. An event I can't stress enough, did Not
happen.
A week went by. The Friday after I turned in and totally forgot about the report I conjured out of
thin air, my teacher asked me to stay after class. "Matthew," he said in a knowing voice, "Did
you fabricate any or all of that report?"
Now, plagiarism has many definitions. I knew what I did was wrong (and I was also clearly
caught). So, without anything left to lose, I threw a Hail Mary and tried that honesty thing I've
heard people talk about. Yeah. I made it up.
"Matthew," My teacher said, still stone faced, "I'll give you two options; One, you rewrite your
paper as instructed and turn it in Monday. Furthermore, you'll speak with Mr. Walsh in the film
department and Mr. Papert in AP English. You will take one or both of their classes next
semester. Option two, I have you expelled."
I picked option One. But, because curiosity is a vice of mine, I had to ask, "How did you know I
made it up."
He grinned, "Of the hundreds of papers on the same topics I've graded year after year, yours
was the one I was actually interested in reading more of. When I looked up the footnote for the
quote you cited and found out the book* in your bibliography (*See every book,) was made up,
the rest of your work seemed suspect."
After that little episode, I entertained the idea that I might actually enjoy writing fiction.

3. Why do you like to write?

It's less destructive than being a compulsive liar. Less expensive than video games. Often I find
myself doom scrolling through NetFlix, Hulu, or Disney+ and after hours of being indecisive I'll
usually shout, "I'm just going to write what I wanna watch!"
I write because I feel compelled to invent new people, worlds, and adventures.

4. Is English your mother tongue? If not, what is it?

"I only speak two languages, good English and bad English." - Corbin Dallas (Fifth Element
1997)

5. How did you find out about Wattpad?

Google, "What are the best places to submit novels or works in progress?"

6. How long have you been using Wattpad?

2014-ish?

7. Have there been moments that have inspired you to write?

Like, have I ever found myself in a state of being conscious and aware of life around me? Yeah. How much time do you have?

8. Does your culture affect your writing in anyway?

Culture affects everyone. I think the better question is whether I can successfully be aware of
how my culture has influenced me and still be able to connect with others who may not share that same cultural?

9. Are you a night owl or an early bird?

I have a four month old, so day and night are kind of irrelevant now. I write every chance I get.
Day or night.

10. What are the problems you face when you are writing?

Time and space. I make every effort to put my wife and baby's needs first. Once my family is
taken care of, then I take care of my self. Self care is equates to making a strong cup of black
coffee, wearing a comfortable pair of jeans, and finding somewhere outside to write. Thanks to
COVID and staying home more often, I've had to get creative with finding a quiet space to write,
but I manage.

11. How much time do you take to write a chapter?

Depends on the chapter. I try and aim for the actual writing to take at least an hour or so.
Research, editing, re-writing, I guess that all falls under a different category. I'm a planner
though, so I go into a project with a strong idea of where the story goes and the contents of the
chapters it takes to flesh that idea out. Occasionally I'll be pleasantly surprised when I find my
story wants to go in a different direction.

12. Do you research things before writing? If so, what are the sites you use (if you're willing to share)

Usually always do a fair amount of research when it comes to characters and the general arc of
the story. If I can go into a story with a character that feels alive, fully fleshed out, I find it easier
to have them naturally react to the plot elements they encounter. Sometimes I'll get stuck or
something won't feel right and I'll have to step away for a moment. It depends on the story, but I
look for at least a handful of verified sources if it comes to a vital element of the story. Often I'll
find myself distracted by internet searches: information rabbit holes. Books are easier for me to
navigate on a time crunch.

13. Do you listen to music while writing? Do you have any playlists for writing?

I've created a playlist for nearly every work I've made. My current WIP actually is a playlist.
Creating a playlist is vital. As distracted as I get while writing, having a specific playlist helps me
keep a consistent tone for whatever work I'm involved with at the moment. I get sucked into the
music and it often reflects in the writing.

14. What does writing mean to you?

Freedom. Ultimate freedom. I can do anything, go anywhere my mind can conjure.

15. What's your happiest moment, in regards to writing?

There are many. Too many. There's almost more happy moments than depressing ones.
Almost.

16. What do your friends and family think about your writing?

"It's so great that you have a hobby..." - various parents. I'm thankful that my sisters take an
interest in my work. That motivates me more than I think they understand when it comes to
finishing my projects.

17. Is writing a part-time or full-time job for you?

I've recently accepted a full time position as a Middle School Teacher and starting in the
summer session, I'll be teaching a screen writing class. So, it feels weird to say, but writing is
finally a full time job. It's surreal and I feel blessed.

18. What do you do for a living?

For an occupation, I teach. What do I do to live? I write. I write so that I feel and know that I'm
alive.

19. Who is your favourite author?

My favorite author is Timothy Zahn. If you're up to date on the Mandalorian, you'll understand
why I'm so excited that Tim is my favorite author right now.

20. What is your favourite book/s?

My favorite book is one that can successfully engage my brain send me to a world that doesn't
exist and introduce me to characters who feel real. Not to go off the deep end into escapism. I
don't need to escape. I long to travel, explore, and discover. I am an adventurer.

21. Who is your favourite Wattpad Author?

Sadly I haven't had much time to socialize yet on the platform. I'm certain there are countless
exceptional authors out there and I can't wait to read their work. In the mean time, the correct
answer is my Sister. I'm really proud of how much work, time, and energy she's poured into her
MHA fan-fiction. Having a common anime to bond over has been a lot of fun and watching her
expand on the world and make an original story out of an established franchise is incredible to
watch, read, and be a part of.

22. What's your favourite Wattpad book?

It's a little number called 'Icy Void.' You should totally check it out.

23. How many books have you written?

Somewhere in the ball park of ten or so. Less than half I think are worthy to see the light of day.

24. Which, in your opinion, is your best work?

Completed work? I'd have to say a short story I submitted about a year ago called 'Catch the
Wind.' Its really depressing, sort of.

25. Which genre do you like writing?

I will always have a deep love for sci-fi, fantasy, and adventure. 90's anime still holds prime real
estate in my imagination for my go-to inspiration.

26. What do you think success is?

I've got a wife that is a great supportive partner that shares my (often) dark sense of humor, and
a healthy newborn baby girl. If that's where the goal post is, I reckon there's not much in life that
can disappoint. Ultimately, if I use my talents to help others in some small unseen way, perhaps
the Big Guy Upstairs will consider that a job well done, life well lived. To have love and share it?
Success.

27. Do you have any tips for other writers out there?

Read. If you want to expand your ability, find an author that speaks to you and read everything
they have to offer. Then, find an author you'd never even consider reading, and give them a try.
Read as much as you can, as often as you can. Develop a routine and write something,
everyday. Engage with other authors. Develop a support system of people who will give you
honest feed back. Don't be afraid to share your work.

28. How do you overcome your writers block?

Coffee.

29. What kind of environment do you prefer to write in?

My ideal environment; secluded, quiet, outdoors with only a short distance travel to more coffee.

30. Are you an introvert, extrovert, or an ambivert?

I swing both ways.

31. Would you like to say something to the readers and writers of our community?

Continue to uphold the peace in this space while reading others' works and writing new worlds.

32. Do you have any comments about this interview and interviewer?

It would have been a lot more fun in person.

Interviewer: WynterWolf2003

Thank You
Book-Worm-Community