Exclusive Interview with
Matthew C. Woodruff
When did you start writing?
I was a weird kid, I used to hand write newsletters for the family.
What makes writing your passion?
How long have you been writing?
I wrote for the high school paper (The Oratoga), In college I minored in creative writing and was published in the college's annual journal. I published a popular alternative arts and entertainment magazine in NY for a few years. Then in 2018, I wrote and published my first book.
What was the feeling when you published your first book?
Relief that it was finally finished?
What’s the story behind your choice of characters?
My first book, '26 Absurdities' is the companion stories to Edward Gorey's 'The Gashlycrumb Tinies' so you could say I didn't choose the characters they chose me.
What annoys you the most in pursuing a writing career?
How do you get over the “writer’s block”?
I let my sub-conscious do it for me. I put an idea on the back burner and once its done cooking, I write it down.
We all know the writer’s path is never easy, what makes you keep going? What advice would you give to new authors?
If you could go back in time and talk to your younger self, what would you say?
Buy Google stock.
Do you read your book reviews? How do you deal with the bad ones?
I love book reviews, the good and the not-so-good. Though I understand not everyone will like my work for whatever reason, and dark humor is for a more discriminating palette, I still feel I can learn a lot from criticism and praise.
What is the feeling when you get a good review?
I am always glad when someone has honestly enjoyed my writing.
Have you ever incorporated something that happened to you in real life into your novels?
Definitely. In '26 Absurdities' there are several situations taken from my own childhood, which is sort of alarming considering everyone ends up dead, LOL.
Which of your characters you can compare yourself with? Did you base that character on you?
From Edward Gorey's illustrations, 'The Gashlycrumb Tinies', several of the children's tales in '26 Absurdities' are based on real events in my own life.
What do you think, the book cover is as important as the story?
Of course. It is the first and sometimes only chance you have of 'hooking' the reader.
Do you connect with your readers? Do you mind having a chat with them or you prefer to express yourself through your writing?
I've done the odd book signing event.
How do you feel when people appreciate your work or recognize you in public?
I'm sure that would feel great, LOL.
Who is your favorite author? Why?
Linda McCann - she writes the stuff that makes magic happen for you and others.
What’s the dream? Whom would you like to be as big as?
I am not looking to be famous, I tell other writers to just write for themselves. the 'Industry' is all about marketing and sales, not art. I write what I love and if other people appreciate it, I feel honored.
Would you rewrite any of your books? Why?
Of course not, my books are perfection. :-)
If you could switch places with any author – who would that be?
What would you say to the “trolls” on the internet? We all know them – people who like to write awful reviews to books they’ve never read or didn’t like that much, just to annoy the author.
I hope some day they find peace.
What would you say to your readers?
Thank you. If you liked my work, I'm glad. If you did not, I hope there was something you take from it anyway.
Share a bit about yourself – where do you live, are you married, do you have kids?
My partner and I have 2 cats. 2 fat cats. 2 fat, lazy cats. 2 fat, lazy, spoiled cats.
What is your day job if you have one?
I am on staff at the University of Florida.
What are your hobbies? What do you do in your free time?
Video Games. Travel, when there is no pandemic. My partner and I have an RV.
Did you have a happy childhood?
LOL.
Is there a particular experience that made you start writing?
I did not write my first book, It felt like I transcribed it. The stories came into my mind as if the spirit of Edward Gorey whispered them to me himself as if he needed the tales of his 26 children in 'The Gashlycrumb Tinies' to be told.
Do you have unpublished books? What are they about?
What do you think should be improved in the education of our children? What do we lack?
Discipline, respect, civic duty.
If you were allowed 3 wishes – what would they be?
Calorie reducing ice cream, endless pizza, oh and world peace, I guess.
What is your favorite music?
Classic Rock. Is there any other kind?
Share a secret with us 🙂
I have a special friend, Thaddeus. He is a stuffed snowman and has been with me most of my life.