Interview with Maddison Matthews
Published 2017-12-19.
Where did you grow up, and how did this influence your writing?
I grew up in a small town an hour south of Ottawa. Being that it was such a small town and everyone knew everyone, I felt it really difficult to be myself and tended to conform to what everyone expected/wanted from me. With that came it's ups and downs, specifically during the trauma I experienced, that is written about in the book. The experience left me questioning who I was, what I wanted in life and more importantly how I was going to move forward. I decided for a really long time that I didn't want everyone to know about what had happened, and with that I became really good at hiding my pain. Once I moved out of the city and into university I allowed myself to finally figure out who I was, as one usually does at that stage in life. I found many creative outlets that helped me cope with my trauma, and poetry became the one that fascinated me most. Writing poems became like second nature, and now I can't imagine expressing myself in any other way.
When did you first start writing?
I first started writing in my third year of university after reading Milk and Honey by Rupi Kaur.
What's the story behind your latest book?
It's not much of a story as it is just sharing words that helped me get through my experience with trauma, loss, heartbreak, love and moving forward.
What motivated you to become an indie author?
I was really inspired by Rupi Kaur's words in Milk and Honey, and writing poems came really naturally after that. Mostly though, I just want my words to help give others, who have gone through the same thing, some peace of mind.
What is the greatest joy of writing for you?
I think honestly, my favourite part is how healing it is. It's crazy how expressing my emotions in a poetic and creative way has done so much for me.
Who are your favorite authors?
Rupi Kaur, J.K. Rowling, and Stephen King are among the few I love from many different dramas.
What inspires you to get out of bed each day?
Knowing that I am the only one who can change my life and make it great if I want to. If I don't get out of bed, the only person I have to blame for hindering my success is me.
When you're not writing, how do you spend your time?
Well, being in university the majority of my time is spent studying and reading or being in class. But aside from that I love music, being with my friends and family and hitting the gym or a yoga class.
Do you remember the first story you ever wrote?
It was the poem entitled "The Feeling" that I wrote after my grandfather passed away.
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