Ask the Author: Matthew Peters
Answered Questions (11)
Matthew Peters
That's an excellent question. I'd have to say the transformation from high school dropout to Ph.D. That process amazes me the more I think about it. I wish I could channel my experiences into a way that helps others.
Matthew Peters
Nick and Nora Charles
Matthew Peters
Hi Christina,
Thanks so much for the question.
I'm a political scientist by training, not a biblical historian, so all the research I did for The Brothers' Keepers was for the book. I spent a little over a year, full-time, researching the book before I wrote a word of the first draft. I also did more research as I wrote the book.
The theories about Jesus and his siblings put forth in the book are based upon theories circulating in the academic community. The sources mentioned at the end of the book are those that had the greatest impact on the development of the story. The scholarly literature on the subject is vast. I encourage anyone interested in the issues raised in the book to consult some of these sources.
All the best,
Matt
Thanks so much for the question.
I'm a political scientist by training, not a biblical historian, so all the research I did for The Brothers' Keepers was for the book. I spent a little over a year, full-time, researching the book before I wrote a word of the first draft. I also did more research as I wrote the book.
The theories about Jesus and his siblings put forth in the book are based upon theories circulating in the academic community. The sources mentioned at the end of the book are those that had the greatest impact on the development of the story. The scholarly literature on the subject is vast. I encourage anyone interested in the issues raised in the book to consult some of these sources.
All the best,
Matt
Matthew Peters
Hi Lisa,
Thanks so much for the question.
When I am writing new material my goal is to write 500 words at least 5 days a week. For me it's important to keep track of the number of words I write--it gives me something to shoot for and provides a sense of accomplishment when I reach my goal. At first glance 500 words may not seem like a lot, but it amounts to roughly a novel a year, which I believe to be a good pace.
I also write first thing in the morning. I'm an early riser, so when I'm writing a new book, it's not uncommon for me to get up at 4 am and start writing shortly thereafter.
All the best,
Matt
Thanks so much for the question.
When I am writing new material my goal is to write 500 words at least 5 days a week. For me it's important to keep track of the number of words I write--it gives me something to shoot for and provides a sense of accomplishment when I reach my goal. At first glance 500 words may not seem like a lot, but it amounts to roughly a novel a year, which I believe to be a good pace.
I also write first thing in the morning. I'm an early riser, so when I'm writing a new book, it's not uncommon for me to get up at 4 am and start writing shortly thereafter.
All the best,
Matt
Matthew Peters
I feel I write with a certain authenticity when it comes to mood disorders and chemical dependency/addiction, one based largely on personal experience. I think one needs a certain distance from the illness and dependency to be able to write about them in a way that is conducive to healing. At the same time, I feel there is tremendous value in documenting the feelings and thoughts of people in the midst of illness and dependency to show what it is like to struggle with such forces.
Matthew Peters
The idea for my most recent book, THE BROTHERS' KEEPERS, emerged from asking a series of what if questions and then by doing a boatload of reading and research.
Matthew Peters
I draw inspiration from reading, listening to classical music, meditating, and being in nature.
Matthew Peters
I am working on the next book in the Nicholas Branson series.
Matthew Peters
First, read the classics and as much good literature as you can get your hands on. Read widely, too, from poetry and plays to science and politics. If you don’t read well, you can’t write well.
Second, realize that you may have several stories or even novels in you that you must write to get out of your system. In many cases, these will not be salable. That’s okay. Most of us have a lot of bad writing inside of us that needs to get out before we get to the good stuff. Growth for writers is a process. Be patient with it.
Third, don’t be a perfectionist. I think perfectionism kills. Realize that unlike other professions, say neurosurgery, writers don’t have to get it right the first time. We have the luxury of being able to revise our product as much as we wish. Realize that, and let it free you up in the writing process. Write junk if you have to, but write. Anne Lamott talks about a “shitty first draft.” Indeed. Most first, second, and third drafts are pretty lousy. But that’s okay. Give yourself permission to write and to not be perfect. You can always revise later.
Fourth, it’s okay not to be in love with writing every second of every day. It’s natural to resent it at times. Don’t stuff these feelings. Take a break if you can, and then come back to it.
Fifth, join a writing group. Make sure others read and give you feedback on your writing. Make sure someone other than your parents or significant other reads your work. But also be wary of taking too much constructive criticism from too many people—too many writers can spoil the plot (among other things).
Sixth, and I’ll stop here, before you submit your work to an agent/publisher or self-publish, make sure it is free from typos, grammatical, and factual errors. If you can afford it, have a content editor and a copy editor go through your work and polish it until it shines. Don’t submit anything for publication until it represents your absolute, best effort. I think you’ll be surprised how much that will help distinguish from among other writers.
Second, realize that you may have several stories or even novels in you that you must write to get out of your system. In many cases, these will not be salable. That’s okay. Most of us have a lot of bad writing inside of us that needs to get out before we get to the good stuff. Growth for writers is a process. Be patient with it.
Third, don’t be a perfectionist. I think perfectionism kills. Realize that unlike other professions, say neurosurgery, writers don’t have to get it right the first time. We have the luxury of being able to revise our product as much as we wish. Realize that, and let it free you up in the writing process. Write junk if you have to, but write. Anne Lamott talks about a “shitty first draft.” Indeed. Most first, second, and third drafts are pretty lousy. But that’s okay. Give yourself permission to write and to not be perfect. You can always revise later.
Fourth, it’s okay not to be in love with writing every second of every day. It’s natural to resent it at times. Don’t stuff these feelings. Take a break if you can, and then come back to it.
Fifth, join a writing group. Make sure others read and give you feedback on your writing. Make sure someone other than your parents or significant other reads your work. But also be wary of taking too much constructive criticism from too many people—too many writers can spoil the plot (among other things).
Sixth, and I’ll stop here, before you submit your work to an agent/publisher or self-publish, make sure it is free from typos, grammatical, and factual errors. If you can afford it, have a content editor and a copy editor go through your work and polish it until it shines. Don’t submit anything for publication until it represents your absolute, best effort. I think you’ll be surprised how much that will help distinguish from among other writers.
Matthew Peters
The best part thing about being a writer is not having to work for the corporate world, and all that entails.
Matthew Peters
I have several strategies for dealing with writer's block, or what I like to call writer's blahs. I did a blog post on this specific issue. Here is the link: http://www.matthewpetersbooks.com/the....
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