Matthew Norman's Blog

Shortly after ALL TOGETHER NOW came out a few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of chatting with Adam Casey on his podcast "It Matters To Me."  

Check out our hour-long conversation here, in which we talk about writing, books, Midwestern accents and much, much more.

Being a guest on a podcast is one of my favorite things. As a novelist, long-form conversations come naturally to me. I hope you enjoy listening as much as I enjoyed blabbing.

Hello, Friends. Hope you're all enjoying your summer. It's flaming hot in Baltimore at the moment. According to the news, though, it's flaming hot nearly everywhere, so I hope you're staying cool and hanging in there.

I recently wrote an essay on writing for my friends at Writer Unboxed. I talked a bit about gathering inspiration from the world around you, and I also revealed the inspiration behind the cover of my newest novel, ALL TOGETHER NOW. 

Check it out here if you're interested.

If you're unable to attend the ALL TOGETHER NOW launch event at the Ivy Bookshop in Baltimore on June 15, don't worry, you can still experience some big launch energy. 

I'm happy to report that I'll be virtually appearing in conversation with my writer buddy Jessica Anya Blau on June 17 at 7pm eastern time courtesy of the delightful One More Page Books in Arlington, VA. 

As mentioned, the event is virtual, so there's really no excuse not to go. You don't even have to wear pants. And, if you purcha...

My fourth novel, ALL TOGETHER NOW, comes out in less than two weeks, and I'm thrilled that I'll be launching it into the world in person at the Ivy Bookshop in Baltimore, MD. 

If you're anywhere near Baltimore, please come. The event will be held outside on the Ivy's lovely back patio and will include a reading, a signing, and a conversation with the shop's owner, Emma Snyder. Tickets are free, of course. However, due to capacity rules, you need to register for a spot.

The Ivy Bookshop
Baltimore, ...

The folks at Penguin Random House are hellbent on giving away free books. This insanity includes my upcoming novel, ALL TOGETHER NOW, complete with its very sunny, beach-ready cover.

If you like free things, I recommend signing up immediately. 

Stay tuned for more giveaways in the coming weeks as publication day draws near (June 15). Or, if you want to just get it over with now, go ahead and pre-order ALL TOGETHER NOW today, wherever you pre-order books. Honestly, that just seems easier.

I recently wrote a brief post about the importance of scene writing in literature for my friends over at Writer Unboxed. If you're interested, have a look. 

Scenes aren't a new thing in writing, obviously, but I'm arguing that the Golden Age of Episodic Television that we're currently experiencing has made dialogue and dramatic action in fiction more important than ever. 

See, it's not all jokes with me. I'm a serious damn writer.

And if you're a writer, too, or if you're looking to become one, be...

I'm thrilled to announce that I have an all-new novel out this summer. It's called ALL TOGETHER NOW, and here's the pitch:

At just thirty-five, reclusive billionaire Robbie Malcolm is a renowned financial prognosticator, a celebrated philanthropist, and a mathematical genius. Also, he’s dying, which is a fact he’s carefully concealing from the world.

As he takes stock, Robbie realizes that his wealth means nothing if he can’t help the people who matter most. So he invites his oldest friends...

The New York Post said it's one of the best books to read in our age of social isolation. Esquire called it "irresistible" and named it one of the best books of 2020. Kirkus Reviews called it "quick-witted" and "ultimately hopeful." And in two weeks...you can get it in paperback. 

Hey, everyone. I'm firing this website back up after a bit of time off. Look for LAST COUPLE STANDING in paperback on March 3, and look again for my all-new novel, ALL TOGETHER NOW, on June 15. Both are available for pr...

Baltimore may not be my original hometown, but it's where I live now, it's where I've become an adult, it's where my kids were born, and it's where my new novel, LAST COUPLE STANDING, takes place.

So, I was thrilled to chat with author Marion Winik recently for Baltimore Fishbowl. We discussed all sorts of things, like the best cookies in Charm City, the horror movie that is E.T., and whether or not the novel is autobiographical. Short answer: Yes and No.

Have a look right here, and let me...

One of the things I get asked about most from readers and fellow writers is whether or not I outline my books before I start writing them. Well, my answer is complicated, because it's been different for each book.

I did my best to explain this recently in a piece for my friends over at Writer Unboxed.

To outline or not to outline? In the writing world, it's a surprisingly controversial topic. I understand both points of view well--because, in fact, I've lived each them. Now, to be honest, I'm...