Summary

In this episode of Beyond the Pages, Alyssa Marie interviews author Matthew J. Gleason, who shares his journey as a writer, his inspirations, and the unique genre of Bizarro Horror. They discuss the creative process, the challenges of indie publishing, and the importance of perseverance in the face of rejection. Matthew also provides insights into his upcoming works and offers valuable advice for aspiring authors. The conversation highlights the intersection of horror and comedy in storytelling, as well as the significance of having fun and interesting experiences in writing.

Takeaways

Matthew has been writing since childhood, showcasing a lifelong passion for storytelling.

His biggest inspiration has been Neil Gaiman, despite recent controversies surrounding him.

Bizarro Horror is a unique genre that blends the weird and the horrific.

Matthew's writing often combines two disparate concepts to create engaging stories.

He emphasizes the importance of motivation and focus in the writing process.

Matthew is currently working on a novelette each month to boost productivity.

He collaborates with an editor to refine his work and improve quality.

Matthew believes in the importance of owning the eBooks you purchase.

He encourages aspiring authors to not let self-doubt hinder their writing journey.

The creative process can involve both structured plotting and spontaneous writing.

Titles

Exploring the Mind of Matthew J. Gleason

The Art of Bizarro Horror

sound bites

"Bizarro is the genre of the weird."

"I am a lazy, disorganized fuck."

"I love over the top horror movie sequels."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Matthew J. Gleason

03:03 The Journey of a Writer

05:58 Inspiration and Influences

09:03 Exploring Bizarro Horror

11:50 Books and Covers: A Deep Dive

14:54 The Indie Publishing Scene

18:07 The Future of E-Books and Piracy

21:18 The Impact of Piracy on Authors

22:13 Writing Preferences: Handwriting vs. Typing

24:01 Engagement in Author Conventions

25:56 Challenges in the Writing Process

27:24 The Editing Journey

28:43 Inspiration Behind Ideas

32:34 Reader Takeaways from Stories

33:36 Advice for Aspiring Authors

36:05 Plotting vs. Pantsing in Writing

39:46 Selling Books and Author Engagement

43:55 The Significance of the Fez