Self-Publisher’s Showcase: Today we are joined by Matthew Mason, author of The Devil in Broken Glass. Welcome to the Showcase Lounge, Matthew.

MM: Thank You for having me!

SPS: For any of our readers that haven’t come across your work previously, can you take a moment to tell us all a little about yourself and your work?

MM: I am a musician, composer, poet, and writer. I got my start writing through the theatre, writing plays and musicals. The subject that I had in mind for this novel, however, was one that I knew would not transfer well, and needed to be on a larger scale.

SPS:  What are your perfect writing conditions, and how often do you write?

MM: My perfect writing conditions are, a comfy chair and a little bit of background noise. As for frequency, I jot things down in my notebook almost constantly, and then, I expand on my notes when I get home from work.

SPS: Can you put your finger on the moment where you decided that you wanted to publish your work?

MM: I was talking with a close friend of mine, telling them about the novel and they said to me “that sounds interesting. I would read it,” and I thought to myself “why not.”

SPS: Why do you think it is that you have found yourself writing in the style that you do?

MM: I write how I think. There are witticisms and quips that I think to myself while I’m carrying on a conversation. I assume that everyone does it, but sometimes, I feel a little harsh about the things that I think. The other part of my writing comes from years of assimilation from horror movies and books.

SPS: What would you say, if anything, best differentiates you from other authors?

MM: This work, to someone who doesn’t know me, can be interpreted as very sacrilegious. However, I’ve worked in a church for a long time, and I really try to put a lot of diverse, religious subtext in my writing. 

SPS: Where does the inspiration for your work come from?

WR: The Horror Films I would watch with my dad and my sister (to whom this novel is dedicated) and years of working in churches of every denomination, and listening to the sermons. Preachers have a very distinct way of speaking, and in some ways, I try to emulate that.

SPS: Have you received a favourite review of your work?

MM: A lot of people who found my novel through my relatives have told me that they don’t like horror, but they just couldn’t put my book down. Horror can be difficult for people to read, so I’m always so happy when people tell me that.

SPS: What’s next on the self-publishing horizon for yourself?

MM: My nephew was very jealous that I dedicated a novel to his mother, so my next novel will be a little more kid-friendly.

SPS: Was the Self-Published/Indie-Published route always your preferred route for your work?

MM: Yes. I think there is a stigma against Indie-published novels, games, movies, music, but there shouldn’t be. There are some amazing works that have been self-published, and I’m glad I get to be a part of that.

SPS: Has the experience so far been all that you thought it would be?

MM: Absolutely. I’m loving every minute.

SPS: If you could give one piece of advice for someone looking to get into writing, what would it be?

MM: Know yourself and you’ll know your story.

SPS: Before we bring this interview to a close, it’s your chance to name-drop. Anyone who you feel is deserving of more recognition at present or someone whose writing you have recently enjoyed? Now is your chance to spread the word…

MM: Unfortunately, I think there are too many too choose from. Self-publishers in general should be praised for the dedication to their work and to literature.

SPS: Thank you for joining us today, and all the best for the future, Matthew.

MM: Thank You for the opportunity!

SPS: For more information on Matthew and his work, please do visit here.