What brings a tear of joy to your eye?
Honestly, there are a lot of things that can do this in my adulthood. Things from nature, art, music, and a good day with my wife. The list is fairly long. I think this is because I am quite blessed, really. It’s something i occasionally take for granted, but I’m working on it!
I started blogging more than ten years ago, after learning about building my author platform online at a writing symposium. I never imagined, though, the release and joy I would find at being able to share my thoughts on writing, literature, music, the world, and life in general would bring. To me blogging is a platform, not only to try and bring attention to my writing (because if you haven’t read any of my fantasy, horror, or Appalachian fiction, there is no better time than the present) but also to try and help those who read it through information about my own experiences and a general sense of hopeful inspiration. In short, my blogging is a double purpose; to try and build a bigger audience for my books, and to try and give something positive back to the world. Because we can all use that, right?
Why do you blog?
This is an interesting prompt, really. As an author, a grad student, and a former reporter I have done more interviews than I can even count. It’s always an interesting experience, getting someone to open up enough to answer your questions – especially if they answer honestly. So, rather than draw from that previous well of information, I want to ask YOU, dear reader, some questions. Chiefly about writing and art in general. I’d love it if you would respond, either in comments or in a post of your own. Here goes!
What is your favorite form of art to enjoy?
When and if you read, do you have a preferred genre?
I have to ask, also, have you read any of my books?
If you have, do you have a favorite?
Who would you consider to be your favorite artist – and yes, you can have one for any and every medium!
Why is art important to your life?
Finally, what sort of art would you create if you could known for only one thing – but that one thing would put you on the list of the eternally beloved (think Bach, da Vinci, Shakespeare. etc…)?
There are a lot of things we can do to ensure that we have the best quality of life possible, of course. The real answer of what makes life better is a very individualized thing, but I find that making sure I take time for myself each day is exactly the thing. I make sure to read, write, play video games, watch something peaceful, and most importantly, spend time with my wife. Any or all of these things make my day better by an unfathomable amount. Mental health and self care matter, and taking the time to give yourself peace and happiness throughout the day is one of the best things you can do, hands down.
I have a couple of recent searches to note, one of them just being a quick check of the hours for local thrift stores because, well, I’m me. But the really important one… I was having a devil of a time finding the last 33 gems in Cliff Town in the first of the Spyro remastered trilogy. I had bounced and breathed fire and charged every inch of the map, but I couldn’t find them. My gut told me it would have something to do with the dome you spawn in at the beginning of the world, but I couldn’t figure it out. Don’t worry, though. I got them. If you’re ever in the same bind, just glide around the back of the dome. They’re hanging out out of plain sight.
I watched a pretty wide variety of television growing up, honestly. Being a 90’s kid through and through I had all the great current shows like Rugrats, All That, and Are You Afraid of the Dark. I also watched the classics like The Dukes of Hazzard, The Incredible Hulk, and The Andy Griffith Show. I do think, in addition to the aforementioned Nick “horror” show, the ones that probably had the most effect on me were The X-Files and Goosebumps: the series. Now, as a horror lover, I look on these shows very fondly and will almost never pass up a chance to watch them again. Of course, there was also the comedy side of my engagement level, which fell heavily into shows like F.R.I.E.N.D.S. That may or may not be one of the reasons my life is often tinged with nervous energy and a heavy handed sarcasm….
What do you enjoy most about writing?
For me it’s the feeling of absolute freedom and power. With a pen in my hand I can create anything, destroy anything, teach anything. I can right any wrongs and show anyone reading the truth as I see it. I fully believe my talent for writing comes from God, so I do my best to represent images of positivity and hope, even in my horror writing.
What’s your favorite recipe?
I’m a huge fan of good food in general, but one of my favorite recipes is my homemade chili! A pound of ground beef, turkey, or chicken alongside some Mexican corn, chili beans, kidney beans, and a can of either diced tomatoes or Rotel. Let that simmer for a couple of hours and mix in your preferred spices (largely chili powder, garlic, and a shake of taco seasoning for me). Very filling with saltines and plenty of cheddar cheese!
Finding time to produce art while also living a normal life complete with a job, social life, higher education and sleep is never an easy task. Personally, I have not met my goals for this year just yet, but I have been at least brainstorming and considering my trilogy works. I had originally intended, of course, for this to be the “year of the trilogies” and had hoped to complete the third parts of Maverip, Moonlight, and the Shadow Slayer Saga. So far none of the three are even close to completion – but the greater part of their plots are there, either in my head or on paper. So I haven’t been completely lacking in the productivity world, but there are definitely not three new novels out for me to discuss quite yet.
I am happy to say I have been submitting short stories to contests, and I have been working while possible. With luck I will have at least one of the three of these novels completed this year. Maybe even 2. Either way, there are still things happening – and maybe more than I have hinted at! Keep your eyes open!
I generally enjoy the night. When the sun starts to sink below the horizon and the shadows stretch long across the land, the world becomes a welcoming place, filled with mystery and peace. As an author of horror and fiction, the darkness is the place I feel most at home.
Damean Mathews 