Interview with Amy Matthews Conducted by the Author
Amy Matthews, an Associate Professor of Creative Writing at Flinders University, is a celebrated author who weaves her love for storytelling across various genres and under multiple pseudonyms. From general women's fiction to historical romance, her work reflects authenticity and a unique blend of honesty, warmth, and humour.
Born and bred in South Australia, Matthews finds joy in the simple pleasures of life - long, lazy beach days, slow lunches with loved ones, and immersing herself in the world of words. Her favourite spot to unwind is McLaren Vale, where she enjoys wine tastings, lunch at Pizzatecca, and watching the sunset at Silver Sands Surf Club.
Matthews is not only known for her Amy Matthews books but also for her work under the pseudonyms Amy Barry and Tess LeSue. The voice and tone between these different identities are starkly different, with the Amy Matthews books known for their emotional depth and family entanglements, and the Amy Barry books for their Technicolor fun.
When it comes to managing her creative process, Matthews may employ strategies common among authors who write under multiple names and in various genres. These could include developing distinct author personas or "voices" for each pseudonym, compartmentalising the writing process by genre, allocating dedicated time blocks or projects to each pseudonym, and exploring contrasting themes or tones with each identity.
Her latest novel, "Best, First and Last," has been well-received for its honesty, warmth, and humour. This story about three women from one family grappling with heartbreak on a hike through Peru, showcases Matthews' ability to delve into complex emotions and interpersonal dynamics, while maintaining her signature style.
In addition to her writing, Matthews finds great joy in teaching Creative Writing at Flinders University. She cherishes the opportunity to immerse herself in the craft and to cheer on emerging writers in her classroom. When not lost in a book or teaching, she can be found re-watching the 1980s Anne of Green Gables mini-series and re-reading the books, drawing inspiration from the timeless tale of imagination and self-discovery.
Despite the lack of direct commentary from Matthews on her creative process, her work speaks volumes about her ability to navigate the complexities of writing under multiple pseudonyms and in various genres. As her career continues to evolve, we can expect more captivating stories from this versatile author.
[1] For more detailed insights into the creative process of authors writing under multiple pseudonyms and in various genres, further research can be conducted on authors such as Stephen King, who used the pseudonym Richard Bachman to publish distinctively different work.
Amy Matthews, in her leisure time, delves into the realms of home-and-garden magazines, finding solace in the vibrant images of landscapes and gardens. During her travels, she also enjoys exploring new cities and cultures, often seeking out quaint bookstores to add to her growing collection, ranging from travelogues to works of fiction. In the evenings, she unwinds by engaging in entertainment activities, re-watching her favorite shows or watching movies, her current obsession being the 1980s Anne of Green Gables series, a timeless tale that fuels her imagination for her own storytelling.
