Author Interview – Matthew Arnold Stern – The Remainders

Tell me a bit about who you are.

I’m Matthew Arnold Stern, an author from Southern California. I’ve been writing since 1983. Mastering Table Topics, a non-fiction book, and four novels are among my works. For my normal everyday employment, I’m a technical writer for a software company and I’ve worked in advertising and as an independent magazine writer.

When did you first WANT to write a book?

I’ve been needing to write a book since I originally chose to become a writer in secondary school. What truly supported me was perusing Kurt Vonnegut’s Slaughterhouse Five in an AP English class. In school, we typically read classic novels written by long-deceased authors. Yet, Vonnegut showed me that writing books was an attainable objective, and I can writer the books I need to read.

When did you take a step to start writing?

At the point when I set off for college, I assumed I needed to save my fantasies about composition and pick a down to earth field, such as bookkeeping. I gained some significant knowledge from those classes, yet it wasn’t how I needed to manage my life. I then, at that point, took an exploratory writing class from Robert Oliphant, writer of the top of the line, A Piano for Mrs. Cimino. It revived my affection for composing. I then got a composing line of work for a PC programming organization and found I can earn enough to pay the bills making every moment count. I honor Robert Oliphant by naming a person Mrs. Cimino in The Remnants.

How long did it take you to complete your first book from the first idea to release?

I began Offline in Spring 2001 and completed it ahead of schedule in 2003. I endured a year submitting it to different distributers and amassed a fine assortment of dismissal takes note. At the point when I completed NaNoWriMo in 2004, I got a testament for a free printed duplicate of my book if I independently published it through Humdinger. Offline was released in January 2005 after I tried it.

How long did it take you to complete your latest book from the first idea to release?

I began both The Remainders and Amiga in 2016, which was a wild year for our loved ones. That year, I finished both drafts. The two books were subsequently acknowledged by Dark Rose Composition for distribution. These were my most memorable books that were gotten by a distributer. Amiga turned out in November 2019. The Remainders continued in September 2021. Get it demonstrates the way that workmanship can emerge out of incredible torment.

Focusing on your latest release. What made you want to write The Remainders?

The Remainders emerged from some family issues we were managing. It was likewise my most memorable endeavor to utilize first-individual portrayal. My past books were plot-driven, and it made my characters act unexpectedly so I could move the plot along. With first-individual, I can get inside my characters, grasp their inspirations, and let them drive the story. I much prefer first person.

What were your biggest challenges with writing The Remainders?

My most memorable draft of The Remainders just covered Dylan’s story, which made it a portion of a book. One of my beta perusers recommended I add a second first-individual storyteller. That is the point at which I added his dad, Oliver. The story took off from that point.

Who or what inspired you when creating your Protagonist?

Both Dylan and Oliver are fundamentally good individuals in awful circumstances. Despite the fact that Dylan has serious mental health issues, his actions put him in those predicaments. Same with Oliver, who experiences youth injury and misuse. I needed to make characters that perusers can pull for, however ones who are defective and are compelled to develop. I find those accounts rousing.

Who or what inspired you when creating your Antagonist?

While Dylan and Oliver have a variety of troublemakers, their primary adversaries are themselves. These two men each create their own obstacles, whether they are caused by addiction, self-destructive tendencies, or trauma that has not been treated.

What is the inciting incident of The Remainders?

Dylan is removed from his mom and stepdad’s palatial Orange County home. He bounces in the SUV his father gave him for his sixteenth birthday celebration and continues to drive. At the point when he runs dry in Reseda, he understands he should begin another life as a vagrant.

What is the main conflict of The Remainders?

For Dylan, it’s attempting to make due as a vagrant while enticed by dependence and managing a developing fascination with Pearl, a lady he works with at a dollar store. For Oliver, it’s attempting to construct a relationship with his new sweetheart and her children while battling with the injury he encountered experiencing childhood in an oppressive home. Both dad and child acknowledge they should reconnect to manage their concerns.

Did you plot The Remainders in advance, or fly by the seat of your pants and write freely?

The characters tell me their stories.

Did you get support with editing, and how much editing did The Remainders need?

I got altering support from a few sources, including my beta perusers, the editors at Black Rose Writing, and devices like ProWritingAid. Editing is needed on all books. You can find stuff you need to alter after the book has been distributed. With altering, it’s the amount you do, however when to stop. Assuming you continue to attempt to clean your book flawlessly, you won’t ever complete it. You should say, “I’ve done everything I can manage” and let your perusers appreciate it.

What is the first piece of writing advice you would give to anyone inspired to write a story?

Compose the books you need to read. Try not to feel you should compose for a particular type since it’s famous. Try not to pursue patterns. Describe a book that you would purchase for yourself. On the off chance that you appreciate your message, you’ll keep at it until it’s finished.

Can you give me a hint about any further books you’re planning to write?

I completed my beta draft of my most recent novel, Christina’s Representation. A terrible tragedy that took place when I was in high school serves as the basis for it. Like Amiga and The Remainders, it utilizes two first-individual storytellers. One is Noreen, who winds up drawn to her dearest companion Christina during the 1970s when such sentiments were hazardous. Benicia, a high schooler in 2021, is the other. She is tasked with making a video about a student who was killed at her school. To reveal reality with regards to that misfortune, she should adapt to her mom’s demise from Coronavirus during the pandemic. The book demonstrates the way that learning reality with regards to the past can help us in the present.

And, finally, are you proud of your accomplishment? Was it worth the effort?

Absolutely. To hold something that came from nothing from your creative mind is wizardry. You’ve achieved something many individuals fantasy about doing. Indeed, we might want to get on the success list and have a seven-figure film bargain. Be that as it may, on the off chance that your book fills somebody’s heart with joy, regardless of whether it’s only one individual, you’ve prevailed as an essayist.

Pop all your book, website and social media links here so the readers can find you:

The Remainders is available on Kindle and Kindle Unlimited on Amazon, and in paperback wherever books are sold. Here are my links:

Website: https://www.matthewarnoldstern.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maswriter/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/maswriter/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maswriter/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3068880.Matthew_Arnold_Stern

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@maswriter

Medium: https://maswriter.medium.com

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Matthew-Arnold-Stern/e/B006RDOLUO