Author Rhylie Matthews #interview

Please give a warm welcome to author Rhylie Matthews

Tell us a bit about yourself

I have no idea how to answer this question. >Horribly awkward laugh<

But I guess that’s as good a start as any right? I’m Rhylie, the socially awkward writer that tried bribing her husband into telling her what to say here. As you can tell, it didn’t work.

Honestly, I love doing a bit of everything. I have two businesses; a creative development company and a jewelry/swag shop that I run from home these days. I have too many cats, a Great Dane, and two redheads under ten who are home full time. It’s basically just chaos in my house at any given time.

Have you always wanted to become an author?

Yes, I’ve always loved writing, but psychology was a really close second for me. I started college at seventeen and majored in family psychology. Later after I got married and as a stay at home mom I found myself being pulled back into the writing world and thriving on all the creativity that came with it! I loved it! Now, after several years of working behind the scenes with other authors I’m writing again myself.

What was your inspiration for your current book/series?

The inspiration for Trust in Lust came from a conversation with a close friend about all the things I wanted to read in books but couldn’t find. I love books with odd combinations and you’ll laugh, but honestly I have the ‘What If’ syndrome. Bad! I want an incubus warlock mixed with a leprechaun! But what if this? What if that? What if? What if? What if? I really don’t know how to stop. One book turned into a series of five planned. Chaos. Madness. Mayhem. Trust in Lust, Book one of The Lust Series was born!

What are you working on now?

I’m currently working on The Bully King anthology now in which all proceeds will be donated to an anti-bullying charity. There just seems to be so much hate within our indie community right now and so many are suffering because of it. Whether it be silently or openly, it’s affecting so many. We wanted to help. We wanted to do something to speak out, to take a stand, to give something positive back.

Do you have any quirks while writing?

Coffee. I’m a night writer at heart so that’s usually my go-to thing, but I like music as well. I guess my only quirk would be having someone else in the room? I always feel weird when people watch me write so I tend to hide in the bedroom with the cats. Oh yeah, the cats; there always ends up being at least one cat under my laptop too. They never go away.

What are your hopes for the future?

Pipeline goals-I’d love to be a successful author one day! I’d love to be able to write full time but I also love designing/making jewelry and creating swag for my authors. I’d miss it. I’m pretty happy where I am right now and it keeps me really busy! So I’d have to say just people enjoying my writing would be my hope.

Do you have any advice for new authors about the publishing world?

Believe in yourself. Even if it’s hard and some days you can’t; do it anyways.

Write. Even if you think it’s bad, write it anyways. First drafts are supposed to be atrocious.

Find people to have in your corner! Alpha readers, beta readers, other authors, all these people help you along the way in more ways than you can imagine. Their support, encouragement, and feedback is gold. Love them. Cherish them. Keep them forever.

Not everyone will like what you write. It’s a given. Everyone has different taste and unfortunately some people aren’t very nice about it. Learn along the way. Accept that critical feedback and breath through the nasty.

There will be challenges along the way that make it feel impossible. Remember why you’re writing. For you. It’s your dream.

Do you have anything to say to your readers?

Thanks for not letting my spastic personality run you off? Lol No, I love everyone I’ve met so far on this journey and my first book isn’t even out yet. It’s been amazing. They are amazing! This last year has been a hectic mess and they have stuck with me and are just as excited as I am. That’s more than I could ever ask for and I’m so grateful for each and every one.