Author Interview

“Welcome, readers! Guess who’s back? Back again! Today, we have the talented author Matt Mememaro back in the hot seat to discuss his latest novel, Kai Flint and the Denizen of the Depths, releasing April 25th. Obviously, this is book two, but what inspired the creation of the character Kai Flint?”

Kai Flint was inspired by the first and only D&D character that I have ever made. He was a pyromaniac wizard that just wanted to blow everything up. Did some tweaking, added some plot, lore and development and here we are.

“Fascinating! That’s a video game or board game, right?”

🤣🤣🤣 Everyone knows D&D. But, it’s a tabletop role-playing game, not a board game or a video game.

“Well, I guess not everyone.” rolling my eyes “Now, can you provide some insight into the supernatural monsters featured in the story?”

Yes, sure can. I'm trying to create some unique ones at the moment, all different takes on some classic stuff.

“Exciting, but not very insightful. Demanaram?”

😏 The big scary beastly thing that we see on the cover of Kai Flint and the Denizen of the Depths… Original monster. Loves eating magic for lunch.

“You seem pleased with yourself, but I must admit, he does look pretty cool. Next, what elements of magic and wizardry can readers expect in the Kai Flint series?”

I don’t like hard magic systems and Kai is versed in pretty much most magic across the world. However, if he doesn’t know it, he can learn it.

“Hmm, interesting. And what can readers expect next from you, Matt Mememaro? Dragons, dinosaurs, unicorns, or perhaps dinosaurs riding unicorns?”

Don't give me any ideas. Dead set, just don't.

😛 “I’m so scared. Onto a more serious question and the only question anybody reading this really wants to know. Number 1 fan? Kidding! 🤣 We all know the answer to that. 😇 It's me! 😁 Seriously though, who are your biggest supporters and how important is it to have that support system in place?”

I don't think I could actually do it without you. Like dead set, having the check-ins and the somewhat meaningful conversations actually help push me through.

🤮 “Someone has to put up with you, Matty! I'm glad I can help. 😋 What's your favourite part of being a writer?”

I don't know if I have one. 😂 It's all just part of the process, to be honest with you. Maybe it's the conversations with happy readers and my biggest fan?

“Aw, Matty! See, I knew you were a softy. 😉 Seriously, though, I’m fourteen chapters into Ashbourne 2… you need to get on to the next book. 😛 Speaking of, just how many projects have you got in the works? Right now, at this very moment. Be honest.”

Right now? As of the 23rd of March 2025, there's four on the go. Ugh!

“That sounds terrible for you, but I'm not complaining. So next question, you're on death row… what's your last meal?”

Great question. Probably a big roast or something. Or a buffet. I’m on the seafood diet. 😋

🤤 “Yum! Who doesn’t like a good roast with all the things? Hmm, if you could be any animal, what would you choose and why?”

Fantasy or real? If real probably a gorilla. Simple life, gotta love it. Maybe an Orca. The absolute apex.

“Hmm! Interesting. How long, on average, does it take you to write a book?”

Couple of months. If I'm on fire, I can do it in a month easy. Then begins the revisions process.

“That’s impressive. I think we all know the answer to this one, but what is the most difficult part of your artistic process?”

Editing and marketing. Any writer knows, words are the easy part.

“Indeed. And what was your favorite book as a child?”

There was this one that went around Australian schools. Something to do with a rainbow fish? Can't remember the name.

“The Rainbow Fish" by Marcus Pfister, an influential book. Speaking of favourites, favourite 90s or 00s song? We all have one.”

Hmmmmm my peak era. Let's go All Star by Smash mouth.

“Was Shrek your favourite movie?”

Yes!

“Great movie. Not gonna lie, it’s one I’ll watch on my own. The first one after that they just get a little meh! Two is ok but one is where it’s at. Do you Google yourself?” 👀

Yes, of course. I am so vain. 😂 Jokes haven't done it in ages. I don't want to see what people say.

“I won’t ask how often you check KDP. I already know. Do you hide any secrets in your books that only a few people will find?”

100% there are Easter eggs everywhere. Shadows to Kai Flint, to Toldar, to Voyages.

“Nice! I can't remember if I’ve caught on to any. I’ve read so many.” cough “ALL your books and then some. What’s the most difficult thing about writing characters from the opposite sex?”

Body parts. 🤣 The emotional level one would expect and how they'd react to things.

“Everyone is different. We all have our days. Even me! Sometimes! 😇 What does literary success look like to you?”

Being able to take my book bestie on an international book signing tour.

😲 “Are you flirting with me? 🤣 Kidding! Calm down everyone! We are just friends. Or are we? 😛 🤣 Joking! What’s your most under-appreciated book in your opinion?”

All of them? No, it'd have to be Voyages. Not enough people like cool pirates.

“I liked Voyages but after you told me to watch black sails and I understood the ending… it is the end, right? Anyways, chef's kiss finale and had to read it again. How much research do you do for your books?”

Zero research at all, unless there's like a weapon or a move or something I need to look at for a fight scene. Other than that, we love fantasy baby!

“Dumb question! What is your favorite genre to write and why?”

Fantasy, it just makes the most sense. We love our dragons.

“I know I do! Can you describe yourself in one word?”

Chaotic.

“And what was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?”

Just how much work is actually involved. It's an endless cycle, one that I have a love/hate relationship with. So much work.

“I agree! The first 2 books had me fooled. Now, almost 3 years on I can’t be f*cked. But I love it so much I don’t want to stop. Does writing energize or exhaust you?”

Exhaust. I could do it all day, but at the end of it, it's rough. The words are the easy part, though.

“How much research do you do for your books?”

Zero research at all, unless there's like a weapon or a move or something I need to look at for a fight scene. Other than that, we love fantasy baby!

“Dumb question! What is your favorite genre to write and why?”

Fantasy, it just makes the most sense. We love our dragons.

“I know I do! Can you describe yourself in one word?”

Chaotic.

“And what was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?”

Just how much work is actually involved. It's an endless cycle, one that I have a love/hate relationship with. So much work.

“I agree! The first 2 books had me fooled. Now, almost 3 years on I can’t be f*cked. But I love it so much I don’t want to stop. Does writing energize or exhaust you?”

Exhaust. I could do it all day, but at the end of it, it's rough. The words are the easy part, though.

“Lets keep going. How do you handle writer's block?”

Write ahead, write something else. As long as words are being done, it does not matter.

“Oh, so not ignore it and play mobile games… Knew I was doing something wrong. Where do you draw inspiration from?”

It's been said that I can draw inspiration from a blade of grass. If in doubt, talking to my book bestie (Ajay) will spark something.

“She sounds freaking amazing! Where do I find my own Ajay? How do you handle criticism?”

You don’t! She’s one of a kind. I don't lol. I am a precious flower. Please don't hurt me.

😇 “Aw, Matty! And don’t you forget it. 😛😂 How do you prioritize your tasks?”

Prioritize? What is that? 🫤

“I don’t know, but when you figure it out, let me know. What inspired you to write?"

My year 12 English teacher and me being an idiot thinking I could write like Brent Weeks.

“Everyone’s favourite topic, no, not me. Reviews. How important are book reviews?”

😂 You wish! Very. Need to get shown by that amazon algorithm.

“What is your writing routine?”

I don't have a routine. Write when you can. Lots of words a day, please.

😭 “Stop judging me. I’m trying. 😂 What is your favorite motivational phrase?”

Do or do not.

“Simple. To the point. I love it. What advice would you give to aspiring writers?”

Don't. Quit now whilst you still have your sanity intact. 😋

“Wait! You had sanity when you started this gig? Hmm, nearly done. What have been the most rewarding and challenging aspects of self-publishing, and how have you navigated these challenges?”

I think it shows my ability to create something. Sure, it's not a 20 million copy edition like Fourth Wing or whatever, but it's still something. It will be part of the legacy that I leave behind, I guess.

“The fans want to know. Do you ever clean the house instead of writing?” 😀

I have cleaned the house on occasion. I'm not very good at it though, but yes I can and do.

“How can you not be good at cleaning? Headphones in, pants off, a little country. House will be sparkling in no time.” Smh “Have any dreams ever made it into your books?”

Yes, plenty of dreams make it in. Sometimes their thoughts extrapolated into dreams, but there will be a short story coming soon.

“I'm excited! Especially if it's the one you just told me about. Will be another first. Does he have any writing rituals?”

😏 No writing rituals. Just get in and get it done ASAP.

“Last but not least, because you actually have to give someone else a turn. Plus, I'm sure at any moment your name will pop up in my DMs to annoy me. 😛 How do you come out with books so fast?”

Because I have an extensive backlist and because I do at least 2k a day. That's the minimum unless I'm having an off day. Equates to a first draft at least once every two months.

“You do! And I’ve either read them, seen them or we’ve spoken about me. Wow! Sometimes it’s awesome being me. In all seriousness, Matty, thank you for doing this and… Nah, that’s it. Thanks. Did you really think I’d admit anything here? 😋 Congratulations on the release of Kai Flint and the Denizen of the Depths. The story is fantastic and I can not recommend it enough. If you haven't read it yet, what are you even doing with your life. Please jump on it and show Matty some love. If you’d like to check out Matt's other work, simply click... well, pretty much anywhere on this page.”

Thanks for having me.