Talkshow Thursday: Welcome Back, Matthew Elliott

Talkshow Thursday: Welcome Back, Matthew Elliott

I'm thrilled to have Matthew Elliott visiting again. He writes biblical fiction that is sure to touch your heart. Grab a cup of your favorite beverage and get to know him.

When did you know you wanted to be an author?

As a child, I received an ADHD diagnosis, and my mother wanted to provide an outlet for my active imagination. With that in mind, she encouraged me to turn my active energy into stories. I started writing stories about superheroes, which helped calm my energy. Even though I somehow forgot most of my childhood, her inspiration has always been there to guide me along the way.

What is your favorite thing about being a writer?

I may have answered this before, but I love the research part of writing the stories I write today. Since I have ADHD, I get hyper-focused on it and forget any concept of time. I am thankful I have a lovely wife who keeps me on track and three beautiful children who need me to be a good father. Otherwise, I might never stop and smell the rain (or roses). Still, I am fascinated by connecting all the dots in history and scripture so that I can use my imagination to create the narratives I write.

How did you learn how to write?

I am also a dyslexic, which has always been a tremendous struggle for me. I’m reading a book series

with my 12-year-old right now and she is a much faster reader than I am because I have to read each page three times before I can retain the information. With writing a story, I follow that same path; The story gets written three times before I even run it through my editing software. Learning to write as a child was no easy feat. In fact, I remember having to sit with a box around my desk to keep me focused, but I attribute my growth in that manner to well-trained and patient teachers who prayed I would find myself someday.

Do you hear from your readers? What do they say?

As with many other writers, I would love to hear from my readers and engage with them about my stories more often. There is not much of a place for that in the world because it’s so fast-paced. However, I encourage my readers to reach out to me regarding anything and often leave specific prompts in my emails for my readers that encourage their responses. When they do, I always love getting to know them a little better. I must admit, though, I’m old-fashioned when it comes to connecting with my readers. My emails are always personable and relational.

What does your writing space look like?

My writing space is very much a chaotic mess that only I understand. I use a stand-up desk most of the time and walls filled with posted notes that map out my stories, so I can visually connect with the landscape I am attempting to build. When I’m done with a book, all those posted notes go onto those presentation boards one might use at a school science fair. I also have a research desk with no less than eight different Bibles and three or four resource books. So… If I ever make a million dollars, I probably won’t be giving tours of my workspace. 😉

Can you share a real-life event that inspired your writing?

This is actually a very personal question for me because I use real-life examples from my past and present to give me more of a grasp on the emotions I am attempting to convey in my stories. I struggle to speak what’s in my heart. So my experiences, and often a good song, offer me something real and hopefully authentic to bring to life through one of my characters. My whole life, good and bad, inspires what I write and how I live out my faith.

What was your inspiration for the story?

The story I am highlighting in this post is called The Ephesus Pages: A Journey Begins, and it is ‘Part One’ of three that will connect to three other stories. One of which I have already written. One more is in progress, and then I will begin writing the last one later this year. The serial nature of the story—episodes instead of chapters—allows me to break it into seasons. The inspiration for this particular story was really the idea that I wanted to dive into the character of Paul. I wanted to know what happened throughout the three years he spent in Ephesus during the third misery journey, and how Paul may have changed through that experience. So, once I’ve written and released everything, I hope to have realistically captured both.

If you were to write a spin-off book about one of your secondary characters, which one would you choose and why?

I have written three stories so far in The World of Kedoshim, which you can read more about on my blog, and am pretty close to getting a first draft of my next one, The Hope of Inheritance. There is one character that I did not expect would have such a pivotal role in my stories when I first dreamed this world up, and that is Luke. Honestly, I never really gave him a second thought. Through all that I have done so far, and plan to do, I have developed a deep connection with the character. Luke is someone I would love to write a story specifically about. Who knows, maybe one day I will. 😉

What is your advice to fledgling writers?

I always love answering this question, because, for a time, I gave up on my dream of being a writer. I lost my drive for it and gave in to the pressures that come with being a writer. God had to do real work in my heart to get me back to where I am today. I will never claim that I have all the answers. In truth, my stories are still unfamiliar to the Biblical Fiction World, but I have learned to embrace the noise, so to speak. Regardless of whether I sell two copies of my stories or two hundred, I am doing what I believe I do. Please do not do what I did if you have a dream to write, pursue it, live it, and embrace it. Even if the only people who read your stories are the boss who felt sorry for you or the friend who just could not say no. God has given you something to write, so do it, and reach out if you want a little guidance.

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The World of Kedoshim, The Ephesus Pages: A Journey Begins. ON SALE THROUGH 01/10/25: https://amzn.to/3ZS7s4l


One Man. His Continued Journey. Working to Build the Early Church.

Part I: A Journey Begins

John Mark carries the weight of his past on his shoulders, and there is one person he has never reconciled with. In an epic story surrounding the city of Ephesus, and the ministry of Paul during his three-year ministry there, life as we know it will change. Join John Mark as he embarks on a new journey seeking reconciliation. As he leaves all that he knows behind on the shores of Cyprus, John Mark will begin a new three-part journey that will test his faith, build him up, and reveal much about his past.

Amid his continuing journey, John Mark will encounter many unexpected circumstances. Who will he meet along the way and what lessons will he learn? Will this journey help him find the forgiveness he seeks? What about Paul in Ephesus? Who will he come across in his ministry there and what responsibilities will those serving alongside him have in the constantly changing work? Only time will tell. Are you ready to experience the next story in The World of Kedoshim?

Part II: Mysteries in Ephesus coming Winter 2025

Connect with Matthew:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WritingtheJourney
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/author/mj.elliott
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/mjelliott
Website: https://www.mjelliott-author.com