Mat Chapman
Published Books
The Christmas That Santa Shaved Off His Beard (Oct 31) BUY ON AMAZON = https://amzn.to/4h0YWb5
The Christmas That Santa Shaved Off His Beard (Oct 31) BUY ON AMAZON = https://amzn.to/4h0YWb5
Who are you? Tell us a little bit about yourself...
Hi, thank you for giving me this opportunity to introduce myself. I grew up in Broadstairs in Kent and upon leaving school undertook an apprenticeship with British Gas, which led to a 30-year career in the gas industry in a variety of roles working with the tools. I’m married to Angie and a dad to two grown-up children, Luke and Amy. Around seven years ago we relocated to West Wales for a complete change of direction and have settled into a rather relaxed way of life that has been extremely good for the mind, body and soul. I’m a keen surfer and have enjoyed numerous trips around the world chasing waves, and if ever there are no waves around, then you’ll probably find me walking on the beach with my staffy dog Sanau (pronounced san-eye and means socks in Welsh!).
What first inspired you to start writing?
I’ve always had a knack for writing poems and ditties and over the years have scribbled all sorts down on the back of envelopes or scraps of paper that have ended up being kept in an old shoe box. A couple of years back I had started writing a Christmas story in rhyme that my mum happened to see. A few months later when prompted for a Christmas present idea, Mum asked me to finish that story for her and that was what took me on the path to writing a proper book! All being well, that book will be published next year as a follow-up to The Christmas That Santa Shaved Off His Beard.
What made you want to work with Rowanvale and be published?
I chose Rowanvale initially as they were so prompt and efficient when I first made contact with them. After contacting other publishing houses and waiting weeks to hear anything back from them, it was so refreshing when Rowanvale came back to me almost immediately. I think I have harboured a desire to get my own book published since I was a child, ever since I understood the power of words, stories and imagination.
When you’re not writing, what are you reading?
To be honest I love to learn new things so I find these days I take a lot of pleasure from reading my Haynes Manual so that I have the knowledge to work on my Peugeot 205 or a guide to traditional bricklaying so that I can build garden projects. However, I will always throw myself into a good crime novel.
Which work are you most proud of?
Well, being that The Christmas That Santa Shaved Off His Beard is my first published work, I guess that I am most proud of that, however I do have a few other books up my sleeve that I think will give this one a run for its money. I am also proud of the personal poems I have written for others over the years that have meant a great deal to them.
What’s your best advice for handling writer's block?
It’s only been in the last few months that I have started to suffer from writer's block and I think that has coincided with me leaving paid employment to follow my dream of becoming a full-time author. I think it has added a pressure that I have never felt before. Normally, I get a random idea or line pop up in my head and I can usually run with it and produce something relatively quickly that I can then revisit and edit as I see fit. Of late, when I have become bogged down trying to come up with ideas, I find the best thing to do is get outside, get away from the office and reground myself with the amazing local area. I often find that as soon as my mind switches off, the ideas start to flow again.
What’s one thing you always have with you when you’re writing?
The one thing that is never very far away from me is a cup of coffee. I can’t get through the day without regular injections of caffeine. Although many people might find it counter-productive, I also love to write with a background distraction like music or the TV.
What is the one book you would take with you if you were stuck on a desert island?
Wow, that’s a tricky one. If I was ever lucky enough to be stuck on a desert island, I’d like to make sure my surfboard was there and the one book I would have to have with me would be The 13 1/2 Lives of Captain Bluebear by Walter Moers. I love the vast world and crazy adventures of Captain Bluebear and the ingenious and creative mind of Walter Moers.
What is the best part about being an independently published author?
As I am very early into this journey, it’s hard to say what the best part about being an independently published author is other than the freedom I have. However, the best part about my journey is the amazing support I have had from my friends and family. As soon as I made it known that I was about to have my first book published, everyone really stepped up and went out of their way to spread the word far and wide and for that I am very grateful to them all.
What’s next for you?
Hopefully a successful career in later life writing fun and entertaining books for children. I have a head full of ideas and various stories at various stages of completion. For 2025 I have two further books ready to go and will be putting all my efforts into making them a success. Who knows where it may take me but there is no harm in dreaming that one Christmas I might even see one of my books made into an animated adventure for the TV! (so if anyone knows of any high-flying television executives looking for ideas feel free to put them in touch!)