Question 1 - Where were you born?
Matt - "I was born in Virginia Beach, Virginia. My dad was in the Navy for 23 years but we were lucky enough to basically stay in that area my entire life and avoid moving every 3 years."

Question 2 - What school(s) did you attend?
Matt - "I went to Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Virginia, for my undergrad before I joined the Navy and returned there for my graduate degree after I got out."

Question 3 - What did you do after graduating?
Matt - "What didn’t I do? I was a security guard in a college dorm (better than it sounds) a Legislative Intern on Capitol Hill. I started one of the first Cross Fit gyms in Virginia, but ultimately I joined the Navy in 2007."

Question 4 - What was your first job?
Matt - "I was an intelligence analyst in the Navy before I became a source handler and interrogator."

Question 5 - What do you do for a living?
Matt - "I teach the craft of writing, make fiction, and do marketing for small businesses."

Question 6 - Do you have any big projects in the works?
Matt - "I have created an online “university” where I teach the craft of fiction to busy adults that have the desire to learn the skill of writing without the time or opportunity to attend a college program. You can find it at: www.notmfa.com."

Question 7 - What do you like to do in your free time?
Matt - "I do Brazilian jiu-jitsu, Cross Fit, read, and spend time with my family."

Question 8 - Can you describe Woobies in 3 words?
Matt - "Rugged, durable, tremendous."

Question 9 - What has been your favorite book to compose and why?
Matt - "Security Day is my most important book. I dedicated the novel to those I knew who lost their lives in service to their country. It took over 5 years to write and was originally represented by a high-power literary agent who pitched it to major publishing houses only to be rejected because “no one cares about Afghanistan.” After the debacle of withdrawal in August, I decided it couldn’t stay on my hard drive and published it myself. I hope it gives a different perspective to those who have never been to Afghanistan and I also hope that those who have been there recognize the smaller details that you’d only know from having boots on the ground.

You can find Security Day here: https://amzn.to/3lUOtn1 "

Question 10 - What are your goals and aspirations?
Matt - "I want to continue to write books that entertain but also make people think about the nuances of complex human problems."

Question 11 - Is there anything else you would like to say to our veteran community and customers?
Matt - "Skill acquisition and learning how to learn is something you picked up in the military and will carry you far in civilian life. Separate emotion from the problem and systematically learn the skills that will help you overcome difficult challenges."