Kirbside – The Blog of Writer Matthew J. Kirby

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The blog of author Matthew J. Kirby

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Write a Novel with Me

I have an idea for my next book. It will be a historical novel with some supernatural elements, and probably middle grade (but that might change). It is not under contract. I haven’t written a single word. I have done no research yet. I have not mentioned it to my agent or any of my…

April 14, 2021
EXTRA! EXTRA!

I’ve decided to embark on an unlikely new writing project. I say unlikely, because it’s not something in which I would have predicted having any interest, but nevertheless, here we are. I’ve decided to start a (ahem) monthly newsletter, The Kirbside Almanac, which will be published on the 1st day of every month. But this…

April 20, 2019
Those first pages…

When I’m doing a book signing, or sometimes just hanging out at a social gathering, it’s not uncommon for someone to say to me, “You know, I’ve thought about writing a book.” I usually respond to this by telling the person that they should write it, but they often deflect. “I wouldn’t know how to…

March 15, 2019
Editing and Consulting

I love working with other writers on their stories. I’ve participated in my own critique group for about ten years. I’ve done mentorships and manuscript critiques through online programs. I’ve taught numerous intensive workshops. I love creative collaboration, and talking story, and problem-solving. I enjoy it so much that I’d like to try something, namely…

April 15, 2018
On Sexual Harassment in the World of Children’s Literature

Though mostly silent on social media these days, I am aware of the earthquake taking place in the kidlit world. That’s the most accurate metaphor I can think of to describe this long overdue upending of the status quo. It’s the kind of event that leaves everyone shaken, and makes you question things you had…

February 14, 2018
Ursula K. Le Guin

“Only for a moment did the spirit glimmer there. Then the sallow oval between Ged’s arms grew bright. It widened and spread, a rent in the darkness of the earth and night, a ripping open of the fabric of the world. Through it blazed a terrible brightness. And through that bright misshapen breach clambered something…

January 23, 2018
WARNING: This Post Contains My High School Art

My, my, my. It has been a long time since I posted anything here, which is how I think 99.89 percent of blog entries begin nowadays. But on a whim I think I’ll post something today. I’ve been feeling the urge to draw lately. Well, I’ve been feeling it for the past couple of years,…

July 24, 2017
Thoughts from a Book Tour

I’ve been traveling quite a bit, off and on, over the last month or so. I visited several cities, a few amazing bookstores, and numerous schools. The people I meet often wonder what a book tour is like. Some people assume it’s glamorous, and on occasion it does kind of feel that way. Some people…

October 20, 2016
A Taste for Monsters Launch Event

Two weeks from today, I’ll be at the Provo Library to launch my newest YA novel! A Taste for Monsters is a Victorian ghost story set in the London Hospital during the Ripper murders. If this sounds like your kind of book, then I hope to see you at the event. The details: When: Tuesday,…

September 13, 2016
Last Descendants Launch Party!

In just a few weeks, the first of my YA Assassin’s Creed novels will be released into the wild. Last Descendants comes out on August 30th, and I’ll be having a launch party to celebrate. If you live in the Salt Lake City area, I’d love to see you. If you live elsewhere, I’ll be posting…

August 4, 2016

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