Lucky 13 Interview With Matt Wesolowski

1 – Can you start by telling us a little about your current book?

Of course. Deity is the fifth in the Six Stories series - each book a 'series' of a fictional true crime podcast about a fictional cold case. Deity examines the legacy of deceased pop megastar Zach Crystal and the allegations of sexual assault that surrounded him. Was his death in his remote hideaway really suicide? Like all the books in the series, there's a supernatural element to the story. This one is very much about what we do, as fans, when our heroes we've put on pedestals fall from grace.

2 – Are you a plotter or a panster?

I'm a pantser - if I know what's going to happen in advance, it becomes boring to me and much harder to write. I like to be surprised along the way!

3 – Savoury or sweet?

Savoury. Specifically ready salted pitta chips.

4 – Three books to a desert Island. Go!

House of Leaves - Mark Z Danielewski

It - Stephen King

The Collected Short Stories of Arthur Machen - that's one book, right?

5 – Star Wars or Star Trek?

Star Wars.

6 – If you could have any superpower, what would it be?

Some kind of super speed - it would make my days considerably more productive and my housework regime much easier!

7 – Music or Silence when writing?

Music. I used to be able to write to my favourite bands but now it has to be ambient and no percussive - I've mellowed as I've got older!

8 – If you could live anywhere in the world, and take everything that you love with you, where would you choose?

Somewhere north and cold - rural Finland would suit me.

9 - Your favourite karaoke song?

The extent to which I can't sing is quite something to behold. I'm not subjecting anyone to that!

10 – One piece of advice to an aspiring writer?

Do everything to keep learning and improving; enter every competition, do every available workshop.

11 – You win £1 million, but you must give half to charity. Which charity do you chose, and what do you do with the rest of the money?

I'd give it to an organisation called Compassion in World Farming - who are trying to rid the world of the blight that is factory farming; cruelty and horror on a global scale. A significant part of the rest would go on a lavish post-covid getaway for me and my friends when we're allowed to!

12 – Horror films, yes or no? If so, any favourites?

A massive yes! The Haunting (1963) is the most effective and terrifying version of Shirley Jackson's The Haunting of Hill House. It has virtually no special effects and is black and white but stands head and shoulders above pretty much any modern horror film.

13 - What are you currently working on?

I'm actually working on a non-Six Stories book, which began as a haunted house story but is rapidly becoming something much deeper.