Friday, November 9, 2012

Author Interview with Matthew Cody

The DMS was lucky enough to interview Matthew Cody, author of the middle grade novel Powerless. Lizzy recently reviewed this action packed story, and it was great to share our thoughts about it and hear yours! We are excited to learn a little bit more about the story behind the story. So, without further ado... take it away, Matthew! 


What inspired you to write Powerless?


There’s a tried and true plot in middle grade fantasy in which a young hero discovers a terrible threat while at the same time discovering a secret heritage of power – family of wizards, demigods, etc.


While I love these stories myself, I wanted to turn the tables a bit and write a book about a young hero who wasn’t any of these things. There’s a line in the book referring to Daniel feeling as ordinary as bread, and that’s what I was going for. He feels powerless, but of course no one really is.

How long did it take you to write Powerless?

It took about a year, with all the re-writing involved. I’m a pretty fast writer, but I spend a lot of time on revisions, even before I’ve handed it over to my editor, because that’s where a story is made or broken. I firmly believe that.

What are some of your favorite books from childhood? Were there any specific authors who inspired you?

I was one of those “reluctant readers” that librarians and teachers always talk about, so I didn’t really read much of what would today be considered middle-grade fiction. That being said, when I finally did start reading I loved The Hobbit by J. R. Tolkien. Peter Pan by J.M. Barrie made a big impact on me as well, though not the one you might assume. Peter wrestling with his shadow terrified me, an idea that actually made it into the opening chapter of Super . . .

Where did you come up with the character Daniel?

While Daniel is a normal boy, he is remarkable in a few ways. He’s brave, loyal and one heck of a good detective, but he’s not perfect by any means. He’s jealous at times, and can feel sorry for himself a bit too much, but his good qualities outweigh the bad. I wanted a main character that the readers could both identify with and admire, and I think Daniel fits the bill.

Powerless Fan Art: By Vince Dorse

 If you could befriend a character from any of your books, who would you befriend? Why?

Rohan has a great outlook on the world, owing to the fact that he can literally see things we can’t. Plus, he’s a loyal friend with a great sense of humor. I think friends that can make you laugh are the best kind.





Where do you like to write? Do you listen to music while you are writing?

These days I write mostly at home, though I’ll get out to a coffee shop every now and again when I’m editing. I find it hard to do first draft stuff with distractions, and so I need to stay home where it’s quiet (although I am the father of a four year old, so quiet is all relative!)

If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be? Why?

I love Ireland. I love the history, everywhere you look – the crumbling castles, the ancient standing stones bordering stone-walled sheep’s meadows. I think it’s a very inspirational place to live.

If you could have one superpower, what would it be and why?

When I was a kid I used to have this reoccurring dream that I would wake up in the morning and fly out the window. Then I’d soar over all the bus stops and wave at the poor kids waiting to be taken to school. Then I’d shout “See ya, suckers!” That answer it?

Where can we purchase your books?

Just about anywhere. I’d start with your local, independent bookstore. If they don’t have them in stock, I’m sure they’d be happy to order them for you.

☞ You can meet Matthew Cody at R.J. Julia Bookstore in Madison, CT on November 15th!


Connect with this author:
 Author site ☞ Blog ☞ Facebook ☞Twitter 


✭ Enter the giveaway for a chance to win a signed copy of Powerless! Open to US and International  
  
Giveaway ends Sunday, November 25th


a Rafflecopter giveaway

34 comments:

  1. I would love to be able to be invisible anytime I wanted to!!

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    1. Kim- That sure would be interesting! Thanks for stopping by. :) ~L

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  2. I think I like invisibility, too...loved this interview...you do an awesome job with these!

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    1. Patty- So glad you enjoyed the interview. Thanks for the compliment. :) ~L

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  3. I've always wanted to fly, which is funny because I'm afraid of heights. Go figure.

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    1. Heidi- Flying would be so much fun! I think if I could fly then I would feel more comfortable with heights. :) ~Stephanie

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  4. GREAT interview! And the book sounds so cute. I'm with Heidi though...I've always wanted to fly but I'm scared of heights!

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    1. > Christine- Thanks! It is a really fun book. I think you would really like Powerless! :) ~L

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  5. I've read this book and really enjoyed it. I haven't picked up the sequel yet, but I plan to. Thanks for sharing!

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    1. Michelle- It is nice to hear from someone else who enjoyed Powerless, too! I want to read the sequel soon. Thanks for stopping by. :) ~L

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  6. Great interview! I want this book! :) Hmmm... I would like to be able to create clones of me that generate all of their thoughts to me (but I can keep certain thoughts to my original body), can have as many clones as I want, and they all have a slight difference from me (they all have gray eyes and a different shaped nose).

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    1. This Kid Reviews Books- Thanks! I think you would love this book! It is awesome and unique. I loved your answer! So creative! ~L

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  7. To all you invisible people, you are sneaky! Not to be trusted, I say!

    -Matthew Cody (Team Flyers)

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    1. Ha!Totally true! I would like to spy on people!

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  8. Nice premise for the story. Great to meet Matthew.

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    1. M. Pax- The storyline is great and keeps you turning the page! We were thrilled to have Matthew answer some questions for us. :) ~L

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  9. I have answered the super power question several times during read alongs and I vote teleporting. So I could go anywhere with the blink of an eye, though flying over everyone and yelling "See ya suckers" sounds like a lot of fun as well! Happy Friday!

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    1. Heidi- I was wishing for a teleportation device today! Hope you are having a fun weekend. :) ~L

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  10. Peter wrestling with his shadow is pretty terrifying when you stop to think about it!

    When I was growing up I often had ‘flying dreams' and was convinced I could actually do it – if only I had the courage to try!
    Excellent interview.

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    1. Barbara- So true! I have had very realistic flying dreams, too! It is weird to wake up from them. :) ~L

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  11. I always wanted to be able to stop time. I could get so much done especially I would be able to sleep and do projects or homework when I needed to. It would be awesome!

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    1. Adriana- Being able to stop time would be awesome! I would definitely sleep more and read more books! :) ~L

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  12. I want to be able to teleport place to place!

    GFC follower: Book Sake
    - Jessica @ Book Sake

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    1. Book Sake- Teleporting would be very handy. :) ~L

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  13. Fun interview--thanks for highlighting this book!

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    1. Timetraveltimestwo- Thanks for stopping by. So glad you enjoyed the interview! :) ~L

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  14. Great interview. It would be great to go to Ireland.

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    1. Thanks, Kelly! I would love to visit Ireland, too! ~L

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  15. Great interview Jessica! The book sounds very interesting. If I had a "power" it would be to revisit the past and those I loved that have passed on.

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    1. Anna Marie- Thanks! We were so excited to get the chance to interview Matthew Cody. You picked an interesting power. :) ~Jess

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  16. Friend who you laugh really are the best!

    When I was a kid, I wanted to be able to turn invisible so I could read undisturbed - I'd add writing to that now. Although I'd like to have the Star Trek superpower of 'beaming' too!

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    1. Jemi- I love people who make me laugh. I think your reason for wanting to be invisible is the best. Beaming would be fun! ~L

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  17. It sounds like he's right on for the personality of a middle school boy. Looks to be a great read.

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    1. Donna- Matthew is great at capturing the personality of a middle grade boy. It is a great read! ~L

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