Created August 23, 2024 by Tanja Bauerle
As a professional musician, Matt McMann played an NFL stadium, a cruise ship, and the International Twins Convention. Now he writes the kind of spooky mystery-adventure books he loved as a kid. He’s hiked the Pacific Northwest, cruised Loch Ness, and chased a ghost on a mountain. While he missed Bigfoot and Nessie, he caught the ghost. He enjoys brainstorming new books with his wife, New York Times bestselling author Lisa McMann; viewing his son Kilian McMann’s artwork; and watching his daughter, actor Kennedy McMann, on television.
SCBWI AZ PAL AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT: MATT MCMANN
Fast Five Interview Questions:
1. What is one thing we should know about you that's not in your bio?
I once sprained both ankles simultaneously after making an ill-advised jump while hiking high up a mountain. It was a long walk back. Pro hiking tip - don’t do that.
2. What should we know that will make us want to run out and get our hands on a copy of your book?
Fans of Goosebumps, Stranger Things, and Five Nights at Freddy’s should enjoy my spooky middle grade monster mystery series MONSTERIOUS. The books are short, can be read in any order, and come out quickly. While targeted for 8-12 year olds, MONSTERIOUS is great for anyone who loves fast-paced, creepy thrillers with lots of action, humor, and heart. In THE BEAST OF SKULL ROCK, twins Jade and Simon try to save their grandfather’s spooky museum from a rampaging werehyena.
3. What is one thing you learned/discovered about your writing process or the publishing industry while you worked on this book?
Writing a one paragraph per chapter outline before drafting helps me spot plot and pacing problems early.
4. If you lived in a scene in your story, what moment would that be and why?
The moment Simon explores his grandfather’s spooky museum. It’s definitely a place I’d love to visit!
5. Finish this sentence: I could never have written this book had it not been for…
English Breakfast hot tea and chocolate-covered almonds.
Instagram: @matt_mcmann
Twitter/X: @matt_mcmann
Website: MattMcMann.com