LOVE WARS: Clash of the Parents, A True Divorce Story: Received a 4+ star review, making it an IndieReader Approved title.
Following find an interview with author Matthew A. Tower:
2. What’s the book’s first line? As I listened to my father read my favorite bedtime story, I curled up against his chest and felt the comforting rise and fall of his breathing.
3. What’s the book about? Give us the “pitch”. When young Matthew’s parents stick him in the middle of their divorce custody battle, he must imitate his hero Luke Skywalker and put an end to their fighting.
4. What inspired you to write the book? A particular person? An event? Growing up in my parents’ divorce war inspired me to write LOVE WARS. While I was in fourth grade, I tried to find a book for kids like me, and there was nothing––so I decided to share my true story in the future. My youthful aspiration to be an author is portrayed on page 221.
5. What’s the main reason someone should really read this book? Kids and teens growing up in broken families should read this book to discover in its pages a relatable friend. LOVE WARS will also help youngsters who are coming of age in happy families to understand the lives of other kids in troubled homes. Parents should read this memoir as a cautionary tale to inspire them to understand the impact of conflict on kids and keep children out of their disputes. Adults who grew up in divorce should read this memoir to help them emotionally heal from their childhood dramas. It’s widely appealing for all ages, 9 – 80, and the writing style is broadly accessible.
6. When did you first decide to become an author? When I was around age three, I abruptly moved from being lost in one of my father’s bedtime stories to becoming aware that a writer unknown to me was putting those scenes into my imagination. I decided I wanted that ability, too. Later, I realized true stories can be more relevant than fiction to help readers develop inner resilience.
7. Is this the first book you’ve written? LOVE WARS is my debut work of literature. I wrote the first lines at age 24 in December, 1998. It took 27 years to complete and publish the project. I previously worked as a video game journalist. I was founder and CEO of a company called VERSUS BOOKS that released more than 50 gaming guides for hits like The Legend of Zelda.
8. How much time do you generally spend on your writing? The real work of LOVE WARS was not so much in the investment of a total quantity of writing time, but in repeatedly returning to the project for rewriting and revision over the course of many years as my wisdom developed. Finding the right developmental editor was crucial, as was seeking feedback on the manuscript from youngsters.
9. What’s the best and the hardest part of being an indie? The best part about being an indie is no one has the power to veto my creativity. The hardest part is knowing there are millions of kids growing up in high-conflict divorces who need LOVE WARS, and not being able to readily reach them.
10. What’s a great piece of advice that you can share with fellow indie authors? Take a break from everything and go somewhere you enjoy to ponder and write for at least one week. I lived on a horse ranch in New Mexico for two months while rewriting LOVE WARS, and it was the key turning point. Being in close proximity to my developmental editor was helpful.
11. Would you go traditional if a publisher came calling? If so, why? I am open to working with a traditional publisher on LOVE WARS if they share my vision to reach as many kids, teens, and parents as possible.
12. Is there something in particular that motivates you (fame? fortune?) My ultimate driving force is to develop my best work of literature possible––including artwork and audiobook dramatization. Thus, I hired my dream team. Top Star Wars artist Tsuneo Sanda created nearly 100 illustrations. Garrick Hagon and Liza Ross, who produced the Golden Compass audiobook series, directed and produced the LOVE WARS full-cast audiobook. The voice actors and actresses performed their roles beyond my wildest dreams. I’m 100% satisfied with the outcome, and that gives me peace of mind.
13. Which writer, living or dead, do you most admire? J. R. R. Tolkien. Every few years, I revisit The Lord of the Rings. If you haven’t heard them yet, give a listen to the Andy Serkis-narrated audiobook editions––they’re basically perfect.
14. Which book do you wish you could have written? Although this question is clever, it occurs to me as a trap. I would rather be content writing my own book than envy the success of others. However, I wish I could time-warp back to 1960s Oxford and chat with Tolkien at his favorite pub, The Eagle and Child.