Interview with Matthew Sleadd, Author of Atlanta

What’s the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Atlanta (Ares Weapons Project Book 1)?

I have to be careful how to word this so that people don’t get concerned and call the nice young men in the white coats. Jason emerges from his compound into a world where everything is a potential threat, friends can turn against him for no reason, and even the government he works for is not on his side. I suffer from extreme social anxiety and PTSD. These themes follow emotions with which I struggle daily.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of Atlanta (Ares Weapons Project Book 1), what would they be?

I’m going to date myself with this one, but Bon Jovi’s Grammy-nominated “Blaze of Glory.”

What’s your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?

I’ll change my favorite genre about once a year. Currently, it’s science fiction.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

I’ve been reading a large number of ARCs by other aspiring writers. Currently, it is Code Word Access by Alex Schuler, and I’ve enjoyed as much as I’ve read. My mother did hand me a copy of The Midnight Library: A Novel by Matt Halg. I haven’t started it and don’t know what it’s about, but she recommends good things.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

It was the first scene. Something about the play on imagery to try and make it visceral and threatening while ordinary and humorous, made it entertaining and got me off to a good start.

Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)

People have a hard time believing this, but I listen to Disney music while writing. Sometimes even watching Disney movies. I’ll go one further and let everyone know that the scene where the operations center dropped the bomb was written while I was lounging by a pool at one of Disney’s vacation properties in Florida.

Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?

I don’t pretend to take credit for this philosophy, but the abridged version is, “desire leads to suffering.” – Taṇhā

If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?

I’m building a world beyond the book and beyond the series. If you enjoy what you read, there is more to come.

Matthew Sleadd is the author of the new book Atlanta (Ares Weapons Project Book 1)

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