Matt Bronleewe, author of Illuminated

Matt Bronleewe is a former member of Jars of Clay and a continuing successful music professional. His debut novel was a very intense and enjoyable read. You can read my review here! Following are some questions I had for Matt and his answers.

1. What inspired you to make the jump from music to writing?
I’ve always been an avid reader. I’ve always loved plunging into a story and completely losing myself in some other world. I suppose it was inevitable that I’d want to someday concoct my own unique universe for other people to lose themselves in. In the end, my inspiration was really my unquenchable desire to WRITE. I couldn’t help myself. I had a story inside me that had to get out!
2. Was is a hard transition?
It’s been less of a “transition” and more of a “burn-the-candle-at-both-ends”. I do both music and writing, splitting time between the two worlds. I spend most mornings working on the next novel, most afternoons working on music, and then, late at night, I jump back into novel-writing mode. It’s been tricky, but my obsession with “being creative” keeps me going. Plus a lot of coffee!
3. How long did it take you to write Illuminated?
About a year, though the idea was lingering in my mind for many years before the actual writing took place. There was a lot of research too, both before and during the writing phase. I had to bring on a research assistant to help dig into the stacks of books and pounds of paperwork…I exhausted every resource I could think of to find fresh facts that I felt would breathe new life into the text.
4. About how many edits did you have to do?
The whole “editing thing” scared me to death. In the end, it was really just a fear of the unknown, because I completely enjoyed the process. I had an awesome editor who really helped mentor me through the process, and challenged me to take the book to the next level. We went back and forth so much with different ideas…editing for me was less like a list of chores and more akin to an ongoing conversation, and one that was well worth having!
5. Who are your favorite authors?
My current favorites are Michael Chabon, Jonathan Lethem, and Dave Eggers. All three of them are at the bleeding edge of fiction, constantly pushing the boundaries. I also really enjoy Jonathan Safran Foer. And Kevin Brockmeier. And that’s just some of my favorite modern writers! I really should stop now…I could go on and on…
6. What advice do you have for aspiring writers?
I never imagined having a novel on bookshelves. It still seems crazy to me. But if I can do it, anyone can do it! There’s nothing special about me. I don’t possess an extra brain or a third hand. I just sat down – like every writer before me – and stacked word upon word until my book was built. It’s 1% magic, and 99% hard work!

You can read more about Matt Bronleewe on his website here!