26 Comments

Thank you, Eleanor, for this fantastic opportunity to participate in an interview series I love.

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Matthew, you are flourishing on Substack by meeting an unspoken need that readers carry—in this case, a “home for creative minds.” It’s inspiring to watch your community grow. Thank you, Eleanor, for this splendid addition to a series I follow with pleasure. I didn’t know I was waiting for this interview until it arrived.

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Thank you Rona. I am so happy we connected and look forward to a long and fruitful friendship.

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Excellent, considered answers, Matt … and a very kind nod in my direction. Much appreciated. Love that you’re putting the ‘Hi’ into HI (human intelligence).

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Thank you my friend. I consider it a privilege to have met so many brilliant and genuine people through this community.

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Leaving an institution and finding a community … transition has gone VERY well.

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I love this series. ❤️

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Me too! I got a little giddy when Eleanor reached out to me. Such a treat!

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Based on this interview, I've just subscribed to Beyond the Bookshelf. I look forward to becoming part of Matthew's literary community!

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Thank you Liz! Glad to have you join the conversation.

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You're welcome, Matthew!

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This was such a lovely, gentle read, thank you, off to subscribe to Matthew now.

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Thank you Harriet.

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Yay Matthew! It's been amazing to watch your growth here.

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Thank you my friend!

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Matthew, congratulations on your success! You’ve created a wonderful place on Substack, and done so with generosity and respect for your readers. Thank you for sharing your enthusiasm for all things literary and your gift for living fully and with integrity. This interview shows your willingness to take risks and make course-corrections as necessary. Thank you, Eleanor, for this opportunity to get to know Matthew.

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Mary, I want to write like you when I grow up! Seriously though I sometimes wonder what I this little fish is doing in such a big pond. It is a great joy to me to honor the beautiful words and work of others. Keep writing! Keep gifting all of us with the wonderful work of your pen.

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Matthew, you’re so kind. I deeply appreciate the support you’ve given me here, through sharing and recommending my work. You’ve introduced me to some terrific writers here on Substack, and led me to revisit some classic ones I’d dismissed, including Steinbeck. It’s a real labor of love. You’ve grown your audience in a way that shows character. That’s what makes you stand out. Enjoy the holidays, and best wishes for the New Year.

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Eleanor, I thoroughly enjoyed with interview with Matthew. He's come a long way since he started here and I've really enjoyed watching his growth here as a writer. Your interview series is always wonderful.

Matthew, wonderful responses to this interview. Having watched the changes you've been through here and your growth, I really enjoyed reading this.

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Pamela, thank you so much. You are one of the few I have known since my earliest days and you were my very first collaborator! Keep sharing your wonderful spirit with the world. It is so needed in these dark days.

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So good to read more about you, Matthew.

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Thank you Maureen! You have always been so supportive of me.

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Great interview, and great answers and ideas, Matthew. I so enjoy the community that Substack has created.

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Thank you Nancy.

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Thank you, both, for this.

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Thanks Jana!

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