MATOTT, Justin 1961-

(Gabriel Peters)

PERSONAL: Born August 14, 1961, in Fort Collins, CO; son of Glenn E. (a professor) and Julia M. (a professor; maiden name, Nickel) Matott; married June 22, 1985; wife's name Andrea M. (a doctor); children: J. J., Ethan. Education: Earned B.A. Religion: Christian. Hobbies and other interests: Skiing, jogging, water sports, reading, gardening, brewing.

ADDRESSES: Agent—c/o Author Mail, Clove Publications, Inc., 60 Falcon Hills, Highlands Ranch, CO 80126. E-mail—[email protected].

CAREER: Clove Publications, Inc., Highlands Ranch, CO, owner. Sales and marketing consultant in business reengineering.

WRITINGS:

My Garden Visits (nonfiction), illustrated by Victoria Kwasinski, Clove Publications (Littleton, CO), 1996.

A Harvest of Reflections: Wisdom for the Soul through the Seasons, illustrated by Deborah Chabrian, Ballantine (New York, NY), 1998.

Ol' Lady Grizelda (juvenile), illustrated by John Woods, Jr., Clove Publications (Littleton, CO), 1998.

Drinking Fountain Joe, illustrated by David Schiedt, Clove Publications (Littleton, CO), 2000.

Independence Days: Still Just Boys, and Other Stories, Brewers Publications (Boulder, CO), 2000.

When Did I Meet You, Grandma?, illustrated by Laurie McAdam, Clove Publications (Littleton, CO), 2000.

When Did I Meet You, Grandpa?, illustrated by Laurie McAdam, Clove Publications (Littleton, CO), 2000.

Oliver Kringle, illustrated by Laurie McAdam, Nickel & Beckley Press, 2002.

Also author of There's a Fly on My Toast!, illustrated by John Woods, Jr., Nickel & Beckley Press. Contributor to periodicals, including Rocky Mountain News. Some writings appear under the pseudonym Gabriel Peters.

SIDELIGHTS: Justin Matott once told CA: "I began to write as a cathartic release from an occupation that was not creatively challenging. As daily writing became my practice, I depended on it as any other sustenance. Writing is simply something I must do. Writing allows one to dabble in the darker, lighter, funny, serious side of one's mind. It allows expression in many genres, whether for publication or private practice. Few other activities offer the same.

"An early influence was Truman Capote. His ability to cross over from nonfiction to fiction was intriguing. Dickens was another influence. One of my most relevant influences was my father, an unpublished novelist who created worlds and characters from experience and imagination. As a child I hoped to do the same someday.

"I do not outline much. I allow the work to flow freely with no editorial interruption during the process. Then I go back to tighten and improve upon what I've written. I write every day with few exceptions. I bounce from nonfiction to fiction to children's work, depending on what is most creative. At most times I have ten projects going.

"Inspiration often comes from thin air. Sometimes I follow it to little end; sometimes an inkling of an idea while jogging will consume me until completion. I have a four-foot stack of these printed inspirations. Whether they are ever published or not, they've improved my writing."