About Me

BIO / Matthew Newman

Matthew Newman is a writer, medieval weapon aficionado, and adventurer

I’ve always been drawn to fiction—the way that, regardless of genre, a few well-placed words can speak directly to the soul. You’ve probably experienced this yourself: a quote from a childhood movie, a line from a novel that never left you, or my personal favorite—a poem stumbled upon in the annals of 2010 Tumblr that says more about love and fate than most songs ever could.

My journey as a storyteller began in fifth grade, when I discovered Marlfox by Brian Jacques—a British fantasy novel about woodland creatures defending their home from a band of mythical foxes. It wasn’t just the adventure that captivated me; it was the deeper themes woven through the story: the fierce loyalty among friends, the drive to protect what is good and just. At a time when I was navigating the challenges of school, bullies, and the growing pains of childhood, these lessons resonated deeply.

This is where the root of my personality and passion took hold: storytelling. It’s this love of story that inspired me to pick up the saxophone (a hobby I still enjoy today), and later to attend Duke University, where I majored in Sociology to better understand the human narratives that shape behavior. It’s storytelling that led me into a career in sales, where I use communication and persuasion to promote products I believe make the world a better place. And it’s storytelling that continues to fuel my writing—both in the books I’ve finished recently and in the early drafts tucked away from years ago.

At the core, it all traces back to a simple story I discovered in fifth grade: a group of friends, standing together, fighting for their home.

In my free time, I enjoy skiing, tennis, hiking, exploring all of the bars and restaurants that New York City has to offer, and adding to my ever-expanding collection of medieval weaponry.

Duke University c/o 2018

Bachelor of Arts in Sociology

Certificate in Markets and Management

Minor in Creative Writing