Heather’s Bookshelf: Author Interview with Matthew Peters
Book Title: The Ignoble Lie
Released: 04/12/25
Genre: Historical/Religious Thriller
Interview by Heather L. Barksdale
What inspired you to write “The Ignoble Lie”?
Peters: My love for philosophy and my passion for exploring ideas and interpretations of politics and religion outside the mainstream.
How did you come up with the names of your main characters?
Peters: I wanted something different for my female protagonist, and I thought the name “Zady” fit the bill. The first name of my male protagonist, Scott Larson, is a tribute to my brother-in-law, who passed away in January 2020.
Is there anything that you want readers to know about you, your writing process or your book?
Peters: There is an enormous amount of research that goes into my books, and a premium is placed on historical plausibility.
My stories are not simply made-up—they have solid foundations in the real world.
If “The Ignoble Lie” were adapted into a movie, who would you like to see cast to play your lead characters?
Peters: I’d like to see Hugh Jackman play Scott Larson and Scarlett Johansson play Zady Jones.
When you encounter writer’s block, what do you do to break yourself out of it?
Peters: Because I do such extensive planning, I don’t really get writer’s block. Sometimes, however, I get in a writer’s funk, where my spirit plunges a bit. When that happens, I read nonfiction related to the fiction I’m writing in an effort to rekindle my passion for the topic.
Are there any tips that you would like to share with other aspiring authors?
Peters: Read well written books and write what you’re passionate about, even if it’s something you don’t know much about yet. You can always learn what you need through research.
What is your favorite book, genre, and/or author?
Peters: Literary fiction is my favorite. I’m a huge Dostoevsky fan. My favorite books are Crime and Punishment and The Brothers Karamazov.
What are you working on next?
Peters: I’ve just finished the second book in the Of Gods & Men series, and now I’m working on Book 3.
Interested in checking out the book for yourself?
Find it for purchase here
Want to learn more about The Ignoble Lie and Matthew Peters?
Bluesky: @matthewpetersitw.bsky.social
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/matthew-peters
Publisher/Purchasing Links: https://www.melange-books.com/authors/matthewpeters/the-ignoble-lie-by-matthew-peters.html
Website: www.matthewpetersbooks.com
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