And Now For Something Completely Different…

This is a curveball.

If you’re a regular reader of my blog, you know I usually share my personal development journey in hopes that it will help you with yours. This post is something different.

I’ve dreamed of being an author since I was a kid. After long years and a lot of struggle, that dream is about to come true. My first two novels will be published by Penguin Random House in a few weeks. In lieu of my normal personal development focus, I’d like to tell you about my book series. If you’re not interested, feel free to stop reading and check back next week.

The first two books in my spooky middle grade monster mystery series MONSTERIOUS publish on May 9, 2023. Why are they such a departure from what I normally write here? Because I was a scared kid, afraid of everything from the dark, to bullies, to the woods, to our basement. But I loved spooky stories. Seeing characters in those books face their fears gave me the courage to face my own. I want to write novels that give kids today the same spooky fun and help that those kinds of books gave me. And they are so fun to both read and write!

MONSTERIOUS books are geared for ages 8 to 12, but are great for anyone who enjoys fast-paced spooky thrillers with lots of action, humor, and heart. The books are short, can be read in any order, publish in hardcover, paperback, and audio simultaneously, and come out fast.

MONSTERIOUS: ESCAPE FROM GRIMSTONE MANOR (May 9, 2023) is about three friends who are trapped overnight in a haunted house amusement park ride and discover the monsters are real.

MONSTERIOUS: THE SNATCHER OF RAVEN HOLLOW (May 9, 2023) is about two friends who learn that a mysterious monster is responsible for the disappearance of babies in their small town—but no one believes them.

MONSTERIOUS: TERROR IN SHADOW CANYON (Aug 22, 2023) is about five hikers lost in a remote wilderness who are stalked by a flesh-eating monster.

All three books are available for preorder now wherever books are sold. The first two hit shelves May 9. A fourth will follow in January 2024. If they sound fun to you or to some spooky-loving reader in your life, I would be incredibly grateful if you’d buy them. As a debut trying to find an audience, every sale really helps in my goal to have a career an author. If this free blog has been helpful to you, and you’d like to support my writing, this is a great way to do it!

For more book info, fun background on me and my family, a calendar of tour appearances where you can meet me, and buy links for all my books, visit MattMcMann.com. You can even download a free spooky short story as my thanks for visiting.

Thank you so much for being a part of not only my personal development journey, but my writing journey as well. I hope my sharing about both helps you take your next step toward Becoming Yourself.