Meet Matt Chisholm
Photo: Lottie Hedley
Matt Chisholm is the author of Imposter published by Allen & Unwin New Zealand.
It's busy to be a father and to be a writer, on top of all the other things we are in life. Tell us how you fit writing into your day. How does parenthood play a role in your work?
I was able to fit writing into my day because, at times, at least, I have a very understanding wife. I wear a few different hats and we have two young boys, Bede, 4, and Finn, 3, and a small farm, so life is really busy. I wrote some of my book during the first lockdown and the majority of it in summer, which meant my wife, Elle, had to carry the can with the kids. After checking my stock first thing in the morning, I would try and write for four or five hours before doing activities with the family in the afternoon. When my deadline started approaching, I would write again at night when the kids were in bed. Almost unbelievably for me, I actually finished writing my book about a month before my deadline - I had to head away and host Celebrity Treasure Island and there was no way I could do both!
Do you have an enduring memory of your father and books?
No, I don't really. I don't think I read much as a kid. I was an outside boy. I have a lot of good memories of my father as a kid but they revolve around farming and footy, not reading books!
If you could recommend one book for your kids to read now (or in the future) what would it be?
I love Oh, the places you'll go! by Dr. Seuss. It's such a great story for both young and 'old' kids!
If you were to write a book about your experiences as a father, what would the title be?
I'd call the book, Living with my best teachers. My wee boys have taught me so much. They've been my greatest teachers. They've helped me realise what's really important and how and where I want to spend my time.
Is there a book you would suggest all new fathers should read to prepare themselves for the journey ahead?
I really like Babies don't suck by Aaron Blabey. It's a funny but real look at life as a new dad. It tells the story of the rollercoaster ride that many new dads go on. For many, we're in the trenches early on but our role just gets better.
