The dream for any budding author is to have their work published and Andover College English student Matthew Wight can tick this one off the list with news that Amazon have published his first collection of short stories Quiz Masters.
Matthew originally wrote the collection for his Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) which he achieved an A* for. The stories look at where stereotypical character types come from and have already been described by one Amazon reviewer as ‘fab, witty stories.’
The Quiz-Masters’ is an anthology of short stories that explores character types in contemporary fiction, and follows four men’s lives as they struggle to make sense of the world they live in. The character strengths and virtues of these four ordinary men’s lives are explored in this thrilling anthology of short stories. Ordinary life in the UK is painted in the gritty, visceral tones it really inhabits in this gem of contemporary fiction.
Explaining the idea behind the book Matthew said: “I wanted to expose a stereotypical hero and villain which readers meet in the second two stories and their binary opposites in the first two stories. I’ve always wanted to publish and thanks to Amazon, I’ve done it! I must however, thank my Andover College lecturers Carys Overfield and Susannah Machin. Carys, for her constant and reliable supervision and Susannah, for inspiring me to even think about publishing.”
Commenting on her role in helping Matt achieve his ambition Carys Overfield, Curriculum Leader for Humanities and Science said: “Matt has shown a talent in Literature and creative writing during his time in Andover College, and we have been keen to nurture and support this ability to help him achieve his ambition, as well as helping him to achieve high grades in his A levels. We are very proud of his success!”
Matthew is currently studying A2 Creative Writing, A2 Communication and Culture and AS Philosophy and Ethics at Andover College and plans to study English at University from September 2015.
In the meantime, if intrigued by the lives of Matthew’s four characters go to Amazon and search for Matthew Wight Quiz Masters. Find out about Brian Foxe, an elderly history teacher living an ordinary life until one night, when driving he comes across a student running from an attacker and bravery wakens in his heart.
Then there is Mr Oliver Strong, whose character strengths are virtues which are tested to their limits when the museum that employed him for over forty years lays him off. Finally Mr Jeremy Parns a widower forced to take care of his niece when his brother tires of life in the UK and decides to escape abroad.
Inspired by Matthew’s success then come along to the next Open Evening, Thursday 5 February 2015, 6.00pm to 8.30pm. Find out how Andover College prepares students for life. For further information and to register please visit www.andover.ac.uk or call 01264 360000.
