Interview with Matt Owens Rees

Published 9 January 2023

Why do you write?

It’s a bug. I imagine it’s the same with most writers.

A writer’s goal is to strive to get the writing better all the time. I always put myself in the readers’ shoes and provide what he or she wants to read. I like interaction with my readers. Messages in my email inbox allow me to tailor my writing to the content and style my readers want.

What are the greatest difficulties and frustrations you face as a writer?

Two really, but I hope I’ve found solutions.

1. Thankfully, the old days of agents and publishers ignoring new authors are over. Companies such as Drafr2Digital and Smashwords (now merged) actively helped getting authors’ books out to the readers that want them quickly and at a better price than at the bookstores. There is still however a mafia-like presence in the market place which concentrates on the bottom line rather than what is best for authors and readers. Fake reviews and manipulation of ratings is rife with some of the near-monopolistic companies. That’s not good for readers. The industry can sometimes be a dog eat dog world reminiscent of the law of an Amazonian jungle. Working with D2D is not like that.

2. I write about Thais and Thailand and I strive to present a balanced and honest view of the country and its people. It can be a paradise for both the tourist and the expat. It can also be a nightmarish frustrating experience if readers don’t know the ropes and don’t accept that you need to adapt to their life style and cultural rules. Custodial sentences are imposed on everyone, particularly writers, who break the strict Lèse Majesté laws. In practice, that includes any perceived criticism, however true and constructive, about the monarchy or about the country. I aim to be candid and frank while avoiding coming across as being critical of the Thai. They are a proud and patriotic people and resent comments they see as critical of Thailand. I believe I’ve got the balance right.

What inspired you to write about Thailand?

Carol Hollinger’s book, “Mae Pen Rai Means Never Mind”. Written in the sixties but still very relevant to an understanding of today’s Thailand. It’s a best seller but sadly Carol died before she could see her book published. I dedicated my first book, Thailand Take Two. Although her book and mine are written in a different style, she captured the fascinations of this country and beautifully described them. Sadly, Hollinger passed away at 45 years old before she could see her best- selling book in print. Matt also then lost an opportunity to collaborate with her on a new book on the concept of Face in Thailand.

What do your fans mean to you, Matt?

I think of them as friends rather than fans. I like, as I said earlier, the inter-exchange with readers through my email inbox and my blog. Getting readers of ebooks to communicate with authors, and vice versa, is a sure fire method of giving readers exactly what they want. I pay a lot of attention to their ideas and comments. I write for them not for me. Not all ebook aggregators encourage author interviews. This is unfortunate as it is a fantastic way to bridge the gap between writer and reader. And, in my view, that can enhance a reader’s pleasure as well as making sure the author provides what customers want.

What is your background?

I live permanently in Thailand and spend most of my time writing. I occasionally accept invitations to speak on Thai lifestyle and contemporary culture, though I try to encourage a dialogue instead of giving a one-way formal lecture. Everyone learns something that way.

I read a lot, mainly biographies and thrillers. My garden is where I truly relax. I’m a hands on gardener. I have help for the heavy work but I am more in my element if I am pottering around, weeding or pruning. However, I’m not averse to a small gin and tonic in the garden at sundown.

Chatting and gossiping to Thai friends and neighbours is always fun. Thais are inveterate gossips! It inspires my writing and I get accurate first-hand material.

What are you currently writing?

An analysis of the changes that have taken place in Thailand since the death of the late king, Bhumibol the Great on 13 October 2016. Bhumibol, Rama IX, was Thailand’s longest reigning monarch