Matthew James is a literary Rock Star, at least to most people. He's famous in the written world, having authored over thirty novels, from middle grade, young adult, new adult and adult fiction. His organization -
The MJ Association - donates specific titles to under-privileged children in the inner cities, as well as millions of dollars to various literary organizations throughout Canada. Some would claim he is pretentious, while others are completely enchanted.
Fun Facts:
- He's a dead ringer for Bradley Cooper - from a distance
- As a child, Matthew had dyslexia, something he fought hard to overcome with the guidance of an amazing learning coach; her name is mentioned in every book he writes as a sympathetic character of some form
- Wrote his first novel at fifteen - Whatever Happened to Mrs. Codwell? a middle grade novel that won the prestigious Golden Apple Award
- By time he was thirty, he'd published twenty-one best sellers, and was named one of Canada's Most Influential People
- Was once married, no children
- Resides primarily in Calgary, but does have a house on the rocky shores of Vancouver Island, and one in the light house district on the east coast. Remains true to his Canadian roots
- No matter what Nate says, he does live an unpretentious life
The following is a copyrighted excerpt from Duly Noted. Please do not copy in any format without prior consent from the author. You may RT or link to this blog.
“Boys and girls,” the
manager said a few minutes later. “May I present… Matthew James!”
The crowd applauded wildly
when Matthew’s name was called, and Aurora found herself momentarily caught up
in the excitement as well. Turning in his direction, she saw him. Clearly
comfortable in his own skin and exuding the confidence of a dozen men, he sauntered
onto the stage, waving to his fans below. With a crisp white dress shirt and black
jeans, he looked, well, like a rock star. Exceedingly handsome, with his long
wavy hair blown off his tan and sculpted face. A hint of stubble gave him an older,
sexy refined appeal.
She clapped and cheered
with the fans. Her attention on him as he walked across the stage and shook
hands with the manager, his megawatt smile unavoidable. She forgot about her
job, and her reason for working. People were getting pushy and trying to see,
and a violent shove against her aching back, made her stumble and lose her
footing. Tumbling to the ground, she closed her eyes as pain blanketed her.
A loud voice boomed over
the PA system. “Hey,” the voice said, “is that how we treat people? Pushing
others out of the way?” Although the volume on the PA remained the same, the voice
who held it became louder. “Are you okay?”
She opened her eyes and
there he stood. Right in front of her. His gorgeous hand outstretched. Following
the line of his arm, upwards until she focused on his green eyes edged with the
longest lashes she’d ever seen. He was even more gorgeous up-close,
breathtaking really. Being so close to a real celebrity, she trembled as she
accepted his hand. His perfectly soft and manicured hand. “Yes, I’m okay.” With
his help, she stood back on her feet.
He turned to the crowd
while holding her hand. “This,” he pointed to her, “is not how I want you treating
your fellow brothers and sisters. We are all on this Earth together, and need
to watch out and protect each other. Help, not hurt.” He scanned the crowds. “Is
everyone else okay?”
The crowd cheered, and
Aurora wanted to join in, forgetting for a moment she was part of the reason the people applauded. She went to clap
and stopped – he still held her hand. A stab of pain, and she pulled free of
his hand. She rubbed her back, which had long sailed past aching. It throbbed.
“Now, my lovely lady,” he
bowed to her, “please come with me on stage.”
“I can’t,” she whispered,
heat flooding her cheeks. “I’m working.” She bent down to retrieve her fallen
hat.
“She’s working,” he
announced into his headset with a laugh that sung through the walls. “Well, my
lady, that is correct. Today you will be helping me directly. I insist.” When
he smiled at her, his teeth actually seemed to reflect the overhead lights. “I’m
sure your bosses won’t mind either.” He flashed her a knee-buckling wink.
My hubs and I recalled memories from when our kids were younger and some of the funny things they said or did. They LOVE hearing these stories just as much as we love telling them. There were lots of laughs and giggles, and no one was in a hurry to leave. Breakfast was devoured without an issue (we have an anti-egg eater, but today, he ate up with a smile.) It was an awesome way to start our day.
