Prior to writing Masterplayer, Mathew would simply get an idea and begin to write, his plotting style was essentially that of a ‘pantser’. Fictionalising known facts meant that a different writing style was necessary. Historical fiction requires that certain events must happen. It was necessary to put them on a timeline and use them as beats to the story. The narrative was structured around them.

Research began at the end of the story. With no knowledge of Shakespeare, Queen Elizabeth, and in particular of Robert Devereux: 2nd Earl of Essex. Mathew wrote the last scene first, then set about the start, the rest of the story then began to fall in order. It was difficult to keep the story in chronological order as some the old documents had different dates. Additionally, ‘quieter’ years were condensed down to maintain pace. 

Mathew had to create a couple of characters for convenience of plot mechanics too. It was through these additional characters that Mathew was able to include some details of Horsham’s illustrious connections to Elizabethan England, with the creation of his character: Marie, Lady-in-Waiting to Queen Elizabeth, who became a central character in his plot

Having completed Masterplayer, Mathew has gone back to his creative writing MA studies and his current WIP towards his MA qualification is a fast-paced Sci-fi.