Tick to The Tock by Matthew Turner-Review, Interview and Giveaway
Tick To The Tock
by Matthew Turner
Release Date: January 8, 2014
Genre: contemporary, fiction, new adult
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TICK TO THE TOCK by Matthew Turner
ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date January 8, 2014
What would you do if you had three months to live? That’s what Dante King faces, the indecisive twenty-two-year-old who must finally learn to embrace life and love.
Tick to the Tock is a Contemporary New Adult Novel about Dante coming-of-age during turbulent times. A story inspired by love, but with the gritty realities of regret, missed opportunity, and understanding life’s meaning under dire circumstance. But a single mind isn’t affected on this journey, as an eclectic group comes to terms with the past, present, and what lies ahead.
Dante must confront and accept his fate, but can he let go of Danni: his lost love and kindred dreamer? With his rationally stubborn cousin, and eccentric best friend, Dante witnesses a life of dream and wonder: embarking across Europe, tackling Tibet, travelling Australia, and defeating each lifelong wish one-by-one.
Follow this coming-of-age roller coaster as four lives change forever. We’re only given one, but it’s never too late to understand faith, discover acceptance, and uncover the true meaning of love and happiness. Dante will die, but not before Danii, Ethan, Wilbur and he undertake an intense and heartfelt journey.
Smile… Cry… Ask yourself what you would do with three months left… Because Love & Living Begins Now
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REVIEW: TICK TO THE TOCK is a contemporary, new adult stand alone novel that will take you on a journey of reflection for one man as he faces his mortality and the end of life. Twenty two year old Dante King is going to die. An inoperable brain tumor is forcing the young man to take a hard look at life and with it comes the reality of his death. Not wanting to sit at home waiting for the end, Dante embarks on a journey across Europe, Asia and Australia with his two best friends Wil and Ethan and, the woman he so desperately wanted to love.
Matthew Turner has written an amazing piece of literature that will make you think – if you knew you only had three months to live- what would you do and why? Our hero Dante reflects on his short life; his relationship with family and friends; his failures and regrets; the people he knows and loves. And in the end, it is a story about one man as he searches for answers to a question- is this all there is?
We are introduced to Dante’s cousin and best friend Ethan who is more like a parent to our travelling four-some; Wil is the friend who hides his pain behind humor and booze; and Danii-the woman Dante has always loved but has had a difficult time with his emotions and letting go. These four friends will face the future together and one that will be imprinted in their souls forever.
Most of the storyline is a narrative reflection. Told in first person POV from Dante’s perspective the story is a mixture of flashbacks, reflections, memories and regrets but along the way four people will discover that there is more to life than dying-there is surviving and moving forward; living life to the fullest with no regrets because there is nothing we can do about the past. But for one man, there is a second chance at love before he dies and a love that will continue long after his death.
Copy supplied by the author.
Reviewed by Sandy
TRC: Hi Matthew and welcome to The Reading Café. Congratulations on the release of Tick to the Tock.
We would like to start with some background information. Would you please tell us something about yourself?
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Matthew: Hello all. Well, my name is Matthew Turner, and I’m a writer from Yorkshire who has a gorgeous 10 month old son. I write a great deal, but I embrace the whole spectrum of Storytelling: working with individuals and brands to help reinvigorate their marketing through the art of story.
My passion is fiction though. This is what excites me the most.
TRC: Please explain the significance of TurnDog Millionaire and what is represents to you?
Matthew: When I set up my company I wanted to stand out (because there are A LOT of Matthew Turners in the world). My nickname growing up was Turndog, so I decided to use this. The whole story behind this can be found here >> http://bit.ly/18Ya3vk << but basically Turndog allows me to use an alter ego when needed, whilst always remaining who I am and what I stand for.
As a bit of an introvert, this certainly helps give me the confidence to attack each day with vigour.
TRC: TICK TO THE TOCK is your January 2014 release-a contemporary, new adult storyline about one man who is facing the ultimate challenge-to live an die with dignity. Would you please tell us something about the premise?
Matthew: Dante is a twenty-two-year-old indecisive guy who has always lived in the future and clung to the past. I think most of us do this, because embracing the moment each and every day is tough. All of a sudden it’s all taken away from Dante though, and he faces a lot of reflection, and a chance to finally live and love before it’s too late.
As such, TICK to the TOCK focusses on the journey he goes through, and the journey the people closest to him do, too.
There are many happy moments in this book, but it surrounds a devastating plot, which, as you can guess, creates a rollercoaster ride throughout. There’s also a romance at its core too, so all of this mingles together in a way that makes the reader think, cry, smile, and think some more (at least, that’s the plan).
TRC: What challenges or difficulties (e.g. logistical, theological, thanatological etc) did you encounter writing this particular novel?
Matthew: It required me to dig deep within myself, and focus on all of the things I haven’t done, as well as those I have: what means the most to me, what I would miss if it was taken away, how I would react, etc…
As a new father, this was tough. I shed a few tears and forced myself to face things head on. All the while, however, this is a story built on romance, so there are many happy times, too. As such, I felt very up and down, smiling and thinking happy thoughts one minute, but then mulling over loss the next.
Also, I’ve never gone through something like this before. I worried each second I wouldn’t do it justice, but I placed myself as deep into the pain as possible and kept faith with my empathy – that it would guide me through. In the end, I think it did. I was able to offer an insight and angle that I believe only I can.
TRC: Did writing Tick to the Tock bring up any personal reflections on your own mortality?
Matthew: Like I say, many many many times. I constantly considered my journey in life, all the times I said yes, all those occasions I said no, and if it was all taken away today, would I have regrets. The truth is I do have regrets, because I think most people do.
We all wish we could be a little more, but at the same time, we need to take pride in the person we become. I think writing TICK to the TOCK helped me see this. In a way, it was a kind of therapy I never expected. A darn right cheaper too, I might add.
TRC: ONE DAY IN SEPTEMBER is a six part prequel novella to Tick to the Tock. Would you please tell us something about the premise? Is it required reading to understand the premise and characters in Tick to the Tock?
Matthew: I wouldn’t say it’s required reading, no. I created it so TICK to the TOCK could be enjoyed without reading One Day in September, and vice versa. However, this six part prequel does offer an insight that helps better understand the characters and their history.
Basically, each Part is told from the POV from the four main characters (1 from Ethan, 1 from Danii, 2 from Wilbur, and 2 from Dante). The entire series is set the day before TICK to the TOCK begins, and we see how their lives interweave into one another’s.
I’m fascinated by the idea of serialised fiction, and this is my first attempt at it. I really enjoyed the process, and the feedback has been good. I think it adds a great element to a novel, and I’m delighted to have done it.
TRC: If you could virtually cast the leading characters in Tick to the Tock, which models or actors would best represent the image your have in mind?
Matthew: With Danii, I started off with Emmy Rossum, but she quickly developed and became her own entity. Emmy had the kind of look I was after though, so I spent quite a while looking at her face, which was no hindrance on my part at all.
As for Dante, I began with Andrew Garfield, but again, he quickly took on his own style and look. I think this is important. You don’t want to focus too much on any one individual. Characters need to become their own people.
TRC: Are any events or characters based on reality or an amalgamation of your imagination and real life?
Matthew: No one character is based on any one person, but each is formed of those around me day-in, day-out (including several aspects of me).
This is how I write. I like to create characters built on who I am, who I wish I was, wish I wasn’t, etc… I’m also a bit of a people watcher (creepy, I know), so am always on the look out for interesting folk. I think some of my friends will read TICK to the TOCK and see where parts of my inspiration came from. I happen to know a few interesting individuals, that is for sure.
TRC: When writing a storyline, do the characters direct the writing or do you direct the characters?
Matthew: I think my writing often directs the characters. I start knowing the character well, but after a few weeks I realise how deeper they could be. I suppose it’s a little like cooking or baking. You start with the ingredients, but as you go through the process and taste what you make, you add a little extra this, or a smidgen more of that.
I like this. The characters evolve as they need to… as I discover new aspects of them… as they showcase themselves in a new light. It feels more organic and lifelike this way, and as though they are real people. This certainly helps dig through the tougher aspects of a book, because the people within it are those you love or hate or feel close to.
TRC: Many authors bounce ideas and information with other authors or friends and family. With whom do you bounce ideas?
Matthew: I do this a little, but I mostly like to get lost in my own mind. Feedback from others is helpful after the first draft, but until that point I keep most of my thoughts under wrap. I do like to share my journey online, though. Not the finer details so much, just the insanities of an author.
TRC: On what are you currently working?
Matthew: No new Fictional project yet, although I have a few ideas that I will play with in early 2014. I’m not sure what novel three will look like yet, but I’m excited for it.
As for non-fiction, well, I’m working on a project called The Successful Mistake. It involves me interviewing 250 entrepreneurs about the mistakes they have made, and how they’ve overcome them. It’s been a mind blowing project so far. Truly life changing!
TRC: Would you like to add anything else?
Matthew: Just that I’d like to thank you for having me, and thank the readers for reading.
I’m not sure if TICK to the TOCK will be your cup of tea, but I hope you’ll join my journey on Facebook (search for MatthewTurner.Writer) because I love meeting new people. Who knows, you may be the next interesting and quirky character in my work 🙂
LIGHTNING ROUND
Favorite Food
Humous & Pitta Bread
Favorite Dessert
Blueberry Muffin
Favorite TV Show
Lost
Last Movie You Saw
Gravity
Dark or Milk Chocolate
The darker the better!!!
Last Vacation Destination
Austin, Texas
Pet Peeve
Myself. I usually drive myself a little insane on most days.
Secret Celebrity Crush
My crushes aren’t usually secret as I happily share them everywhere. To give you one though, let’s say Emma Watson.
TRC: Thank you Matthew for taking the time to answer our questions. Congratulation on the release of Tick To The Tock. We wish you all the best.
NOTE: The Reading Cafe is NOT responsible for the rafflecopter giveaway. If you have any questions, please contact the author.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
He pulls out his phone, then quickly checks the screen and shuts it off, putting it back in his pocket. I’ve never seen him bring a phone in here before. A plan starts to form in my head. If only I could get my hands on that phone, everything would be so much easier. I could call someone to let them know where I am, to come and get me while I’m still here.
