Author Interview – Matthew Hillsdon
Author of the fantasy novel, Alidor The Expedition of Multiple Distractions.
I am very pleased to welcome Matthew Hilsdon to my blog this week, and we’re chatting about his latest novel, Alidor The Expedition of Multiple Distractions, which released on December 17th, 2024.
Helen: Welcome Matt. I’m excited to talk to you about your newest release. Tell us all about your latest book.
Matthew: My current book will be released on the 17th Dec and is called Alidor The Expedition of Multiple Distractions. The involves a character from the last series in the events after the end of the Unlikely Allies trilogy. It follows Professor Leonardo Wileby as he sets out to complete a compendium of Alidor and is written in a first person account in the guise of his personal journal. As the title suggests the expedition he aims to set out on is thwarted with near constant distractions or diversions from runaway mages, irate Kings and beavers with a nasty case of the sniffles.
Helen: Sounds like quite the adventure. How did you choose the cover design?
Matthew: As for all of the covers of my main novels in the Alidor Series I like to choose a scene from the book. This scene depicts all of the main characters within the book as they are on their expedition. I like to put a lot of thought into the cover as I like the reader to have a good visual and put an image of the world into the reader’s mind along with the added thrill of trying to find the scene as you read through.
Helen: What a great idea. Who is your protagonist and why did you write them?
Matthew: Professor Leonardo Wileby. He came into the Alidor series in the Unlikely Allies and became more prominent as the books went on. I felt he would be the perfect character to use to round off the series. His life up until now has hardly been a quiet or relaxing one. Whether that was down to rangers setting traps that left his home in ruins, severely injured wolves needing a new mechanical leg, or being kidnapped by the greatest villain of the age as he was forced to construct war machines with incredible destructive capabilities for the very enemy they were fighting against. He has scarcely had a moment free before war’s end.
Helen: If your Main Character could answer, why would they say we should read your book?
Matthew: If he could answer he’d tell you to read it as it’s the most important scientific journal ever to be created and you should listen to him as he is the smartest elf ever to have lived.
Helen: What made you write this book?
Matthew: I hadn’t planned on writing this one but I really enjoyed the Professor Leonardo Wileby character I’d created. He’s quite eccentric and I felt that he deserved his own title and I’m sure he’d say the same. He was kind of a side character in the Unlikely Allies but accidentally became more prominent as the story went on.
Helen: Who is your favourite character in your Alidor series?
Matthew: That’s a hard choice as I have so many characters I am fond of but I’d probably choose Billy the Fang Lord because he’s everyone’s best friend, providing you’re not a parrot as you’ll find out in Alidor The Unlikely Allies.
Helen: Now you’ve written the professor’s book, what are you working on next?
Matthew: Following on The Expedition of Multiple Distractions which will act as an epilogue to the Unlikely Allies series I’ll be working on a couple of stand alone titles that will still relate to the world of Alidor, only from a few different perspectives. Such as a currently unnamed novel about Audrey Fennel who is a pensioner from Bloomly on Thames who somehow ends up waist deep in a teeming Alidorian forest. I’m also working with the incredible artist Norm Chung to create our first graphic novel The Forbidden Friend. It takes us back to the first days of the human race and explores their bond with the wolves. Part 1 is nearly complete and the artwork really brings this quite moving story to life.
Helen: With all the books you have written and released, when did you realise you had a passion for writing.
Matthew: I’ve always a passion for creating stories but it wasn’t until my wife, Emma came along and I began to start writing stuff down that I created Alidor. Without her I don’t think I’d be where I am now.
Helen: How do you find the time to fit writing into your daily schedule?
Matthew: I wouldn’t say I try to fit it in more like it takes over.
Helen: I know the feeling. Writing does tend to consume you. Do you plan your books, or are you more of a pantser?
Matthew: My books are loosely planned out given there’s a few mysteries and secrets that run throughout the novels but other than that I largely write free form. I just like to throw down whatever comes to me and then go from there.
Helen: How about your writing environment? Silence or do you have a favourite playlist to inspire you?
Matthew: Yes it’s normally heavy metal rock because it helps zone everything else out.
Helen: Do you suffer from writer’s block, and if so, what do you do to overcome it?
Matthew: I tend to take a break and will end up sitting on a video game for far too long. Having animals to bounce ideas off also helps.
Helen: If you didn’t write in Fantasy then which genre would you like to try and write in next?
Matthew: I’d write in crime/ mystery I like the idea of doing a crime novel with another author where one writes from the perspective of a detective and one a killer he’s trying to catch.
Helen: Oh, that sounds like fun! Author collaborations produce some amazing stories. Most authors are great readers, what is your favourite book?
Matthew: I know it’s cliche but I am a massive fan of Lord of the Rings. I’ve recently gotten into more Sci Fi thanks to Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy and Three Body Problem. A lot of the books I read come from indie book fairs where I’ve found some fantastic authors too.
Helen: I second supporting Indie authors. There are so many great stories out there. Thank you so much for joining me today, and good luck with your launch. Just to finish, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
Matthew: As well as a range of novels and short stories I’m also in the process of releasing all of our audiobooks and currently have Forgotten Hero and Stolen Tales for Cunning Thieves Part 1. I am also starting to organise Marlow Indie Book Fair 2025 which will be back bigger and better than ever!
About the Author
Matthew HillsdonMatthew Hillsdon is know for his fantasy series set in the world of Alidor. A fantastical world filled with unique tales and characters. His first novel Alidor: The Unlikely Allies, introduces readers to this expansive realm. His storytelling often weaves themes of adventures, mystical creatures and epic quests.
Instagram: @alidorbooks
Facebook: Alidor Books
Website: alidorbooks.co.uk
Purchase Matthew’s book, Alidor
Link to book on Amazon UK: eBook | Paperback
Link to book on Amazon US: eBook | Paperback
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If you enjoy epic fantasy then check out my award winning Sentinal series, which is now complete. If you like fantasy books with a touch of romance then you will love my SoulMist series, start with SoulBreather. Prefer Dystopian Science Fantasy? Then try Harmony. Start the adventure and stay for the journey.
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