Matthew Putland

Matthew Putland is a British sci-fi and adventure author. He has a Bachelor’s and Master's degree in science, is a qualified secondary school teacher and is doing a PhD in evolutionary environmental physiology. He enjoys writing sci-fi that is routed in real science and stretches the boundaries of modern thinking. He discovered writing to be the perfect way to handle the stress of teaching and hasn’t been able to stop since.

Matthew enjoys many hobbies, including playing an array of sports, painting, watching vast amounts of movies and eating chocolate. Growing up he dreamt of becoming an astronaut and to this day enjoys expanding his interest in astrophysics and astrobiology.

YOU CAN FIND MATTHEW ON:
Website: MJPutlandauthor.com
Instagram: @mjputlandauthor
Twitter: @MjPutland

https://www.mjputlandauthor.com/
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Award Category
Young Writer Award 2023
Time Will Tell
My Submission

Comments

Melissa Hope Sat, 15/07/2023 - 20:18

Interesting premise! The lightning storm is an exciting beginning. I wanted to learn more about Lucas, what motivates him, what his desires are, etc. I don't believe his age is even mentioned.

Jenni Harrison Tue, 18/07/2023 - 11:27

The world-building is done well, details weaved in that show it's the future but not so far removed from our present - the lightning storm, regular weather warnings, mention of climate refugees etc. I don't think you need to footnote the reference to vertical farming - the name gives the reader enough understanding, and explaining it takes the reader out of the world you're creating. An interesting and very relevant premise.

Matthew Putland Fri, 11/08/2023 - 12:59

Hi Jenni, I'm so glad that you like the world-building. I tried really hard to get the balance between creating an alternative future that was still relatable to the present. Being a scientist, I wanted to get it as accurate to real predictions as I could. I often use footnotes to explain scientific concepts for those who want to learn more, but I think you're right that a vertical farm is quite self-explanatory so probably don't need that one. Thank you so much for your feedback.

Kenny MacKay Sun, 30/07/2023 - 19:12

I thought your writing style was engaging, and the story moves at a good pace, keeping the reader interested in what happens next. And your characters are well-introduced, and their personalities come through naturally in their dialogues and actions.

Jordan Kantey Mon, 07/08/2023 - 10:24

Very good exposition with clarity in scene-setting (the desk plant named Debbie was a good, specific detail, for example). Good 'just-in-time' worldbuilding, in, for example, the succinct passing reference to the new living conditions: 'The bottom two floors had been converted into climate refugee accommodation years ago, as part of an environmental promise by the previous government.'

There were good stylistic choices, e.g. here the way the door is the subject of the sentence suggests a future where humans are somewhat at the passive mercy of biometrics and other tech: 'Scanning his hand, the front door opened, letting him squeeze into the narrow entrance of his family’s apartment.'

Great choice for suspense/anticipation to not have Heather reveal all the details about the discovery but instead invite the family to the press conference. Good understanding of story structure and how to keep the reader hooked in this.

Matthew Putland Fri, 11/08/2023 - 13:05

Hi Jordan, I'm glad that you liked the desk plant called Debbie, it was inspired by my own plant. It's great to hear that you like my stylistic choices for technology and the relationship people in the future have with it. Everything in the book is based on scientific predictions of life in 2050. Glad you thought it was suspenseful not to reveal Heather's discovery. I wanted the chapters to be quick and fast-paced. Thank you for your amazing feedback!