Matthew Liebross: The Heart Behind Depths of Revival and the Power of Self-Discovery Through Poetry

Matthew Liebross

While Matthew doesn’t follow a strict routine, his writing is deeply influenced by his mental state. Peace and inner calm are vital components of his creative process, even if the world around him is anything but quiet. It’s a space of tranquility he strives to cultivate, one that allows his thoughts to flow freely.

His journey with poetry started as an emotional release, a way to express the overwhelming feelings bottled inside. Over time, those feelings transformed into poems. One pivotal moment in his writing career came when he saw a post from Jack Wild Publishing calling for poetry submissions. When his work was accepted, it was a moment of realization that his words might connect with others. That acceptance gave him the confidence to see that his work could resonate with people who shared his experiences.

Among his favorite authors, Matthew counts Chuck Palahniuk, Charles Bukowski, and Rumi. Palahniuk and Bukowski’s raw, unflinching writing resonated with him, showing him a style of writing that felt revolutionary. Rumi’s poetry, timeless and transcendent, has had a lasting influence, teaching him that some emotions persist across time and space. Matthew's admiration for Jay Kristoff also serves as a recent inspiration. After meeting Kristoff and learning about his journey from working full-time to completing his first book, Matthew felt inspired to organize his own writing and take the necessary steps to share his voice with the world.

Matthew’s writing delves into the complexities of life itself—its emotions, its hidden beauty, and the simple moments that can reveal profound truths. He writes about love, heartbreak, and loss, but also the quiet revelations that come when we least expect them. The ordinary world, with its hidden moments of significance, serves as a wellspring of inspiration for his work.

For aspiring authors, Matthew offers this advice: keep doubting yourself, but never stop writing. Self-doubt is a natural part of the process, but it is important to listen to those doubts and recognize the validity of the feelings that persist after the initial storm of emotion has passed.

His writing process is one of discovery. It’s not always a straightforward journey. For Matthew, it was essential to sift through his emotions, his “notebook of feelings,” and find a narrative. Through this, he discovered a story of love, heartbreak, and self-discovery—ultimately shaping his collection, Depths of Revival. As his work grew, he found that new ideas and poems interwove with older feelings. Depths of Revival is set to release on March 21, 2025, marking a significant milestone in Matthew's writing career.

Depths of Revival

Creative challenges and writer’s block don’t deter him - they’re a part of the journey. He practices meditation, not in a formal Buddhist sense, but as a way to calm his mind and focus on the creative issues at hand. He acknowledges that patience is key to overcoming these hurdles. The belief that clarity will eventually arrive is essential, and frustration only hinders progress.

Looking ahead, Matthew is working on a sequel poetry collection and has begun developing a novel. His goal remains the same: to have his name on a book he is proud of, a dream that is coming closer to reality with the help of Jack Wild Publishing.

Matthew’s favorite book of all time is The Shining, which holds a special place in his heart. The horror genre has long been a passion of his, and The Shining remains a powerful influence, particularly in how it made him more aware of the environment around him and how to build tension in his writing.

When it comes to his writing environment, Matthew finds inspiration in nature. Whether it's a quiet spot in a bustling city or a serene outdoor setting, the beauty he encounters feeds his creativity. The uniqueness of the surroundings can elevate his work, pushing him to see the world with new eyes.

One crucial piece of writing advice he learned came from a mentor who helped him with scriptwriting. This mentor showed him the importance of every word, teaching him that each choice carries weight and meaning. Matthew has carried this lesson with him into all of his writing, where every word matters.

Themes of love, heartbreak, and self-reflection pervade his work. But underlying all of this is the realization that the world doesn’t always follow the path we envision. Sometimes, we must let the journey take us, trusting that it will lead us where we need to go. It’s a theme that continues to emerge throughout his poetry and writing.

Matthew’s writing goals are simple yet profound: keep writing. Whether the work is good or bad, the act of writing itself is deeply fulfilling. It’s in those moments of sitting down and putting words to paper that he feels most like himself, able to say the things that have been buried inside.

Finishing a book brings a mix of emotions—pride, doubt, and a sense of accomplishment. Whether it’s the first draft or the final polished version, completing a project is a significant achievement. The doubts that follow don’t diminish the value of the work. Instead, they serve as a reminder of the hard work and dedication it took to finish what he started.

Balancing writing with other aspects of life has always been a challenge, particularly in the early days when he worked in jewelry design. Finding a way to mentally separate work from writing was essential. His mindset has shifted over time, especially since meeting his wife, Andie. Their relationship has brought greater meaning to his life, allowing him to step back, reflect, and view the world with a fresh, poetic perspective.

When asked about the inspiration behind his poetry, Matthew shares that it often arises from his own emotions or something he observes around him. Whether it’s a moment in nature or a fleeting interaction with a stranger, these sparks of inspiration come when least expected. Patience is essential in his creative process—he allows the thoughts and emotions to develop naturally rather than forcing them into existence.

Ultimately, Matthew hopes his poetry helps readers find peace amidst life’s struggles. He believes everyone has their own unique battles, but it’s important to go easy on yourself and find what grounds you. In doing so, your best work will follow. Writing is an act of self-reflection, and through it, Matthew hopes others will discover their own paths to peace and understanding.

For Matthew, writing poetry is a way of making sense of life’s complexities. It’s in those moments of clarity that the confusion of the world transforms into something beautiful and meaningful. That is what inspires him to keep writing—knowing that each poem brings him closer to understanding the world and himself.