Matthew Cushing
Speculative Fiction Author | Editor | Beta Reader
ABOUT ME
My passion for writing fiction started in high school when I started adding elements of mystery and action to classroom assignments. Short stories soon followed, and I’ve been writing speculative fiction ever since.
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I grew up in the scientific and outdoorsy culture of Los Alamos, New Mexico, which ingrained an early love of science and discovery. An aficionado of science fiction, magic, and the macabre, I enjoy writing character-driven stories that explore the wonder of ‘what if’ – often with a large dose of humor.
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My writing is greatly influenced by the ABCDs of science fiction (Asimov, Bradbury, Clarke, and Dick); the great world-builders of epic fantasy (Tolkien, Nix, and Martin); and the master storytellers (King, Gabaldon, and Connelly.) I also hold a special place in my heart for authors who add an element of comedy to their stories, such as Adams, Butcher, and James S. A. Corey.
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Though there are many accomplished writers with engaging stories already out there, I firmly believe there is always room for another entertaining, well-told tale.
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See you on the page!
Mr. Cushing previously worked in e-commerce and project management, leading the online divisions for several notable retailers. He has degrees from U.C. San Diego and the Yale University School of Management and is a member of American Mensa, the Triple Nine Society, and Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers, and is President of the Speculative Fiction Writers Association. An avid animal lover and amateur trombonist, Mr. Cushing lives in Connecticut.
AWARDS & DISTINCTIONS
2022 Gold Rush Literary Awards Winner
2021 Gold Rush Literary Awards Finalist
Matthew Cushing's debut novel The Osect Indiscretion was named the 2022 Winner of the Colorado Gold Rush Literary Award for science fiction, fantasy, and speculative fiction. This work was also a Finalist in the same category in 2021.
2021 Roswell Award Finalist
Matthew Cushing's short story The Rite to Vote was selected as a Finalist for the 2021 Roswell Award. His story was performed by David Blue of Stargate Universe fame in a virtual ceremony.
2021 SPSFC Judge
Mr. Cushing helped judge the inaugural Self-Published Science Fiction Competition in 2021. Over 300 novels and covers were judged through several rounds, culminating in a single Best Novel and separate Best Cover selection. Visit the Team Meteor microsite for more details on the competition.