Several times a month we connect with our contributors showing where they have been, where they are now, and what’s up for the future.
Name: Matthew Murrey
Title of Pieces Published in Sweet: ‘Smoke‘
Issue: 9.3
You can now find Matthew retired from gainful employment after 21 years as a high school librarian and still living in Urbana, Illinois.
Be sure to check out his website, too.
What are some major accomplishments you have had since your Sweet publication?
I’ve just published my second book of poems, Little Joy, from Cornerstone Press. It’s official release date was January 20, 2026.
Can you tell us about a current/ongoing project that you’re excited about?
A book of poems where an actual news story is the jumping off point for each poem.
Who is your favorite author?
Jericho Brown or Dianne Seuss or Jericho Brown or Dianne Seuss or…
What is your favorite poem/essay/book?
One of my all time favorites is “Piss Christ” by Andrew Hudgins
What inspires you to write?
Wanting to make something striking out of nothing but words, and being alive in this horrifying and yet wondrous world.
What are you reading right now?
Tracy K. Smith, Gerald Stern, and a book about Siberia called “The House of the Dead: Siberian Exile Under the Tsars” by Daniel Beer.
What is your favorite sweet?
Still cornmeal and whole wheat waffles with butter and honey.
Thank you, Matthew, for taking the time to reconnect with us again! We look forward to seeing more of your work in the future.
Are you a contributor who wants to be a part of Sweet Connections? Come fill out our form!
