Matthew Wilks – Author Biography
Matthew Wilks is a passionate storyteller whose voice carries the raw, authentic spirit of Hackney, East London. Immersed in childhood tales of courage, timeless fables, and folklore legends, Matthew discovered early on that stories are more than words—they are lifelines carrying wisdom, resilience, and the power to transform lives.
At just 12, Matthew’s gift with words became undeniable when he won a poetry competition judged by the iconic Benjamin Zephaniah with his powerful poem I Am a Black Child. This wasn’t just a fleeting childhood triumph—it was the spark that ignited a lifelong passion for storytelling. However, life threw a formidable challenge his way when, at 17, Matthew was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. Faced with fear, uncertainty, and profound physical and emotional struggles, he turned to the one constant in his life—words.
During the stillness of the global pandemic, Matthew’s creativity flourished, and he penned his transformative six-book series, Underestimating the Underprivileged. Spanning 25,000 words per volume, these books are raw, unflinching, and deeply human. They illuminate themes of diversity, inclusivity, and the often-overlooked voices in society. More than just stories, these works have sparked conversations about their cinematic potential and left readers eagerly awaiting more.
But Matthew’s literary prowess doesn’t stop with prose. His poetic anthology, Whispers of the Mind, spans five volumes, each containing 30 deeply moving poems. These verses are more than words on a page—they are emotional landscapes where love, loss, joy, and sorrow coexist in perfect harmony. Each poem feels like an intimate conversation, leaving a lasting imprint on the reader’s soul.
Matthew’s commercial fiction, aimed at readers aged 5-11 and 15-20, brims with relatable characters, vibrant friendships, and narratives that challenge, empower, and inspire. His writing doesn’t just tell stories—it creates spaces where representation isn’t an afterthought but the foundation.
Currently unagented but fiercely ambitious, Matthew’s body of work spans genres and forms, each piece bearing his signature style—authentic, unapologetic, and profoundly human. He has built an engaged and loyal following across social media, connecting deeply with readers who find themselves reflected in his words.
Matthew Wilks writes not just to tell stories, but to dismantle barriers, amplify marginalised voices, and spark movements—one word at a time.
Abasai the Ant Motivations
Writing Motivations
Inspiring children to dream big and believe in their boundless potential
Throughout my life, I have been fortunate to have the guidance of remarkable family members and mentors who instilled in me the importance of self-belief and the courage to pursue my dreams. Their influence shaped my path, and for that, I will always be profoundly grateful.
However, through heartfelt conversations with children and parents from various backgrounds, I became acutely aware of something missing—a consistent encouragement for young minds to dream ambitiously and recognise their potential. It seemed as though many were simply waiting for someone to remind them of the extraordinary power they possess within.
This realisation sparked a deep sense of purpose in me—a calling to create something meaningful that could fill this gap. I was inspired to write a series of children’s books designed to motivate, empower, and nurture the dreams of young readers. Through these stories, I hope to be that guiding voice, reminding every child that they are capable of achieving greatness, no matter where their journey begins.
My hope is that these books will serve as a beacon of inspiration for children, encouraging them to believe in themselves, dream boldly, and take those first steps towards the incredible futures they are destined to create.
Publishing Motivations
A Mission to Inspire, Empower, and Reach the Hearts of Children Worldwide
Books hold the power to shape lives, ignite dreams, and unlock untapped potential. This belief is at the very heart of my publishing journey. My aspiration is for these books to travel to every corner of the world, but particularly to the places where they are needed the most—inner cities, Africa, and the Caribbean. These are regions where the voices of the youth are too often overlooked, yet they resonate deeply with me, reflecting a cultural connection that inspires my purpose.
Having been fortunate to grow up with the guidance of remarkable family members and mentors, I understand firsthand the transformative power of encouragement and belief. These experiences gave me the courage to pursue my dreams, and for that, I will always be profoundly grateful.
However, as I spoke with children and parents from diverse backgrounds, I realised that so many young people are missing this vital foundation of hope, inspiration, and belief. Far too often, their boundless potential goes unnoticed, and their dreams are left unspoken. This realisation became my call to action.
I set out to create a series of children’s books designed to inspire, motivate, and educate. These stories aim to instill an unwavering belief that no dream is too big, no goal is unattainable, no matter where a child begins their journey. By nurturing imagination and self-belief, these books will remind every young mind that greatness is within their reach.
Through publishing, my goal is to ensure these messages of hope and empowerment reach children everywhere. From bustling inner cities to remote communities, I want these books to light the way for those who need it the most—children who dare to dream but may not yet see how far they can go.
This is more than just a collection of stories; it is a heartfelt mission to provide children with the tools to believe in themselves, to dream boldly, and to pursue the extraordinary futures they are capable of creating.
By bringing these stories to life, I hope to leave a lasting legacy—a ripple of inspiration that spans continents, cultures, and generations.