An Interview with Matthew James Daley
Interview conducted c. early 2010s
Introduction
Matthew James Daley is a writer whose work spans film, television, and comics, with a strong emphasis on character-driven narratives and meticulous story construction. His projects frequently blend genre elements with grounded human conflict, reflecting a deep engagement with structure, character psychology, and long-form narrative design.
This interview was conducted during a period when Daley was articulating a disciplined, outline-driven approach to storytelling shaped by both creative ambition and professional rigor. The conversation explores idea development, character priority, outlining methodology, revision discipline, and the realities of sustaining a writing career across multiple formats.
Daley’s responses reveal a storyteller deeply committed to preparation and craft. He emphasizes character as the engine of story, structure as the means of clarity, and routine as the foundation of professional endurance.
This interview is preserved as part of the Better Storytelling Archive, documenting the voices and working methods of contemporary genre creators.
MatthewJamesDaley_Interview
The Interview
Life as a Writer
How did you get into writing?
I started by force and then by choice. In fifth grade, my teacher required us to write fiction regularly, which gave me an outlet for ideas I’d already been absorbing through books and movies. Hearing my stories read aloud to the class—and watching people react—hooked me. That experience never really left.
When did you realize that you have what it takes to be a writer?
Part of it was realizing I still loved writing even after rejection. But the more formative moment came at sixteen, when a teacher told me I had “writing chops” and shared my work with other teachers. That was the first time I seriously considered becoming a professional writer.
Premise
Where do you get your ideas from?
Everywhere. I generate ideas easily, sometimes too easily. New ideas can become a distraction, especially when a current project gets difficult. I keep notebooks everywhere to capture ideas without abandoning the work at hand.
How do you develop your ideas into a story?
Most ideas that become stories are the ones that haunt me. I start by building detailed character histories, even for minor characters. Then I determine the appropriate form—short story, novel, script, or comic. From there, I outline extensively, research as needed, and pitch the idea to trusted listeners to test its strength before committing fully.
Genre
What kind of stories do you enjoy working with?
I’m less defined by what I like than by what I don’t gravitate toward. Regardless of genre, my goal is to challenge myself and bring something new rather than replicate existing work.
What genres would you like to explore in the future?
Superhero stories, particularly comedic ones, fascinate me. I’m also interested in political drama set during the Cold War era, as well as exploring comedy more deeply, despite its difficulty.
Structure
Do you work from an outline?
Absolutely. Outlining is essential to my process. I often spend as much time outlining as I do writing. Detailed outlines help me solve most structural problems before drafting, and they determine whether a project is worth pursuing.
Plot
How do you build your story?
Stories begin with an idea, but characters come first. Concepts without strong characters rarely endure. Once characters are solid, conflict emerges naturally through how they respond to pressure and challenge.
Character
For you, what makes a great hero?
I prefer reluctant heroes—ordinary people pushed into extraordinary situations. Characters who resist responsibility before embracing it tend to feel the most human.
If one of your characters were to describe you, what would they say?
They’d probably wonder why I spend so much time describing scenery, complain about how much I make them suffer, question my fashion sense, and insist I don’t understand them at all.
Setting
How much time do you spend researching the setting for your stories?
I enjoy research and often write about places I know well. For fictional worlds, I combine influences from many cities and historical periods to create something cohesive and immersive.
What settings would you like to explore in the future?
I’d like to write about the small town where my grandparents live and see if I can capture its essence accurately.
Theme
Do you like to know the purpose of your story before you sit down to write it?
I always know why I’m writing a story, but I believe theme ultimately belongs to the reader. Overemphasizing theme risks turning a story into a message rather than an experience.
Dialogue
Do you have any favorite lines from your stories?
That’s a question better answered by my characters.
Writing Process
Do you have a routine?
Very much so. I write early in the morning and again late at night, totaling about five focused hours a day. I write in different physical positions depending on the task—outlining, drafting, or editing—and I require silence while writing.
How do you deal with writer’s block?
Routine prevents most block. Consistent work eliminates the opportunity to stall.
Story Development
How do you go about fixing a story?
I let it sit for months. Distance allows honesty. When revising, I’m unsparing with myself and never defend what isn’t working. Editing is a skill that improves with practice and detachment.
How do you know when to stop?
Perfection is impossible. Once a draft is polished, it needs feedback. Endless tinkering prevents meaningful response.
Words of Advice
What words of advice would you give to new writers?
Expect rejection. Read constantly. Write every day. Develop endurance. Avoid genre confinement. Treat writing like a profession. Learn the difference between amateur and professional feedback. Be flexible, because writing is both art and business.
Final Thoughts
What’s the best thing you’ve ever written?
Ask me on my deathbed.
What are you working on now?
Multiple projects across comics, screenplays, and short fiction, while balancing creative work with family life.
Closing
This interview captures Matthew James Daley’s commitment to discipline, structure, and character-driven storytelling. His reflections emphasize preparation over impulse and persistence over inspiration, offering a clear-eyed view of writing as sustained professional practice.
Presented here as part of the Better Storytelling Archive, this conversation preserves a perspective shaped by rigor, self-awareness, and respect for the craft.