rmatthewsimmons

I was born in a small town in western Pennsylvania on the cusp of Amish country. Having moved to Salt Lake City as a young boy my life became caught up somewhere in the fringes of a John Hughes film (without all the cool parties) and the fantasy life those around me chose to live. Fortunate enough to survive the identity crisis that became the 1980’s I developed an appreciation for the few really living within the margins of life along with all the great art, music, film and yes-literature they produce. I earned a BA in History after running undecided on a major for way too long.

I love the writing of Kazuo Ishiguro, Katherine Dunn, Hunter S. Thompson, Chuck Palahniuk, Brett Easton Ellis, Edward Abby and the like. And as difficult as it is, I desperately try to not allow their voices to shine through my own work.

Gretel is the result of almost three years of trial and error; of self reflection, overcoming doubt and constant criticism. It was not a story that I set out to write but just happened to find me late one night as I awoke in a panic, fearing that if I didn’t write this idea down it would be lost like so many dreams.

You can visit Gretel's website at