Matt Latimer
Matt Latimer is a writer and artist from Saintfield, County Down, Northern Ireland, whose creative journey began in his school days at Newtownbreda Primary School. Despite facing challenges with dyslexia, he found solace and strength in storytelling, using it as a tool to wield against his struggles while cultivating his imagination. His love for crafting wild adventures and exploring human nature led him to pursue writing throughout his life, with genres ranging from science fiction and detective fiction to historical and even romantic tales. A graduate of Bangor University in North Wales with a degree in Creative Technologies, Matt also honed his skills as a member of the university's Fencing Society.
Through his work with The Irish Field Archery Monthly, Matt discovered a passion for blending his love of nature and archery with fantastical storytelling. Publishing a monthly serial became a personal triumph, combining years of hard work, persistence, and a deep affection for the written word. For him, writing serves as a multifaceted art: a means of creative expression, a bridge to historical and philosophical exploration, and a tool to connect with his own humanity.
Matt’s artistic pursuits extend beyond the written page. He enjoys photographing and sketching animals, crafting Haikus, and collecting bird feathers. His interest in the natural world complements his love of hiking, with notable adventures up Slieve Donard and Snowdon. A keen supporter of the Baltimore Ravens and an aficionado of dinosaurs, Matt’s hobbies reflect his curiosity and passion for the wonders of life.
As an archer, Matt has been practising the sport for over a decade, favouring the English longbow and American flatbow. His dedication to the craft has made him an integral part of Lough Cuan Bowmen, where he has served on the committee for several years and coordinates their Junior Development Program. Making his own arrows for competition, he particularly enjoys Field and 3D rounds, which not only challenge him but also allow him to experience Ireland’s most scenic landscapes. As he puts it, “Archery has allowed me to see far more of my country than I had as a child and teenager.”
Matt's debut novel, The Phoenix Archer, originally published as a serial in The Irish Field Archery Monthly, showcases his ability to weave fantastical tales rooted in his passions. The book represents the culmination of his dedication to both the art of writing and the beauty of archery, embodying a creative spirit that continues to inspire.
