I was born in a small town in western Pennsylvania. 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 http://www.greteltrilogy.com
  • Salt Lake City
  • JoinedSeptember 18, 2012



Last Message
rmatthewsimmons rmatthewsimmons Jun 29, 2013 02:35AM
One would think that as an adult acne would be a thing of the past. Not so when you're placed in front of the state's longest running book club to discuss your new novel. 
I was told before we began...
View all Conversations

Story by R Matthew Simmons
Gretel (The Children Of The Sun) Book One by rmatthewsimmons
Gretel (The Children Of The Sun) B...
The last child born of a people dating back before the beginning of time, coveted by some, hunted by others...
ranking #27 in gretel See all rankings
2 Reading Lists