Page 38 - Reader's House magazine

“ MATT BARROWS JESSICA BEEBE Reporters work very hard for very little but they are proud to bring important truths to their readers.” Award-winning siblings Matt Barrows and Jessica Barrows Beebe discuss their acclaimed novel, Muddy the Water, highlighting their creative process, newsroom inspirations, sibling dynamics, and advice for aspiring co-authors. D R A F T Behind the Scenes of Muddy the Water Matt and Jessica Bring Their Crime Thriller Muddy the Water to Life with Unstoppable Creativity as told to Dan Peters rows Beebe are a formidable Matt Barrows And Jessica Bar- sibling duo who have taken the literary world by storm with their debut crime thriller, Muddy the Water. A gripping tale of deception, identity, and the complex interplay of truth and lies, their novel has already garnered critical acclaim, winning the prestigious Literary Global Book Award for Debut Fiction. While both come from accomplished careers in jour- nalism, their shared passion for storytelling and their ability to weave vivid narratives have crafted a book that is as thrilling as it is deeply thoughtful. Matt brings with him over two decades of experience as a sports reporter, covering the San Francisco 49ers, while Jessica’s work as a journalist, editor, and TV news producer has taken her from the fast-paced corridors of the White House to the chaotic heart of newsrooms. Together, they’ve transformed a long-standing idea from Matt’s early career into a meticulously crafted story that pulses with tension and intrigue. From the newsroom dynamics to the chilling journey into the mind of an undiagnosed psychopath, their collabo- ration is a masterclass in blending journalistic precision with creative flair. In this issue, we had the privilege of sitting down with Matt and Jessica to delve into their creative process, the inspirations behind their unforgettable characters, and, of course, the behind-the-scenes moments that only siblings could bring to such a partnership. Their rich backgrounds, shared sense of humour, and commitment to authenticity shine through every page of Muddy the Water. For those who love a crime thriller where fact meets fiction in the most compelling way, this novel is not to be missed. What inspired you both to collaborate on Muddy the Water, and how did your backgrounds in journalism influence the story? We both graduated from the University of Virginia four years apart and went into journalism, Matt in newspapers and Jessica in 38 II Reader’s House