Matthew Wilks is an unapologetic lover of words, a storyteller with a soul steeped in the rich cultural tapestry of Hackney, East London. As the eldest of three children, his early years were marked by a deep love for stories that transported him to different worlds—Bible tales of courage, Aesop’s timeless fables, and the lively legends of Anansi the Spider shared by his parents. These stories became the bedrock of his creative spirit, shaping a young boy into a poet, writer, and captivating storyteller.
His journey with language began with an unforgettable triumph. At just 12 years old, Matthew won a poetry competition judged by the iconic Benjamin Zephaniah with his poem, I Am a Black Child. This win wasn’t just a youthful success but the spark that ignited his enduring passion for words and a deeper connection with his identity. But life, as it often does, took him through unexpected twists. From vibrant stage school performances to working in the world of independent music, Matthew’s creative trajectory seemed limitless until, at the age of 17, he was confronted with a life-altering diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis. This tumultuous chapter was filled with fear and uncertainty as he faced partial paralysis and the upheaval of dreams.
Yet, amid adversity, Matthew rediscovered his salvation—writing. Words became not only his refuge but also his means of transformation. While isolating for many, the global pandemic was a gift of time and space for Matthew, allowing him to reflect deeply and listen to the quiet stirrings of his soul. Underestimating the Undervalued is a powerful series of five books, each 25,000 words, that capture the raw human experience with unflinching honesty. These works have resonated with audiences far and wide, sparking conversations about their cinematic potential and fuelling anticipation for their release.
But Matthew’s literary legacy doesn’t end there. His poetic anthology, Whispers of My Mind, is a collection of five volumes, each housing 30 unique poems. Through these verses, he pours out his reflections on love, loss, joy, and sorrow, offering readers a mirror through which they can see fragments of their lives. Every poem invites an emotional journey, beckoning readers to explore the deepest recesses of the human heart. His words aren’t just read—they are felt, linger, and heal.
Matthew draws inspiration from literary greats like Benjamin Zephaniah, Lucille Clifton, Langston Hughes, Rita Dove, and Maya Angelou—visionaries who have shaped their generations’ cultural and emotional landscape. With this lineage in mind, Matthew aspires to leave his own indelible mark on the world of literature, weaving narratives that speak to the universal truths of the human condition.
Today, as Matthew stands on the cusp of sharing his work with the world, he invites you to join him on a journey through the power of words. His writing doesn’t just tell stories; it breathes life into them, transcending the page and creating connections that resonate deeply. Together, let us embark on this extraordinary adventure where every word has the power to inspire, heal, and transform.