Matilda Lockwood – Author Spotlight
Matilda Lockwood is a writer, artist, tea drinker, and passionate believer in the magic of humans. A eager graduate of culinary school and a lifelong history enthusiast, she creates richly imagined stories that celebrate resilience, creativity, friendship, love, and the power of reclaiming one’s voice.
When not writing historical romance with a touch of rebellion, she can be found sketching her characters, paper crafting, swimming in the Puget Sound, or browsing a good bookstore. She is a proud member of Emerald City Romance Writers and Moms Who Write, as well as being an avid researcher who believes that every story is rooted in something true.
She lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband, daughter, chickens, dog, and far too many books.
Author Interview
I was able to ask Matilda a few questions about herself and her writing and I am happy to share that with you here today.
What do you love most about writing?
I love researching real history…falling down rabbit holes about things like 1600s bookbinding or historical learning methods for people with dyslexia…and then daydreaming those discoveries into a story. There’s something magical about taking factual details and shaping them into something that resonates emotionally. My favorite things to write are either lyrical, immersive setting prose (it feels like wrapping myself in a cozy blanket of words) or dialogue between two characters who are flirting but haven’t kissed yet—when the tension is most thick and delicious.
What do you think readers will love about your books?
I think readers will appreciate that my stories focus on emotionally mature characters: people who talk things out rather than relying on miscommunication to drive the plot. The romantic leads support each other’s growth and genuinely want each other to be happy, even when it’s complicated. There’s always a touch of suspense and a slightly gothic, atmospheric setting, but the tone never tips too dark. The worst thing that happens is a book getting thrown into a fire…which broke my heart to write, but served the story. I write characters I admire: strong, creative, brave, and deeply human. And my plots are always rooted in real history, with threads of true events woven through.
Are you currently working on any new books or writing projects?
Yes! My next novel is The Cider Maker’s Secret, a historical romance set in 1763 England during the introduction of the cider tax. It follows a widowed orchardist and a colonial merchant as they navigate the politics of apple grafting, export law, and growing attraction. There’s a blight, a hidden ledger, and a disabled girl who sees more than the adults around her. Like all my work, it’s rich in historical detail, emotionally grounded, and just a little bit defiant.
Where can people follow you online to learn more?
You can find me on Instagram at @matildalockwoodwrites, where I post about my books, historical curiosities, and the writing life, or on my website at www.matildalockwoodwrites.com
Do you have a favorite book or author?
I have so many, but one of my all-time favorites is Marian Keyes. She’s a brilliantly funny Irish author who writes realistic, heartfelt stories about women in all sorts of messy, relatable situations. Her books are full of charm, wit, and emotional honesty—she can make you laugh out loud and tear up in the same chapter. I admire her ability to balance light and dark with such compassion and humor, and I strive to do the same.