• The Art of Surprise: Discover how to build and preserve surprise in your stories. Watch Matthew reveal strategies to catch your audience off-guard and keep them engaged.
• Characterization That Matters: Learn how to create impactful characters by focusing only on what serves the story—no unnecessary details, just clear, meaningful portrayals.
• Streamlining with Purpose: See firsthand how to eliminate “process language” that distracts from key moments. Every line, every beat should serve your story’s purpose, and Matthew shows you how.
• Beat-by-Beat Storytelling: Experience how a story unfolds with beat-by-beat storytelling, bringing the audience directly into the action as if they were living it themselves.
• Strategic Use of Humor: Even in serious stories, humor has a place. Learn how to use humor strategically, to enhance emotional moments without taking away from the gravity of the story.

In this story "This is Going to Suck" recounts a pivotal moment in Matt’s life, where a car accident on December 23rd, 1988 changed his perspective on Christmas and brought unexpected gifts from friends. The narrative takes the audience through the events leading to the accident, the physical and emotional aftermath, and the profound impact it had on Matthew's sense of family. Despite the tragic circumstances, the story unfolds with a mix of humor and sincerity, highlighting the resilience and support of friends during a challenging time.