Like the legendary R M Williams, Matt was born in Jamestown in rural South Australia. But that's where the remarkable similarities between the two end. While Reginald went from bushman to world-renowned millionaire outback clothing designer, Matt is a complete dag who was lured by the city lights of Adelaide. Kindergarten in the big smoke was a culture shock, but it was here he first discovered his love of storytelling.

In high school that love found an outlet in a series of completely unflattering cartoons about fellow students and teachers alike. He survived long enough to turn his art into a successful career in multimedia design but, like a zombified leech, the lure of the written word gnawed at him, forcing him to pen his first novel, the award-winning sci-fi comedy epic Kings of the World. It was followed the next year by Amazon Australia dystopian sci-fi best-seller Apocalypse: Diary of a Survivor.

Matt donates part proceeds of each book sold to find a cure for Rett Syndrome, a neurological condition that affects the youngest of his three children, Abby. As a gorgeous Rett angel, Abby cannot walk, talk or use her hands in a meaningful way. So not only is each book purchase a ticket to fantastically rounded, character-driven, hilarious and poignant sci-fi awesomeness, it also wraps you in a warm feeling of knowing you've made a difference to people who deserve your help the most. Like the zombified leech, it's a no-brainer.