"Granddad was the ultimate storyteller" – Romany author Freedom Matthews
Romany author Freedom Matthews is about to publish her first novel ‘Scarlett Redemption’ – a work of fantasy fiction. Interviewed by Dee Cooper for the Travellers Times.
Dee Cooper: So, who is Freedom Matthews?
Freedom Matthews: I’m a 30-something writer, who grew up around storytellers, men and women of Romany origin who would tell tales of people and traditions long since passed. It’s only natural that I would weave tales too – just with paper and ink rather than word of mouth.
I live in Hampshire with a hodgepodge of family members, gypsy cob ponies, chickens and my wonky bookshelves.
What is your history & heritage/background?
I was raised by my Romany father, a mother who was brought up around our people and my dad’s dad who lived with us (until his passing when I was 11), along with countless siblings, aunts, uncles and cousins. All proud Romany people who were steeped in tradition, no matter if they now lived within four walls.
I was named after my Granny – Freedom. She was either named for the ‘Freedom of the roads’ or ‘Freedom for the end of the war.’ Either way, I’m proud to carry her name and make her proud using it.
Dad raised us to be proud of our heritage; we always had horses and rokkered some of the language, something me and my brother carry on to this day.
Dad would take us to Paulton’s Park to show us the Romany Experience, explain how he grew up and how things were. I remember us rokkering once, as the animatronic mannequins did, and other visitors looking at us like we were the exhibits. It made us smile that day.
Dad was born on an encampment in Romsey – something he’d proudly show on his birth certificate.
We’ve even visited the piece of land over the years (as relations own it). He could pinpoint where he was born and one of the final trips we took, he showed my nephew. It was special.
When Dad had his heart attack in 2000, he took up painting and began renovating carts, benches, any piece of wood he could lay his hands on. After he retired about 10/15 years later, he’d build kennels, chicken coops and carts of his own, to paint. He was never one to sit still...it’s something we share.
One of his last restoration projects was my brother’s wagon – it was a proud moment when we got it onto the yard. A full circle moment for dad too, I’m sure.
Granddad was the ultimate storyteller and showman – a man who could make anything musical, from bottles and spoons to playing the piano by ear. He even had me step-dancing as a child (something I sadly didn’t keep up with) as well as singing. He was always making up some ditty or telling some elaborate tale. I believe I inherited my creative streak from these two men in my own way.
Some of my earliest memories are of the trolley that first belonged to Granddad and was handed down, first to Dad, and now to my brother. My brother drove me in it to our prom, and I couldn’t have been prouder to take something of the legacy along with me. Keeping my ancestors and heritage close is a very important thing to me.
We lost Granddad in 1999 and Dad in 2022, but their teachings and stories still resonate even now.
Why this genre?
I’ve always loved fantastical stories. Tales based in reality but mixed with something otherworldly. Folklore is something I’ve always gravitated towards, so throw all that in and it makes up whatever it is that I like to write.
Tell us about the book.
Scarlett Redemption is the first book in the Legends of Evernyl trilogy. It’s a story of a princess who is left for dead after her own father is killed. She’s raised in the woods and returns, disguised as a maid, to spy on her enemy to take back her throne – only to befriend the enemy’s son... I can’t give much more away than that...
Who’s your favourite character?
That’s like picking your children, but if I had to pick one, it would have to be Aeolus. He’s the father figure of our main character and can change into any animal at will. I love how fatherly he is along with his wittiness – he gives Scarlett her respect as a royal but doesn’t allow her to be spoiled or big-headed. Adding him in as all kinds of animals as both a comfort and a hindrance was fun.
What is your favourite childhood memory?
It’s hard to pin down one, but anything involving my Granddad – sitting on the front porch with him, ‘birdwatching’ the pigeons on the roofs across the road. When Dad would take us on his ‘seen-it’ routes – driving all over Hampshire, Surrey and West Sussex where he travelled growing up. Or any time at the yard with the family, the ponies and chickens. I look back on my childhood and feel blessed.
Who are your favourite authors?
Jane Austen is a big one – she writes of the human condition and her storylines never go out of style. Diana Gabaldon – who can write love stories that transcend time. Robin Hobb, Juliet Marillier, George RR Martin and Tolkien – for their wonderfully fantastical worldbuilding and characters that are flawed but intriguing. I could list more, but we’d be here all day!
Are you inspired by anyone from the Romany Community?
It’s hard to name names because I’ll forget someone and kick myself later! However, I am inspired by those who stay true to themselves, no airs or graces, and even when it could ‘hurt their careers’ claim their heritage with their whole chest. They do well in representing, educating and sharing what life is like without losing the integrity of our culture.
I also must shout out to you, Dee, and the writer’s group ‘Write into Culture’ (which I must try and wheedle my way into, somehow Hehe), who, since following your journey, really have inspired me to keep working, keep going and shown me that community is to be cherished. We have a voice, let's use it. It’s important.
Would you like more genres of literature in Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities, if so, what?
Speaking of the Write into Culture group – I think that as a community of storytellers, our histories and tales are spoken and handed down through stories and songs. It’s something I grew up with and I know I wasn’t alone. This can’t die away, it needs to be encouraged. Be it through songs, poems, stories, filmmaking. We need to continue to keep those fires burning in any way we can.
What character do you think you’re like the most?
Oooh that’s a tough one, as I think I put a little piece of myself in each one of my characters. If I really had to choose, it would have to be the bookishness of Tavish mixed with Orren, as I’ve always got my head in a book, but I’m forever being the problem-solver in life.
If Scarlett Redemption was a film – who would you like to play Ruadh and Tavish?
This is hard to say as the actors I had in mind are a little older than my actual characters, but I’d say:
Ruadh (aka Scarlett) – Eleanor Tomlinson
Tavish – Jamie Campbell Bower.
When is the book out and where will it be available from?
Scarlett Redemption will be out on the 12th of July
(Pre-order for Special Edition hardbacks from 24th May & pre-orders for standard copies 7th June)
The books will be available from all places where books are sold. I would highly recommend independent bookshops as local booksellers are the pulse of the bookish community. They have the vast knowledge and insight for the best recommendations and are essential to our ecosystem as writers and readers.
My favourite independent bookshop is, Haslemere Bookshop in Haslemere Surrey - they’ve supported me, from the beginning of my writing career.
What 's next?
I hope to finish rewrites on books 2 and 3 of the Legends of Evernyl. I also have many works in progress, including one with a nomadic people (inspired by my heritage), another based on the ‘magpie’ poem (one for sorrow, etc) and something witchy.
Upcoming signings and events?
On the 12th of July we are holding a book launch event at the Haslemere Bookshop in Surrey.
I’m also hoping to get to the Edinburgh Book Festival to join my Publisher, Jasami Publishing and Productions CIC at their booth. Along with countless other bookish events I hope to attend (Please see my socials or subscribe to my newsletter to keep updated with all my latest news, thank you)
I also will be visiting a few of the newly organised Heritage Hubs to support Dee and help erase some of the stigma still surrounding the community.
Thank you, Freedom, for this wonderful interview, from myself and the Travellers Times, we wish you every success and look forward to reading ‘Scarlett Redemption’ and following your career.
Please Follow Freedom on the link below.
Links: https://linktr.ee/freedomwrites
Limited Edition Hard backs: -
https://checkout.square.site/merchant/MLS7XSCVKVVM4/checkout/ESQK55ZXVWZRPJV7FNL45AIU?src=webqr
By Dee Cooper for Traveller Times
(Photographs courtesy of Freedom Matthews)