It’s funny how life comes full circle.
Years ago, Matt Brakensiek and I were slinging Big Pappa’s and Coney Dogs. Now, he’s releasing a dark fantasy novel filled with ancient woods, eerie folklore, and creeping dread.
His new book, Daughters of the Hagwood, dropped this week, and I had to catch up with him to talk about the story, his inspiration, and how a self-described “nerdy dad” brings a world like this to life.
👋 Catching Up
Matt, it’s been forever since we’ve chatted—and even longer since our fast food days. I know you from back then and social media, but for everyone else…who is Matt Brakensiek?
Matt:
“Yeah, it’s great chatting with you again since our old days of fast food hijinks. I’m just a nerdy dad who writes in his spare time. When I’m not working as an IT guy during the day or coming up with new writing projects, you can find me rolling twenty-sided dice, trying to find a good karaoke night around town, or (my favorite) spending time with my daughters. They really make life fun.”
🌲 Building the World
The book cover is really striking—the layered effect, the girl alone going into the woods, the sigils carved on the trees. It really sets that creeping dread tone. Were there any specific folklore traditions or legends that influenced Daughters of the Hagwood?
Matt:
“For the cover, i had this idea of wanting to use mixed media and organic looking textures to touch upon that side of nature that lends itself to mystery and little hidden secrets. It works well with the themes of Daughters of the Hagwood. Regarding folkore and legends, the inspiration really comes from three sources.
Firstly, the old 1960’s and 70’s horror movies that focused on rituals, specifically those that focus on Pagan rituals of sacrifice and the strange magic found in nature. Think the original Wicker Man, Midsommar, etc.
Second, I would say a big influence on the book is one of my favorite creatures found in D&D: hags. There is something eerie about strange old gnarled forest-dwellers dabbling with dark powers that your average person wouldn’t understand.
Lastly, my daughters. They inspire me everyday and I find that they open my mind to new and creative points of view. The main character, Runa, is a teenage girl and that was an interesting exercise putting myself in the shoes of that character. An exercise that I know wouldn’t be possible without my daughters’ influence on me.”
✍️ From Idea to Finished Book
300+ pages is an accomplishment—how long did it take to go from idea to finished book?
Matt:
“This is my second time publishing, and the first took quite a while to polish and finish up, but this one surprisingly hit the ground running. Once I came up with the basic themes I wanted to hit, I began outlining.
The trick that truly helped the ideas pour onto the page was creating a Spotify playlist with a tremendous amount of ‘witchy’ music. After that, it took roughly three months to get the first draft complete.”
🌄 Local Inspiration
Are there any local people or places that subtly made their way into the story or influenced characters?
Matt:
“I’m a big fan of hiking, so I love the idea of exploring what might be out in the woods. Combine that with the Ozarks and my general fascination with cryptids and mysteries, I would say all these contributed to the feel of the story.”
🔮 The Heart of the Story
If you had to describe the book in three words, what would they be?
Matt:
“Sacrifice. Survival. Growth.”
📚 What’s Next?
Do you see this story continuing, or is it a standalone?
Matt:
“I could definitely see revisiting these characters. I grew to love developing each character and finding their own particular quirks, secrets, and qualities that make them endearing in ways I didn’t expect.”
🎬 Influences & Favorites
Favorite spooky movie, show, or book right now?
Matt:
“I’m a big fan of Leigh Bardugo’s Grishaverse work. I like the way she makes the supernatural or unusual commonplace and gritty in her worlds. Masterful worldbuilding.
Recently, I’ve become obsessed with the TV show FROM. It has shades of The Walking Dead and LOST while maintaining its own unique flavor of weird suspense.”
🥤 Writing Essentials
Go-to writing snack or drink?
Matt:
“Recently discovered the joys of roasted edamame. Just enough to tide me over and keep me productive. Not too heavy.”
🎧 Soundtrack of the Hagwood
One song that fits the vibe of Daughters of the Hagwood?
Matt:
“Good question! Hard question. I found myself listening to “Running With The Wolves” by Aurora plenty of times while writing this book. It really hits the spirit of the journey.
Also, I was lucky enough to find an artist by the name of Chase Holfelder that has made plenty of cover songs, but all in a minor key which gives them a great unexpectedly haunting feel. I highly suggest checking it out.”
📖 Where to Find Matt’s Work
Anything else you’d like to share?
Matt:
“I appreciate you taking the time to shine some light on my work. If anyone wants to check out my work, it’s available in ebook, paperback, and hardcover on Amazon. Anyone can contact me on socials and I welcome all feedback and interest in my books.”
- Facebook: Matt.Brakensiek
- Instagram: @specimen17
- TikTok: @not_that_matt2
🌲 Final Thoughts
There’s something really cool about reconnecting with someone years later and seeing them fully step into their creative world.
Daughters of the Hagwood blends folklore, horror, and heart in a way that feels both haunting and personal—and knowing it’s shaped by fatherhood, local inspiration, and a love of storytelling makes it even better.
If you’re into dark fantasy, eerie woods, and stories that linger…this might be your next read.
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