On February 19^th, 2026, Creative Writing Professor Matthew Pitt released his first novelTear Here. Published by Carnegie-Mellon University Press, the story focuses on the chaotic rise of the rock band, Some Assault, first introduced in his debut story collection. Tear Here explores how the hunger for celebrity curdles into violence, cult-like devotion, and destructive obsession. In a recent interview, Professor Pitt shared his insights on the inspiration, themes, and creative process behind his first novel:

Q: What was the journey like getting this book published?

A: "Short answer: Long! The novel took me 13 years from first draft to signing the contract. Even that answer only tells a portion of the story. Originally, the project wasn’t a novel, but a single short story, chosen for the Best New American Voices anthology. As I was putting finishing touches on my first book (Attention Please Now), I wrote and included a last-minute story for the collection that resurrected some characters from the first story, and introduced a couple new players. I had no plan to do any of this until the doing commenced. Writing the new piece was a clarifying moment: I suddenly saw that these characters, and their world, weren’t done with me."

Q: What does your creative process look like?

A: "I learned early that I prefer to have many plates spinning simultaneously. So, while I say it took 13 years to complete the novel—well, it’s true. But it’s also true that I wrote and published a second collection of short stories during those years, and completed a novella that’s coming soon. This is partly how I’m wired. I’ll plunge into one project, then need to come up for air, shifting to a work that diverges tonally, or in setting, or subject. For me, changing my focus keeps the work fresh, and lets me see the work I stepped away from differently, once I return."

Pitt's advice to students: "Read—widely, wildly, critically, generously, incessantly...I fervently believe writers reach a critical, beautiful summit once they commit to inspiration being a renewable resource." 

Q: What advice do you have for undergraduate students interested in Creative Writing?

A: "Read: widely, wildly, critically, generously, incessantly. Don’t get complacent in your reading. By which I mean, view a book less as something to consume, or there only to entertain you, and more as something to dialogue with. Scribble margin notes when moments astound you; when moments confound you; when moments inspires you on a craft level, or inspire you to recalibrate your worldview. Then speak back with works of your own. Learn to love chaos, then learn to fall in love with revision. “Writer’s block” can drive a stake of fear into an artistic heart, and I understand why—the fear of blank space and void. But I fervently believe writers reach a critical, beautiful summit once they commit to inspiration being a renewable resource. The more willing you are to jettison murky material, the more often you locate sharper, more authentic material, hidden just behind the darlings you disposed of."

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To celebrate the novel's publication, Pitt participated in a book launch celebration at Monkey and Dog Books in Fort Worth, where he signed copies and engaged in discussions about Tear Here and his previous works. Keep an eye out for upcoming publications and buy a copy of Tear Here available online and in local bookstores!