In this powerful episode of the Ignite & Write podcast, author Matthew Horder shares the deeply personal story behind his debut memoir, The Day the Sky Fell, a moving account of grief, resilience, leadership and healing after losing both of his parents in the MH17 tragedy.
Matthew opens up about the moment flight MH17 was shot down over eastern Ukraine in 2014, the devastating aftermath for his family and the emotional journey of transforming trauma into a published memoir.
From receiving calls from politicians and global media, to writing heartbreaking chapters while crying on Brisbane trains, this conversation is an honest and inspiring look at the power of storytelling.
Hosted by ghostwriter and author mentor Roxanne McCarty-O’Kane, this episode explores:
- The true human impact behind the MH17 disaster
- Writing through grief and trauma
- The emotional process of publishing a memoir
- Resilience, family and healing
- The journey from first-time writer to published author
- Book launches, media exposure and author branding
- The powerful “Seeds of Hope” sunflower story connected to Ukraine
- How storytelling can create connection, purpose and transformation
Matthew also shares how attending another author’s book launch inspired him to begin writing, how the Ignite & Write workshop helped shape his manuscript and why preserving the humanity of his parents mattered more than retelling headlines.
If you are interested in memoir writing, inspirational true stories, grief and healing journeys, publishing insights, author interviews, or the untold human stories behind world events, this conversation is not to be missed.
ABOUT MATTHEW HORDER:
Matthew Horder is a Queensland-based author, community leader, administrator and advocate with more than two decades of experience in senior leadership roles across major community and sporting infrastructure projects. His memoir, The Day the Sky Fell, explores the personal aftermath of the MH17 tragedy and the enduring power of hope, resilience and family.
Website: www.matthewhorder.com.au
Book: The Day the Sky Fell, available in print and eBook formats from all trusted online book retailers.
ABOUT IGNITE & WRITE:
Ignite & Write, hosted by Roxanne McCarty-O’Kane, showcases powerful conversations with authors from all walks of life, exploring the stories behind the stories, the writing journey and the transformative power of authentic storytelling.
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If you have a story within you just waiting to be told, visit www.roxannewriter.com to ignite your passion and write your book.