Author Photographer Storyteller
“Matt Blum is the kind of storyteller who doesn’t just write words—he invites you to sit down, lean in, and feel them. Whether through his lens as a renowned photographer or his unfiltered prose as an author, Matt captures the raw beauty of life in all its messy, imperfect glory. His work is equal parts humor, heart, and hard-won wisdom, offering a rare authenticity that resonates deeply. With a knack for turning failures into lessons and everyday moments into art, Matt doesn’t just inspire you to see the world differently—he challenges you to live it boldly.”
- Dan Brown
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"I don't read all that much, and when I do, it's in waves, followed by months of nothing...followed by another wave. My preference is generally for spiritual, historical, and esoteric-type books that expand how I think and what I believe. I also love a good autobiography, but it had better be well-written to keep my attention. I read Falling Upward in 2 days. I read the intro and then promptly put down another non-fiction I was reading that had my full attention. I simply had to finish it. "Couldn't put it down" isn't quite right. I could have, but I simply didn't want to.
Matt Blum is honest, truthful, blunt, and sometimes in your face. And then, you see he is equally in your face about things like fairness and love. My favorite book of all time is The Stand, by Steven King. That's followed by From the Corner of his Eye by Koontz, mostly because that book was life-altering. After that it's a bit of a blur, but Failing Upward is easily one of the top 5 books I've read in my entire life...quite possibly the top 3.
If I have one complaint about this book, it's that it wasn't long enough. Turning the last page was reflective, maybe even a little sad...because I wanted the story to go on. It's simply that good. You'll want this book. It'll change your life."
"In "Failing Upward," Matt Blum delivers a masterclass in storytelling that's equal parts hilarious and profound. His memoir weaves together moments that will have readers oscillating between belly laughs and quiet contemplation, all while maintaining an unwavering authenticity that makes the narrative impossible to put down.
Blum's greatest strength lies in his ability to mine wisdom from life's messy moments, offering insights that feel both personal and universal. His writing style strikes a delicate balance between self-deprecating humor and genuine vulnerability, creating an intimate connection with readers. Among the many quotable passages scattered throughout the book, one particularly resonant piece of wisdom stands out: "Set aside the illusion and maybe, just maybe, you'll see there's beauty in imperfection." This sentiment encapsulates the heart of Blum's message – that our struggles and imperfections aren't just obstacles to overcome, but rather the very elements that make our stories worth telling.
What sets this memoir apart is Blum's rare talent for finding humor in life's challenges while never diminishing their emotional weight. His natural storytelling ability transforms everyday experiences into compelling narratives that feel both uniquely personal and universally relatable. In sharing his journey of "failing upward," Blum hasn't just written a memoir; he's created a mirror through which readers can examine their own lives with greater compassion and humor.
The literary world is richer for having Matt Blum's voice in it, and readers will find themselves returning to his insights long after turning the final page."
"Matt is an excellent writer and storyteller drawing me in right from the start! He is full of wit and humor while providing many morsels of wisdom and insight that I will definitely take to heart. I really enjoyed learning some of the ins and outs of photography as well….so interesting and helpful! I give this book two thumbs up!! Excellent read!!"
About Matt
Matt Blum has spent a lifetime chasing stories—first through the lens of his camera, now through the rhythm of his words. After more than two decades as a celebrated fashion and fine art photographer, capturing the raw, unfiltered beauty of the world, he traded Texas for Spain and photography for the unpredictable life of an author. His bestselling memoir, Failing Upward, peeled back the layers of success, struggle, and reinvention with a mix of brutal honesty and biting humor, proving that sometimes, the best way forward is face-first into the unknown.
Now, he’s diving headfirst into the realm of fiction, crafting a vampire series that’s equal parts dark, gritty, and laced with sharp, unforgiving comedy. No brooding immortals. No sparkles. Just blood, survival, and the uncomfortable truths that come with living forever in a world that never stops changing.
Whether through memoir, fiction, or whatever comes next, Matt’s work thrives on authenticity, wit, and the unshakable belief that the best stories aren’t the ones that make us comfortable—they’re the ones that shake us awake.
More to discover
Explore more from Matt Blum—where memoir meets mayhem, wit collides with wisdom, and storytelling refuses to play by the rules. From bestselling books to fresh musings on SubStack, there’s always something new to sink your teeth into. Stay curious, stay tuned.
