Growing up on his family farm in rural Ohio, Matthew Swinehart was always surrounded by animals, from pigs to cows to barn cats. After moving around the country as a young adult, he and his wife, Kristen, settled down in northeast Ohio. They rounded out their family with two adorable corgis, Nola and Hashbrown. Matthew realized that Nola had the perfect temperament to serve as a therapy dog, so after going through all the training, he and Nola joined the Doggie Brigade at Akron Children’s Hospital. Inspired by the joy Nola brings patients facing difficult times, Matthew wrote this book in her honor and hopes it will continue to spread happiness to children everywhere. In his spare time, Matthew loves hiking and creating content for Nola’s Instagram (@nolathenoblecorgi). Follow his adventures there!
Q: What inspired the idea behind your book?
A: My pet corgi Nola is the inspiration behind this book. She is a certified therapy dog and is amazing at comforting people.
Q: As an author, what tips would you give anyone who wants to get into writing?
A: I would say just write from your heart about things that are important to you. I think writing about things you’re passionate about comes through on the pages, and the reader can sense that.
Q: What is your favorite book?
A: My favorite book is The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho.
Q: Was your main character modeled after anyone in your life?
A: Yes! The main character is based off my corgi, Nola. and I am just in the book as her sidekick.
Q: What is your favorite part of the writing process?
A: I think being creative and having an outlet to express that creativity when writing were things I enjoyed. They and took me back to a childlike mindset.
Q: Do you believe that being a “good writer” is a developed skill or a natural talent?
A: I think it’s a natural talent within every person; it’s just a matter of being confident enough to tell a story.
Q: Do you have a favorite book, poem, TV, or movie quote?
A: “Get busy living or get busy dying” from the movie Shawshank Redemption is one of my favorites. I think it speaks to the nature of being comfortable enough to create and experience new things. Otherwise, you’re not truly living.
Q: Would you write another book (or are you already writing another book)?
A: Yes, I already have the outline for a second book. Spoiler alert: Our second corgi, Hashbrown, might make an appearance!
Q: Is there an author you look up to, and why?
A: I’m not sure I have one author I look up to. I look up to all authors who are willing to take a leap of faith and be vulnerable enough to share their stories with others.
Q: If there were an apocalypse and you could only take five books into your doomsday bunker, what would they be?
A:
- The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
- A Return to Love by Marianne Williamson
- Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen
- All the Calvin and Hobbes comic books by Bill Watterson (though this may technically put me over the limit)
- Journey of Souls by Michael Newton
Learn more about Matthew Swinehart and his new children's book, Nola the Noble Corgi and Friends Visit the Hospital, here. Coming soon March 10, 2026!