Hometown Roots Shape Debut Novel by Dodge County Native

“I guess you can come home again, both in the inspiration for your writing, and in the literal flesh,” said author Matthew J. Merrill as he prepares to attend a Meet the Author event back in his home region.

Though Merrill now lives and works in a major metropolitan area, much of his first novel draws directly from his upbringing in Dodge County. Familiar landscapes, small-town dynamics, and the rhythms of rural life serve as a backdrop for the story, giving readers a sense of place that reflects Merrill’s roots.

Merrill said growing up in communities like Horicon left a lasting impression on his perspective as a writer. While his career eventually took him far from home, he found himself returning to those early experiences when developing characters and settings for his novel.

“The stories, the people, the sense of community—it all stays with you,” Merrill said. “Even when you leave, it continues to influence how you see the world and what you want to say as a writer.”

The upcoming Meet the Author event will give local readers a chance to hear directly from Merrill about his creative process, the role Dodge County played in shaping the book, and the journey from hometown beginnings to publishing his first novel.

Community members and local literary supporters say Merrill’s success is a point of pride, highlighting how small-town experiences can resonate far beyond county lines. For Merrill, the homecoming represents a full-circle moment—one where past and present meet through storytelling.