The Charlotte Ledger Podcast14 Nov 2025

How to write a novel, with lawyer-turned-writer Mathew Flatow

Between billable hours and family life, few professionals find time to chase the stories in their heads — but one Charlotte attorney did. As a trial attorney, Mathew Flato has spent decades in litigation. Now, he’s turned his eye for detail and structure into a new kind of brief: a debut novel.

In this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, Steve Dunn talks with Flato about “Ocean Child,” his first book — a sweeping story of three half-sisters raised oceans apart who must confront the imprint of a broken father and define belonging on their own terms. Flato shares how he carved out writing time, the lessons he brought from law into fiction, and the balancing act between storytelling, editing and vulnerability.

We hope you enjoy the conversation with Mathew Flatow. To learn more about Flatow and his debut novel, visit MEFlatow.com.

This episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast was produced by Lindsey Banks. For more ifnormation on The Charlotte Ledger, visit TheCharlotteLedger.com.

Today’s episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast is sponsored by Child Care Search, a service of Child Care Resources Inc. Looking for child care? Our team provides guidance every step of the way! Search online at www.FindChildCareNC.org or call 1-888-600-1685 for live assistance and free, customized referrals.

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