Archive - Underclass Hero with Matt Taylor

Procrastination: Title Pending

I thought I had writer’s block. Turns out, I was scared to be alone with my thoughts.

Jun 6 • Matt Taylor

February 2026

Learning to Read - Pt. 1

A little series on how I went from not being able to read at 18, to becoming a writer. Part 1 - my first book. Autumn 2008.

Feb 2 • Matt Taylor

November 2025

“So, what did you do wrong?” | Lyric Essay

November 2025 is the first National Care Leavers Month, so here is a piece about the question I get asked most when people find out I grew up in care.

Nov 26, 2025 • Matt Taylor

Tracksuits | Lyric Essay

A lyric essay about my love for tracksuits, and why I can't where them anymore.

Nov 21, 2025 • Matt Taylor

May 2025

Are writing development programmes worth it?

A reflection essay after finishing New Writing North's A Writing Chance programme for working-class writers. Learning how to belong in a world that…

May 27, 2025 • Matt Taylor

Are working-class people in the music industry destined to be Remy from Ratatouille?

On barriers, rats, and the unlikely heroes hidden in plain sight

May 19, 2025 • Matt Taylor

I met Giles Martin - Not the normal I ever dared to expect.

Most days, this life now feels ordinary. I’m not gonna lie, I take it for granted. Yet every so often these moments remind me of how unusual it is that…

May 11, 2025 • Matt Taylor

April 2025

Burnt Out: I'm sorry

I’m really sorry for the silence here recently.

Apr 29, 2025 • Matt Taylor

February 2025

I met my younger self for coffee today | Lyric Essay

Inspired by Jennae Cecelia's poem in her book 'deep in my feels'. A reflective lyric essay on some time with my younger self who most people don't…

Feb 25, 2025 • Matt Taylor

January 2025

Are Traditions Important?

Traditions form a collective identity. They touch us, connect us, expand us. As much as I hated being paraded down the street in a silly hat, gown, and…

Jan 16, 2025 • Matt Taylor

Photos Define a Person – Pt. 2

Care leavers are left with gaps in their history, denied the ability to be a definitive person, their childhood denied existence because it’s impossible…

Jan 9, 2025 • Matt Taylor

New Year’s Resolutions: Is there any point?

New Year’s Resolutions are about forming new habits. Why not form the habit that will allow you to create further habits?

Jan 1, 2025 • Matt Taylor