Excelsior Springs, MO – The Excelsior Springs Farmers Market saw an exciting visitor this week as Fox 4 News’ anchor and reporter Matt Stewart set up a booth to autograph his five published books. Covering a diverse range of genres including Kansas City sports, local eateries, news fiction, and a thrilling sci-fi time travel adventure, Stewart captivated the crowd with his passion for storytelling and his unique experiences.
Stewart’s journey into the literary world began during his college days at Northwestern University. “I walked on and earned a full-ride scholarship,” Stewart shared. “Our team went from the worst in the Big Ten to winning two Big Ten championships. We played in the Rose Bowl in 1995 and the Citrus Bowl against Peyton Manning in Tennessee in 1996. Those experiences were foundational in shaping my narrative style.”
Stewart’s books reflect his multifaceted career and interests. His first book, “The Man From Knew News,” is a comedy murder mystery set in the smallest TV station in the country. “It’s a fun read with quirky characters and a lot of humor,” he noted.
Particularly intriguing was his science fiction time travel adventure novel, “Tripp in Time,” which has garnered five-star reviews and is perfect for young adults. “This was a lot of fun to write, going back in time and chasing the future,” Stewart said with enthusiasm.
Stewart also discussed his comprehensive guide to Kansas City’s restaurant scene. Originally including three Excelsior Springs eateries, space constraints led him to cut them out. “I had up to 100 restaurants, but they only wanted 86,” Stewart explained. He hinted at a future edition that might include these local favorites.
His latest release is a Kansas City Royals book that delves into the team’s storied history. “I cover everything from the Monarchs to the Athletics, and I profile some of the great players, like the 1977-72 season,” Stewart elaborated. He shared anecdotes about interviews with legends like George Brett, adding personal touches that brought the history to life.
Stewart’s booth was a hit, with fans eager to get their hands on signed copies of his books. His schedule includes visits to various farmers markets across the area, from Olathe and Lee’s Summit to Liberty and Gardner, with plans to branch out even further. “People love seeing familiar faces and getting involved in local events,” Stewart said.
His engagement with the community extends beyond book signings; he has also launched a line of themed T-shirts that have sold well at these events. “It’s all about connecting with people and sharing stories that resonate with them,” he remarked.
Citizen Donna James says, “Bought his book “The Walk-On”. I truly recommend reading it— great to have him in our midst. Hope he returns and others can purchase.”
Stewart’s visit to Excelsior Springs was a reminder of the power of storytelling and community engagement. For fans and aspiring writers alike, Stewart’s journey from a collegiate athlete to a celebrated author and news anchor is an inspiring testament to the pursuit of one’s passions and the impact of sharing those passions with the world.
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