What inspires you as a writer? ……..    I feel inspired by the craft of storytelling.  I truly enjoy the process of laying down the “tracks” of the story.  I’m inspired by throwing my characters into difficult situations and  then finding creative solutions to their problems.  My inspiration comes from the “perspiration” that my characters feel in the story.  (smile)

When did you have that ah ha moment when you knew you were a writer? …..I found it easy to consider myself a writer when I joined a writers group around 2004 in the Cary NC area.  I would STRONGLY recommend that anyone that wants to publish a novel to join a local writers group.

Do you have any advice for new writers and something that a seasoned vet can learn? ….Patience.  Re-write.  Then re-write some more.  Then add in a little more patience.  Plan on getting published to be at least a 5 year process from the start of your writing process until you can hold your book in your hand.  Join a writers group when you finish your draft.  For a veteran writer – check out Twitter.  I’ve been blown away at what a great place is Twitter is for connecting with prospective readers and other writers.

What is your idea of perfect happiness? …  Perfect happiness for me would be living in Montana during the summer (near Yellowstone) and in Costa Rica during the winter. I would want just enough money to live on (without a day job)  and time to write.  (and someone else to drive my kids everywhere.)

What turns you on creatively? ..  I’m  turned on by difficult situations that folks (characters) have to work their way out of.  I’m very evil in that way!  Coming up with creative problems and likewise, creative solutions, is very fun (and turns me on, you know, in a creative kinda way)

Which words or phrases do you most overuse? .. My first and only novel overused the word “sweetie” when the main characters addressed the child, who was one of the important supporting characters.  Have been reminded of this by more reviewers than I would care to mention.   No more “sweeties” for me, ever !

What is your greatest regret? … I love to travel and did a good deal of it when I was a travel agency owner in the 1990’s (plus I didn’t have any kids.) but wish that I would have taken time after college to move to Europe and live in England or France or Switzerland for a year or so.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? …  I wish that my follow through on tasks was more consistent.  I get distracted by new ideas, stories, business ventures, etc. too easily.  I do just okay at the new things I try, but I have an issue with staying with something for the long-term (more than 3 or so years).  Remember the dog in the wonderful Pixar movie “Up”, that’s me (on a slightly longer time scale) -  SQUIRREL!

What is your greatest fear? … That I won’t be so lucky as I age in regards to how healthy I’ve been thus far in my life.

What do you consider your greatest achievement? …. So far, hands down, my children.  The three of them are very interesting, different, well-mannered (okay, well the currently 14 yr old daughter was NOT well-mannered between ages 12 and until recently!), and smart.  Seeing them take shape gives me great pride.

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Genre – Thriller / Suspense

Rating – R (for language)

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Website http://andyholloman.com/