Exclusive Interview with
Andrew Pacholyk
When did you start writing?
I started writing short stories and poetry in high school as a way to express myself.
What makes writing your passion?
Writing allows me to describe and animate situations in vivid detail It has always been a cathartic form of expression.
How long have you been writing?
I've been writing for over 30 years.
What was the feeling when you published your first book?
It was a dream come true. I remember buying the first copy and signing the inside cover to myself.
What’s the story behind your choice of characters?
In Barefoot, I've written about my mentor and close group of surf buddies. Each one a unique character . This book also introduces some of my most unlikely spiritual teachers whose words of wisdom changed my life.
What annoys you the most in pursuing a writing career?
Those times when you experience writer's block or what I like to call "lack of inspiration." Also when someone tells me something can't be done. I work very hard to prove them wrong.
How do you get over the “writer’s block”?
I wait. I used to sit myself down and force myself to write. Writing this latest book, I seemed to have a lot of writer's block. Then I would take time in nature or at the sea and I would be filled with ideas. It's amazing how taking yourself out of your own head can open your imagination..
We all know the writer’s path is never easy, what makes you keep going? What advice would you give to new authors?
I keep going because I want to share the lessons I've learned in life. If they help just one person or give someone a better perspective on life, it's very rewarding to me.
My advice to new writers would be write about your own experiences. They are unique to you. And they are situations many people can relate to.
If you could go back in time and talk to your younger self, what would you say?
Pay closer attention.
Do you read your book reviews? How do you deal with the bad ones?
I read all my reviews. The way someone writes a review is very telling about who they are and how they think. I appreciate the good ones. It means a lot that someone would take the time to share their feelings. I learn from the not so good ones, as well. We are all entitled to our opinions.
What is the feeling when you get a good review?
I really appreciate the fact that the reader got something out of the book they just read and want to express that. It feels like I accomplished my mission.
Have you ever incorporated something that happened to you in real life into your novels?
All my novels.
Which of your characters you can compare yourself with? Did you base that character on you?
In my book, Barefoot, it is my coming of age story.
What do you think, the book cover is as important as the story?
The book cover should be your novel in an image. The cover should immediately tell the reader what they are in for. Your book cover is the first impression you give someone. Make it count.
Do you connect with your readers? Do you mind having a chat with them or you prefer to express yourself through your writing?
I enjoy chatting with my readers and sharing experiences.
How do you feel when people appreciate your work or recognize you in public?
I love when someone appreciates something I wrote.
Being recognized in public is always a little awkward for me.
Who is your favorite author? Why?
Louise Hay - she changed my life.
Robert Louis Stevenson - he showed me there is adventures to be had.
What’s the dream? Whom would you like to be as big as?
To be as big as my imagination!
Would you rewrite any of your books? Why?
I would not. What's done is done.
If you could switch places with any author – who would that be?
JK Rowling. I love her story.
What would you say to the “trolls” on the internet? We all know them – people who like to write awful reviews to books they’ve never read or didn’t like that much, just to annoy the author.
They don't annoy the author. Thye only out themselves. And it's obvious. I only hope for these folks that they find the guts to actually follow their dreams.
What would you say to your readers?
I am grateful.
Share a bit about yourself – where do you live, are you married, do you have kids?
I live in New York City. I love to take great escapes to Malibu or Miami. I enjoy traveling, surfing, and dancing my a^#s off every chance I get.
What is your day job if you have one?
I am an acupuncturist.
What are your hobbies? What do you do in your free time?
Huge movie buff. Early morning surfing or swimming. I love managing my website business, Peacefulmind.com
Did you have a happy childhood?
Overall, I would say my childhood was happy. Like every teen, I went through a rocky path, but for the most part, I've been blessed.
Is there a particular experience that made you start writing?
There were several. Going through puberty. Falling in and out of love. Being bullied.
Writing and Journaling were tools I used to cope.
Do you have unpublished books? What are they about?
Several. I have several "up coming" books...
Poetry
Reinvention
Lunar Magic
Secrets for a fertile life
What do you think should be improved in the education of our children? What do we lack?
We lack a cohesive way of educating our youth.
If you were allowed 3 wishes – what would they be?
1. To never age
2. To always have peace
3. To own a Reeses peanut butter cup factory!
What is your favorite music?
House music circa 1983
Share a secret with us 🙂
I'm writing another book.