Exclusive Interview with
Andy Clapp
When did you start writing?
I started writing professionally in 2005, but writing has been a part of my life since I was a young boy. I loved writing as a teenager and that passion grew as I got older.
What makes writing your passion?
The chance to tell stories and share words with the world makes writing one of the great passions of my life.
How long have you been writing?
17 years - since 2005
What was the feeling when you published your first book?
My initial feeling when the contract was pure euphoria. I never thought I would advance that far in my writing. From there, I had times of great joy and even faced the fears as I wondered if it would be successful.
What’s the story behind your choice of characters?
What annoys you the most in pursuing a writing career?
I don't feel like there are annoyances. I look at all of it as producing growth in my career and passion.
How do you get over the “writer’s block”?
I keep writing. Even if it is nothing that will ever be published, I keep writing and eventually, the writer's block goes away.
We all know the writer’s path is never easy, what makes you keep going? What advice would you give to new authors?
The journey is what makes writing so amazing. Though it is not easy, you look back later and see where you overcame the overwhelming and that pushes you to dream even bigger. For new authors, find other writers and connect with them. Don't be on an island as an author - be in community.
If you could go back in time and talk to your younger self, what would you say?
Start earlier and learn all you can absorb.
Do you read your book reviews? How do you deal with the bad ones?
I do. I try to assess the criticism to see if it truly holds merit and grow from it but if it holds no merit, I remind myself that all people face criticism.
What is the feeling when you get a good review?
A good review reinforces my drive to continue writing. To hear that your words touched someone serves as the greatest encouragement.
Have you ever incorporated something that happened to you in real life into your novels?
I did. I tied in a youth group event into a memory shared between characters.
Which of your characters you can compare yourself with? Did you base that character on you?
What do you think, the book cover is as important as the story?
Both are important. A bad cover will keep some from reading even the first page.
Do you connect with your readers? Do you mind having a chat with them or you prefer to express yourself through your writing?
I do connect with them on social media and at events.
How do you feel when people appreciate your work or recognize you in public?
It encourages me to do even more.
Who is your favorite author? Why?
I am a huge fan of Charles Dickens and Thomas Wolfe.
What’s the dream? Whom would you like to be as big as?
Would you rewrite any of your books? Why?
Absolutely would rewrite one. I was young in my career, and it could have been done so much better.
If you could switch places with any author – who would that be?
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.
What would you say to your readers?
I am truly thankful to you. To know that you take the time to read what I have written is truly humbling.
Share a bit about yourself – where do you live, are you married, do you have kids?
I live in North Carolina. I am married and have three beautiful children.
What is your day job if you have one?
I am a pastor.
What are your hobbies? What do you do in your free time?
I like to play golf, play tennis, and watch sports.
Did you have a happy childhood?
I did. My childhood wasn't perfect but every part of it fashioned me into who I am today.
Is there a particular experience that made you start writing?
My father loved reading. He also wrote a little bit for personal satisfaction. I think that helped push me down the path to writing.
Do you have unpublished books? What are they about?
I do...but I would never tell what they are about!!
What do you think should be improved in the education of our children? What do we lack?
If you were allowed 3 wishes – what would they be?
What is your favorite music?
Share a secret with us 🙂
I am the world's worst at self-doubt. I try not to let others see it, but it is there.