Interview: Meet Andrew R. Williams

I would like to welcome Andrew R. Williams to my Blogs.  He is a writer who balances writing and a full time job.  So, there are a lot of gems of wisdom in this interview.

Welcome to my Blog Andrew!  It is GREAT to have you here!

Please tell us a few things about yourself.

As a child, I was a latent pyromaniac. It’s not surprising, really because my father loved fires. On one occasion, he dragged me out of bed and told me to get dressed, fast. When I asked why, he’d say “Come on, quick. There’s a big fire at the Tannery; flames going up two hundred feet. We need to get there before the fire brigade put it out.”

My father was always worried in case the fire brigade proved too efficient.

My early childhood was spent in Droylsden, a town in Greater Manchester, England.

Being afflicted with latent pyromania, bonfire night – (Guy Fawkes Night, 5 November) was the event of the year surpassing even Christmas

Bonfire night was made even more exciting because my parent’s house had a corner plot (bigger than the average as Yogi would say) and it had been chosen to host the annual event.

For those unfamiliar with British traditions, Guy Fawkes was a member of a group of provincial English Catholics who planned the failed Gunpowder Plot to blow up the Houses of Parliament. The attempt failed but celebrating the event continues to this day. This because secretly, most English people wish the plot had succeeded. Opinion polls in England suggest politicians are held in very low esteem.

In my childhood, the run-up to bonfire night was as significant as the event itself. During the two weeks leading up to the 5^th of November, lorry loads of old wooden railway sleepers would arrive and be carried into the back garden by very willing adults.

“Watch the wall my darling while the Gentlemen (Smugglers) go by!” – Rudyard Kipling

Where the sleepers came from nobody knows, and if they do, they’re not telling. The night itself was great. Fireworks by the score (in those days bangers hadn’t been banned.) treacle toffee, potatoes cooked in the fire and Lancashire Hot Pot appeared by the bowl full.

A few things about myself (as an adult.)

In real life (not author life) I am a Chartered Surveyor. My main occupation is home inspections. I make sure people don’t buy a defective property. I also value homes, prepare energy certificates and carry out Party Wall Awards.

I am also an active member of BNI and a proud member of BNI BRAVO (St Helens) For those who don’t know, BNI is a networking organisation started In the USA and is now prominent in the UK.

Thank you so much Andrew!  How exciting and interesting your background is!

When you’re not writing, what kinds of books are you reading?

Nowadays, I don’t read as much as I used to do. It’s a question of time. In the past, when I wasn't a latent pyromaniac, I was mad about prehistoric monsters. Maybe that’s why my sci-fi novels are also populated by some very nasty creatures too.

When I first started reading I was a fan of W E Johns (Biggles) and then I progressed to writers like Dennis Wheatley, H G Wells, John Wyndham, Stephen King, George Orwell, Vladimir Peniakoff, Constantine FitzGibbon and Charles Portis (and many more)  which probably accounts for my interest in action, the unexpected, the occult and things that go bump in the night.

You work by day and write by night. How do you balance your writing life with your work life?

It can be difficult finding the time to write, but most people find time to do what they want to do.

That is SO true!  Good for you to be following your passion!

Do you always write thrillers?  Is there any other genre that you would like to try writing in?

Jim’s Revenge is my first thriller. Generally, I write science fiction. I have two science fiction novels, Arcadia’s Children; Samantha’s Revenge and Arcadia’s Children 2; The Field Plantation. I have also written two technical books.

 Do you have any advice for other authors who are writing AND working?

Keep going. Don’t give up. There is always light at the end of the tunnel.

What inspired you to want to write Jim’s Revenge?

Jim’s Revenge has been fomenting in my mind for many years. Although all of the characters in Jim’s Revenge are fictional, some of the events in the book are based upon events that I have witnessed. For instance, during one of my surveys, I realised that the house I was inspecting had once been owned by a drug dealer.

When you are not writing and working, what do you enjoy doing?

I enjoy going to the pub, meeting friends and relatives, visiting obscure places, BNI and visiting National Trust properties.

Tell us about your current writing projects.

I am currently working on Arcadia’s Children 3; Pushley’s Escape. This will be the third in the Arcadia’s Children series.

I am also thinking about Superior (working title) another sci-fi project.

What would you like readers to get out of Jim’s Revenge?

Novel’s are designed to engage the reader. If Jim’s Revenge also makes people think about the society we live in, so much the better.

Is there anything else you would like future readers of your books to know about you?

Writers write because they need to write. I hope you will read what I have written and enjoy. That’s what it’s all about.

What is your website?

My writing website is www. arcadiaschildren.com. I have still to update it for Jim’s Revenge.

How can potential readers look you up via social media? 

I am on Facebook and LinkedIn.

How can people interested in your work contact you other than social media sites?

They can email via my website.

Where can potential readers buy your book?

Via Amazon. Jim’s Revenge is being published by kindle.

It will shortly be available in paperback.

https://allauthor.com/book/36804/jims-revenge/

https://allauthor.com/author/andrewrwilliams/

Thank you so much for answering these questions. I am honoured to have gotten to know you better.

Thank you. It was a pleasure providing answers.