Blog Archives
Is It Simple Revenge?
Ashes in Venice follows a detective in Las Vegas who must find a murderer that is killing murderers in gruesome ways. What was the inspiration for the setup to your story?
I wanted to explore the psychological similarities of good and evil and how the line between the two can often become blurred, depending on the circumstance. In this case, one of the book’s main characters decides to take the law into his own hands when traditional police work falls short of delivering justice. But is this true justice or is it simple revenge? When is violence justified? Is “an eye for an eye” still a valid answer to an unpunished crime? If a good person does something bad long enough, does he or she ultimately also become bad?
Did you create an outline for the characters in the story before you started writing or did the character’s personalities grow organically as you were writing?
I first sketch out the general direction of a novel so that I have a feel for its beginning, middle and end. I then draft key scenes and dialogue by hand in a notebook until things fall into a natural chronology so that I get a sense of how the story should be paced and plotted. By habit, I speak out the dialogue as I write it. The more I flesh out characters, the more attached I become to their personalities, and this helps determine if they become primary or secondary players in the story.
Once I have about 30k words of a first draft completed I’m usually confident of expanding what I have into a full novel of at least twice that length. I actually enjoy editing and revising a book more than I do assembling the first draft. It’s an agony for me to get the first draft to the point where I think it can grow into a completed book that somebody might actually want to read.
I’ve abandoned more books than I’ve finished and this is probably a good thing. My background is newspaper reporting, a job where you throw away more writing than you keep, which is a good rule of thumb for any writer.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The blurring of the line between good and evil. The difference between justice and revenge. How all acts have answerable consequences: we are accountable for what we do and what we say and this determines the paths we take in life.
How life is never black and white, but rather a general scale of varying shades of gray that are constantly changing and adapting based on how we act toward each other.
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
Blackjack addict Frank Savic is deeply in debt and facing family problems when he’s asked to delay his retirement to catch a vigilante killer who murders other murderers in a manner the veteran cop has never seen.
While dead bodies stack up in quick succession, the motorcycle-riding policeman also finds himself reluctantly involved with a desperate mother who will do anything to get justice for her dead son.
Savic, his investigation complicated by a suspected FBI coverup and a prison bribery scandal, is unaware that the murderer might be the solution to his own financial and domestic dilemma.
Add a vengeful killer who seeks justice for his own unbearable loss and you have a teasing psychological thriller that blurs the line between good and evil and where surgical bone saws and spiders are just tools of the trade.
Yes, there are spiders.
I Really Enjoy Writing For Children
Siggy the Soccer Dog follows a dachshund that dreams of winning the FA Cup Finals through teamwork and kindness. What was the inspiration for your story?
I have been a Manchester United fan since 1975. Where I’m from lots of people support the team because of several local players who made their name there – most notably the world-class player George Best who made headlines and was known in the British press as “the 5th beatle” in the late 60s. He has a good claim on being the first soccer superstar but when he went through the wringer of fame there was no support like there is for Messi or Ronaldo today, and his story has quite a tragic element to it as well, which all adds to the aura and romance and adds a “what if” element, even though he actually achieved so much before his downfall. As a 5 year old I became a supporter because of my Dad and George. I wanted to do a story for the Utd fans and for their kids and this is what happened.
What was your inspiration for becoming a children’s book writer?
I have always enjoyed writing and won English prizes and things like that when I was younger. As I have grown older I have kept writing. I became a lawyer, which I’d say is being a “wordsmith” using legal language for money. But it never gave me the same satisfaction as writing stories. I wrote thrillers that almost made publication in my late 20s and then I was inspired by some local children during lockdown to write something for them. The books that exist now came out of that, and I have found to my surprise that I really enjoy writing for children and it gladdens my heart to see and hear their enthusiastic reactions to my stories.
Are there any memories from your own life that you put into your books?
Definitely. The series of “Siggy the Sausage Dog” stories – and the upcoming “Wee Moos” and “Phlower Phaeries” series are all based around kindness and seeking happiness. When I was a youngster my dad always told me: “Be a happy man!” and I’ve appreciated that simple advice more and more as I have become older myself. It took me a while, but now writing for children has made me a happy man. I want to share that philosophy and to help children hold on to their natural happiness if I can.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
I think the next book after (Siggy the Soccer Dog) will either be “Hello Moo!” the first of the Wee Moos series or “Siggy and the Balloon Festival” the next Siggy story. I am continuing to write the first Phlower Phaeries children’s novel but this is taking longer than the shorter stories are!
Author Links: GoodReads | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Website
But as they watch him, little do the family know that in his dream he is “Siggy Sosidj” the star player for Manchester United. It’s up to Siggy to rescue his team in the biggest game of his life. But can he do it?
Join Siggy and a multi-national cast of doggie players to find out – in a fast-paced, beautifully illustrated tale about overcoming the odds, staying true to your purpose and being kind…
Let The Character Dictate What Happens Next
SCHLOCK Featuring Russia Cop is a collection of four dark satirical short stories searching for the “Russian Soul.” What was the inspiration for the setup of your stories?
There is a long-standing tradition of films which combine a noun plus “Cop”, such as Samurai Cop, Maniac Cop, Hollywood Cop, Psycho Cop, Kindergarten Cop, etc. This is my favorite genre of film and I wanted to create my own “Cop” story that could join the ranks. I wanted to say “pantheon” here, as in I wanted to create my own “Cop” story that could join the pantheon of “Cop” stories, but pantheon only refers to people. In that case I hope Russia Cop can join the pantheon of famous noun plus Cop characters. Moreover, Russia Cop sounds a lot stupider than Russian Cop and that really appealed to me. Russia Cop is the oldest story in the collection in that its origins date back to around 2018. The idea of Russian Soul is inherently farcical and nonsensical and does little more than to disguise horrible Russian behavior and beliefs as values. Russia is a very schlocky place and Russians are quite fond of what they perceive as their own exceptionalism. The character of Russia Cop was created to be a personification and enforcer of this Russian Soul. The reality is, after 24 February, this story is already obsolete, as what is happening in Russia right now is far more atrocious, pathetic, damaging, and inhumane than any fiction could ever be. For the sake of clarification, I am talking about what’s happening in Russia, not Ukraine. What’s happening in Russia is the death of free speech, human rights, and common sense. As it turns out, Russia doesn’t need a Russia Cop. The Russian people are eagerly and willingly eating up the propaganda and dangerous beliefs all on their own. On a side note, there isn’t really an appropriate place to bring it up so I will mention it here: 75 percent of sales proceeds the book makes in 2022 will go towards supporting Ukraine.
Tsoi Lives was the last addition to the collection, which probably explains why it feels the most different from the rest (as in it isn’t completely farcical). I’m a huge fan of Tsoi’s music and often found myself in frustrating situations where I couldn’t express why his music was so profound to me or those around me simply didn’t care. The book exaggerates a bit in that it makes it seem like nobody in Russia cares about his music at all. That isn’t true, he is still quite popular, BUT, in my own experience, more and more younger generations turn their nose up at his music and see it is something to be embarrassed of. I’d always wanted to write something somehow connected with him, but a straight up biography would be boring, it seemed more appropriate to write about how his music affected others rather than making a story about the man himself.
I am far too ashamed to explain the origins of the remaining two stories.
Did you create an outline for the characters in the stories before you started writing or did the characters personalities grow organically as you were writing?
Typically, I don’t create outlines for characters. I write as many pages as I can of a given story until I hit a wall and from there, I’ll start outlining the story (not the characters) to see where it goes. I never let plot get in the way of character growth though. Even if I want the plot to go one way, I consider what choice a character would make at a given intersection and let the character dictate what happens next.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Themes always come later. I never set out with themes in mind. I am simply trying to tell stories. With The English Teacher, it essentially condenses all the frustrating and terrible aspects of living in Russia into one night. As the stories came together, themes of frustration, yearning, alienation, propaganda, xenophobia, etc. appeared. I suppose the most blatant themes come in Tsoi Lives, in which one person experiences the frustration of being obsessively passionate about something that nobody else seems able to grasp.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
I’m debating between starting a new endeavor (which will likely be an unreadable and unwieldy behemoth only I find interesting) or resurrecting my first book which I never got published. Both works have science fiction elements and are quite different from my previous two works.
Author Links: Amazon | GoodReads
Its “Cool” To Be Kind
Cool Kids follows a young boy who becomes a bully to earn a spot on the football team, but when terrible things happen to him he wonders if it’s worth it. What was the inspiration for the setup to your story?
My father was my inspiration. He was a great storyteller. It was a time when television was first becoming popular; however, not everyone could afford one. Storytelling still attracted the children on the block and they could not wait to hear the stories about a character he created, Ruffy Butchbang. Ruffy Butchbang was a bully who always got in to trouble. It was the only way he could feel important. In every story my dad told, there was a lesson learned. Each story was so exciting because my dad added his special sound effects. This character, Ruffy Butchbang was embedded in my memory. I too told stories about Ruffy to my children and grandchildren. My sons Ted and Eric knew my father but my grandchildren never did. However, they knew who created Ruffy Butchbang, Grandpa Harry. Now that bullying is a subject in today’s society, it seems perfect to bring Ruffy Buthbang back into the spotlight, and so I created Cool Kids.
How can your book help children, parents and teachers with bullying?
I think Cool Kids offers families and educators a great teaching opportunity. It offers them the perfect opportunity to help a children understand their emotions and social dynamics involved in bullying. It open the door for many conversations, whether your child is bullied or bullying. It allows for different discussions and outcomes and steps to take in various situations. Cool Kids shows kids that changing your behavior to become a bully in order to fit in isn’t being cool. Be true to yourself. It shows that there is a power in kindness and its “cool” to be kind. Discussions about this subject is a great way for families to have an open dialogue with their children.
The art in this book was fantastic. What was the art collaboration process like with illustrator Amelina Jones?
After I wrote my story, I needed an illustrator. Mascot Books sent me the sample works of various illustrators. I chose the one who best fit my story. The drawings of Amelina Jones were perfect. She sent me drawings for each character for approval, even my beagle and matched the characters to the script. We made changes because I did not realize things could be inferred and not need to be seen. We communicated with each other through Mascot Books. When all was said and done, I almost did not see a drastic error. Amelina Jones was from the United Kingdom. My story involved football and she drew a soccer ball. Well, that had to be changed to an American football and it was just in time! She also added her personal touches and I loved it. I must say, I was lucky to work with such a talented illustrator.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
I have thought about a second book about RUFFY BUTCHBANG and his adventures, still involving the same characters. In each story, there needs to be a lesson learned. I am thinking about the twists and turns that will take place so teachers and families can have continued dialogue and children will love it. I am a former school teacher so I know that communication between adults and children is so important. The paper and pencil is right by my bedside ready for creative ideas. It will ,come not sure of exact dates.
Author Links: Website | Instagram | Facebook
Like most kids, Michael and his friends are so excited for their first day at a new school. They have a lot of questions about what to expect, but most of all, they wonder if theyll get to join the football team. That would be the perfect way to start the year! However, Michael soon finds out that its not as easy as he thinks. The team is filled with bullies, and to join, he has to become one of them. In order to be cool enough to get a spot on the football team, Michael has to start changing his behaviorfor the worse! Suddenly, terrible things start happening to him. Finally, he begins to wonder: Was it all worth it?
Not The Story They Taught Us In Sunday School
Acts of the Women follows the women of the New Testament telling their story in the days after Jesus’s resurrection. What was the inspiration for telling this story?
When I published my first book, Second Born, reimagining the life of Jesus as he grew up with his brothers and sisters in a wealthy family in the capital city of Galilee, I realized I had given voice to his forgotten brothers but neglected his sisters and the countless other dynamic women who played crucial roles in the birth of Christianity. So, Acts of the Women starts right where Second Born left off. But this time it is narrated by the women, and it is not the story they taught us in Sunday School.
What drew you to the genera of historical or biblical fiction?
It’s odd, I usually write humor and satire. But I have a strong faith based in Christianity and have studied it for years, including biblical studies courses at Stanford University and other sources scattered around the country. I have always been bothered by some of the central notions held either consciously or unconsciously by so many Christians. For instance, that this exceptional man was not human but a god, THE God, for that matter. Or that he already knew everything that was going to happen, so he didn’t need to have the faith that we are expected to have, because he already knew the end result. Or that we humans are powerless to correct the wrongs we see in the world, that we must ask Jesus to wave his magic wand like Harry Potter to repair the evil around us. I am convinced that Jesus was a man, and that he had the same fears, joys, worries and victories that fill all our lives. I think he found a way to become one with God, and he was showing the rest of us that we can too.
So, this contradiction that faced me every Sunday when I went to church bothered me. What do I do when I get hot and bothered? I’m a writer. So, I started writing about it. Second Born and Acts of the Women are the results so far.
Was there anything that surprised you in your research for this novel?
As much as the male-dominated church has tried to suppress the history of women’s enrichment of the faith, a lot of evidence can still be found right out in the open. For instance, in the gospels you will find Jesus’ brothers identified by name, but his sisters are barely mentioned in passing. But in other places women are mentioned briefly for traveling with Jesus’ group and providing financial support. Well, it would be a scandal in that culture for a woman to travel with a group of men unless she was close kin or married to one of them. Read through the gospels from beginning to end and start identifying some of these women. And examine Acts of the Apostles and all of Paul’s letters. Watch for references to the women. You will find some real gems that you may have missed before.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
In this genre, I will complete the trilogy with a mystery surrounding the First Council of Nicaea, which occurred in 325. The council was called by Emperor Constantine to determine a universal (i.e., catholic in its non-capitalized definition) view of the nature of Christ. People with alternate views to those adopted at the Council were branded as heretics and, in many cases, excommunicated. I will treat the subject with my usual reverence for orthodoxy. That is, there will be little or none in evidence.
But I have an itch to get back to humor, so I am simultaneously working on a modern-day tale of love and romance on the Internet. When will these two books be available? (Glances at wristwatch while stroking his beard.) Hmm, it’s already 10am and I have an appointment at 1:30, so I won’t be able to finish them today. Maybe by November? And then there’s the lengthy publication process. (Comes out of his musings with an upward snap of his head and suddenly widening eyes.) I hope to have them out in 2023. And before you ask, no, I am not accepting pre-orders currently. But thank you for thinking of offering, as I am sure you were about to do.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website
“A fascinating, refreshing, well-crafted, and unique interpretation (or perhaps a new telling) of those women in the Bible who were not only instrumental in the development of early Christianity, but powerful in their roles of protecting—and influencing—the man known as Jesus. …This compelling tale is a must-read for Biblical scholars, theologians, open-minded and open-hearted Christians, and open-minded, open-hearted non-Christians alike. Acts of the Women is extraordinary. I consider this book a must-read.”— Peggy A. Wheeler, Author, The Raven’s Daughter, and The Desert Raven
“Andersen once again gives a fresh, plausible life to the greatest story ever told, the story of Christ and the young church. Rather than unraveling and spinning the same story, we get a new look at the disciples, the women, who played a large role in the beginning of Christianity, and the faith that sustained them.”— Ellen L. Ekstrom, Author, Tallis’ Third Tune, and Scarborough
Patrick W. Andersen enjoyed an award-winning career as a journalist and editor, earning special recognition from the San Francisco Human Rights Commission for bringing ethnic minority concerns to the attention of the general public. Turning his writing skills to fiction, he published short stories in a number of journals, some of which are collected in his anthology, Moments to Contemplate (In Bite-Sized Servings). His debut novel, Second Born, garnered critical acclaim for its reimagining of the early life of Jesus. He and his wife Marina live in San Francisco, California.
My Personal Growth Path
REACH helps readers find their potential by focusing on five key areas to improve in order to live their best life. Why was this an important book for you to write?
I’ve learned through my own winding journey that your personal growth is capped unless you look outside yourself and help others to grow too. So I’m very focused as a part of my personal growth path to help others to become their best and live meaningful lives. But that’s not where REACH first started.
I came up with the concepts in REACH to help improve my own life during an unexpectedly difficult period. Initially, I thought I was alone in my struggles. But as I was more open about my difficulties and the success I was having with the concepts in REACH, I found that many people, maybe even most, faced similar struggles and were looking for help. Some other people started using the REACH framework with similarly positive success, so I decided to more formally write down the REACH concepts. It wasn’t until my REACH partners encouraged me to keep writing that the idea for a book emerged.
You include personal stories in this book, what was the hardest one for you to write about?
The story about my mom and reference to her in the acknowledgments section were the most emotionally difficult for me to write. My mom and I were very close and she was always there for me when I needed her. For most of my life, she struggled with debilitating health issues and wasn’t able to participate in life the way that she wanted. And I always admired her ability to endure her challenges and keep pushing to become better.
A few months before I started writing the book, my mom passed suddenly and unexpectedly due to a health issue. Her passing was devastating and I thought about her frequently during the writing process. I didn’t initially expect to include anything about my mom in the book, but as the manuscript evolved, I found that her story fit perfectly. Writing about her was difficult, but it meant a lot to me to be able to honor her in that way.
What is one piece of advice someone gave you that changed your life?
I’ve been fortunate to have received fantastic advice from many people, including my dad. Ever since I was a kid, my dad has encouraged me to find ways to create optionality in my life. Options give you flexibility and that flexibility often has tremendous value. While there have been times throughout my life where I haven’t done a good job of creating optionality, having that mindset instilled in me from an early age has helped me on many occasions. I often fallback to this advice when I’m having difficulty, whether that be with a work or personal challenge.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
I have ideas for a few other books in the personal development and business genres. But right now, I’m focused on creating supplemental REACH content that I’m distributing through the REACH website (www.reachpersonalgrowth.com) and building a community around the concept. I believe there is so much opportunity for REACH to have a positive impact on the lives of many and I’m on a mission to help make that happen.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Website
REACH provides a holistic, customizable framework to maximize your personal growth and development across all areas of your life. Centered on five personal development focus areas and the formation of a tight-knit support group, REACH enables you to accelerate your growth beyond what you thought possible.
Using the step-by-step guidance offered in REACH, you develop a bold, aspirational view of what you want your life to be in the future and take action to harmonize your growth around what matters most to you. But, achieving your full potential is difficult to do on your own. This is where your group of trusted advisors comes in, as they regularly hold you accountable, provide support and encouragement, and advise you on your growth journey. You do the same in return and in the process develop meaningful and lasting friendships.
With personal insights from the author, REACH is a real-world, “been there, done that” take on self-help that’s designed to help you maximize your potential and live your best life.
You have so much to look forward to and your future is far brighter than you can see today. So prepare yourself, choose your traveling companions wisely, and REACH.
A Desire To Help Wine Drinkers
Press For Champagne: A Guide To Enjoying The World’s Greatest Sparkling Wine gives readers the knowledge they need to select and enjoy champagne. Why was this an important book for you to write?
I think wine drinkers could be drawing so much more joy from Champagne, and I wanted to show them how. I’ve had many friends ask me about Champagne over the years, and I dispense advice as best I can. At some point, I realized that it would be a lot easier if wine drinkers had a written guide to understanding and enjoying Champagne. I thought, “Why not put all of my thoughts, advice, and other things I have to say about Champagne into a book?” The book was born out of a desire to help wine drinkers like my friends.
What is a common misconception you feel people have about Champagne?
Many people think the only time to drink Champagne is when you are celebrating. The fact is that Champagne is a very versatile wine that pairs well with food and can be enjoyed any time wine is served.
What do you hope is one thing readers take away from your book?
A reader who finishes this book will have a greater ability to appreciate, enjoy, and explore Champagne.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
I am in the beginning stages of a book about drinking and serving wines and spirits at home. I wish I could tell you when it will be available, but the Champagne book took me about five years from the conception of it to completion. I hope this one doesn’t take that long!
Author Links: Amazon | Twitter
Yet few wine drinkers truly know Champagne well enough to seize the joy they could be drawing from it. Champagne marketing and labels often confuse more than they inform. And understanding the different styles, types, and producers of Champagne – and how they align with your own personal preferences – can seem like a daunting task.
Press for Champagne leads you through a personal discovery of Champagne that removes the barriers to maximizing the joy Champagne has to offer you. Entertaining, informative, organized, and clear, Press for Champagne takes you on a journey through the broad array of Champagnes available to today’s drinkers. It shows you, through examples, how and why Champagnes differ and how to understand them, giving you the tools to develop your own preferences and explore further. This is a drinker’s guide to Champagne. Press for Champagne accompanies you on an adventure that will enhance your appreciation of Champagne and the pleasure you receive from it.
Look Deep Inside And Discover
Bible, God And Free Will takes an in-depth look at the Genesis, Scriptures, and the concept of Free Will. Why was this an important book for you to write?
I have wanted to write this book for many years. I read a lot of books about the Bible and the different interpretations that were given to the Scriptures. I have noticed some inaccuracies about Genesis in the Bible and have tried to give my own interpretation even though it may not be the most acceptable. I was very impressed to read the books of the hermits in Christian Egypt (written more than 1,000 years ago); what I liked most was their tenacity in seeking God. I have been making notes for years and a year ago I decided to structure all my notes and compose them in a book. I believe that everyone finds God where they feel. For our inner peace we need God; how we visualize or “materialize” it is not important. I considered it important to discuss the Bible, God, and Free Will in order to emphasize my view that God does not forbid us or oppose anything.
What challenges did you encounter when writing this book and how did you overcome them?
The biggest challenge I had in writing this book was how to write it so that no one would be offended by my interpretations. I tried to overcome my fears by treating the various topics with sincerity.
What do you hope is one thing readers take away from your book?
I think that those who read my book should have a very sincere introspection. They need to look deep inside and discover. They need to know who they really are and what their priorities are in life.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
I am a visual artist – abstract painting and for a long time I want to write a book about the “beauty” of abstract painting. I think in 2 years the book can be ready.
Author Links: GoodReads | Website | Facebook
In this book, I ask myself the same questions without claiming to find an answer that everyone fully accepts. There are two major theories about man’s appearance on earth: the Creationist and the Evolutionist. I believe that the two theories are not contradictory because one does not exclude the other. From my point of view, it is an inclusive relationship between them in the sense that the Creationist Theory contains the Evolution Theory. Creation does not impede evolution, on the contrary, creation “needs” evolution; the existence of time implies change and implicitly the perfection of man.
In this book, I try to present, in four parts, my opinion on certain aspects of the Bible, God, and Free Will.
This book treats the above aspects without representing any religious doctrine. It is a philosophical book which presents sensitive topics such as the Bible and God without intending to offend any religious cult. My view on some issues may be similar to Christian dogma. Of course, my Christian background may influence how the conclusions were polished, but my science education is prevalent. It should be seen and interpreted as a personal vision rather than a “religious” book.
I tried to write it in a way that everyone could understand. “Bible, God and Free Will” is addressed to all: believers, agnostics, and atheists. It aims to open the way to free thought and not be bound by ideology or doctrine patterns. I wish the readers to ask themselves questions and look for answers to each person’s fundamental issues.
LITERARY TITAN 