Today we’d like to introduce you to Andrew Hess.
Hi Andrew, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My art of storytelling began in 5th grade during my Mrs. Stoneburner’s creative writing club, My teacher always said I crafted the most interesting stories. I didn’t realize the path my life would inevitably take. I always thought I would be a teacher or a pro wrestler. It wasn’t until I started reading Edgar Allan Poe short stories and James Patterson novels that I decided to give writing a chance again. I began with free verse poetry and a government conspiracy novel. It evolved into detective novels, where I thrived in the world of mystery and suspense.
Today, I have published 27 books spanning mystery/suspense; romance/suspense; psychological thrillers; free verse poetry; children’s mid-grade; and children’s early reader genres.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I don’t think any business has a smooth ride, especially when you’re an indie author. You are the sole person responsible for your own success, which means you need to wear a lot of hats- writer, promoter, I even design my own covers. Photographer had become one of my favorite roles. I had a small group of friends who volunteered to be models for photoshoots to help with promotional pictures, teasers, and book covers.
Book signings were another piece of the author life where you get to have a lot of fun, but you also don’t know what to expect. Sometimes the place is packed, and other times, you’re lucky if a handful of people show up. It’s unpredictable, but every experience teaches you something new and keeps things interesting!
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I have been an indie published author since 2011. I mostly write mystery/suspense but dabble in romance/suspense and write children’s books as well. My most notable book is called Campus Killer (it is book 1 of the Detective Ryan Series). Most detective books are one-sided and typically from a male perspective. I wanted to change it up. I wrote the Detective Ryan Series from a female detective perspective and also give the killer’s perspective to give more substance and meaning behind the homicides. I wanted the readers to have a reason to care about the victims, understand the killer, and cheer on the detective.
I am most proud of my ability to look for creative ways to make my books standout. I have a cozy mystery series where I included my own recipes in the back of the book (Sugar and Spice Mysteries). I find ways to connect books from one series to another, creating their own universe. I wrote a children’s mid-grade book and connected the father of the twins to the main character of a male detective series I penned and completed years ago.
What makes you happy?
I love getting the chance to talk to readers. I want to know what they like and dislike about my books. Without them, I am nothing, and their criticism is received with consideration to current and future books. There was one time where one of my loyal readers had been chosen to beta read a book in the Detective Ryan Series. She hated it and reamed me out over the content. I rewrote more than half the book until she was happy with the end product.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B00COCQJ5M?ccs_id=5f2bc0fd-5c15-4e31-8e6c-a7e54bbde1ed
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/author_andrew_hess13/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Phoenix1369
