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Thursday, March 8, 2012

12 Day Reader's Event SHAMROCKS-N-SIRENS Welcomes Featured Author Andy Holloman

Shamrocks-N-Sirens 12 day Reader's Event 
is delighted to announce Today’s
Featured Author Andy Holloman
 

Writer Andy Holloman has been scribbling stories since a young age (according to reliable sources). "Shades of Gray" is his first published novel and grew out of his experiences as a travel agency owner many moons ago. He was fascinated with the true story of a client of the business that was murdered. Suspecting her line of work was drug smuggling, a story sprouted in his over-active imagination - How far would a desperate person go to save their child and their business.

He is the father of three and happily married for 20 years. A graduate of UNC-CH, he lives in the Raleigh, NC area and is busy carpooling, keeping his wife happy, and attending his kids sporting events. He loves the great outdoors in NC, is an avid reader, and a social media goofball. Most evenings, he can be found tapping on his well-worn keyboard as he "births" his next novel.



Today, Andy Holloman talks about his writing and his Thriller ‘Shades of Gray’.

What is the main premise of this book?  

To what lengths will a father go to save his child and his failing business

How long did it take you to write it? 
 I began writing in 2003 and continued until I considered the book finished, which took 2.5 years.
Then I put the MS on a shelf and revised it when I received interest from a publisher, which all happened about Feb. of 2011. So I would estimate a total of approx. 3 years.

Who’s your favorite character in it? 

I tend to enjoy the "bad" guys the most and thus my favorite character is my baddie, Jamel Scott.

When reading, do you prefer eBook or paperback? 

I prefer paperback. However, I received a Kindle a few months ago an eBooks may soon become my favorite.

What projects are you currently working on? 

I don't have any new novels in progress right now.

What is something that surprised you about being an author?  

I was surprised how much "re-writing" is involved in writing a novel. I hadn't envisioned that this process (for me) would take up just as much time as the actual drafting of the book.

What one word describes how you feel when you write? 

Energized

Who designed this cover?  

A great friend, Matt Taft who is a very talented graphic designer. Also, my sister is a painter and the background is her work.

Can you tell us about an early childhood memory?   

Tent camping in Vermont with my family on the way to the Worlds Fair in Montreal in 1967.

Do you ever write in your PJ’s?  

Yes, except when I'm writing in a coffee shop!

What are your pet peeves?   

People giving answers to questions when they really should be saying they "Don't know".

What’s your favorite beverage? 

Mountain Dew. The Official Soft Drink of the South. *wink*

So do you like to cook?   

Yes. I do most of the cooking for my family.

What’s your favorite ice cream?  

Ben and Jerry's Cookie Dough.

Do you normally eat for breakfast, or do you skip it and get straight to work?  

Yes, usually a bagel.

What is something you never leave home without (apart from keys, money and phone)? 
Gotta have my glasses now that I'm approaching 50!

Do you sleep in or get up early? 

My sleep schedule revolves around getting my kids off to school. Sometimes I sleep in on Sundays.

Which do you use most for writing on, laptop or desktop?

Laptop
 
What's your favorite gadget?

Love my Iphone.

Where and when do you prefer to do your writing?  

I typically write after my children are in bed (after 9pm) and on Sundays. I prefer to write at home.

What are your thoughts on receiving book reviews... the good and the bad?

Book reviews are very important to me. I crave feedback regardless of whether it is favorable or not.

If you were deserted on an island, who are three famous people you would want with you? 

The Dalai Lama, Steven Speilberg, and Scarlett Johansson (for scenery)

What’s your bucket vacation?  

3 weeks camping across Australia.

Your favorite quote?

"I don't like writing. I like - having written." Gloria Steinem (probably)

List three books you’ve just recently read and would recommend.

The Ninth District by Dorow
The Road by Mccarthy
Replay by Grimwood

If your book was made into a TV series or Movie, what actors would you like to see playing your characters?
Main Character (John Manning) - Phillip Seymour Hoffman  
Wanda - Jada Pinkett Smith
 
12.  Where can your readers stalk you?  
Twitter @AndyHolloman



MARCH 9th
 DAY 5 OF A 12 DAY EVENT!
FOR INFORMATION ON HOW TO ENTER EVENT CONTESTS, READ BELOW.

6 comments:

  1. Good to hear you don't wear your PJs to the coffee shop!

    I hear about re-writing and editing. People who are not writers have no idea how much work it truly is (exception being if they're married to one).

    I love the baddies too!

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  2. You would have even more thrillers in mind after three weeks camping in AU. Bring your spider stompers!

    Helen

    p.s. I love the title: Shades of Gray. It's on my Kindle awaiting some unhurried time :)

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  3. Enjoyed the interview, Andy! For those of you who don't know, Andy is a great twitter buddy!

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  4. Andy, I enjoyed Shades of Gray. Now hurry up and craft another!

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    Replies
    1. I bought Andy's book back in December during our Mystery Event. It's on my TBR list : )

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  5. Great interview! I love the "bad guys" too :)

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