Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I have written three business books, but now I enjoy writing fiction that focuses on strong female and male characters in a contemporary setting. I have published three books so far: “Tess Awakening,” “Tess Valkyrie” and “Tess Valkyrie Awakening.”
My background heavily influences what I write today. I was an Army Officer, which helps me develop realistic stories about the military. As a business executive, I write credible background stories. Mostly, due to my education in Political Science and International Relations I have an intense interest in contemporary events domestically and in the International arena.
My novels are built around the characters of Tess and Jake. The first two books in the series starting with ‘Tess Awakening’ and a sequel titled ‘Tess Valkyrie.’ Based on real contemporary events, the stories reflect the challenges of international political developments in the Middle East and the issues that professional women experience in today’s world. True to life, I address many aspects of people’s lives, starting with the second Iraq War and ending in the current era. Action, intrigue, deceit, obsession, sensuality, the use of wealth to achieve one’s goals and the struggle between corruption and ethics are a constant theme.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is ‘Tess – Valkyrie Awakening.’ This combines the previous two books into a complete story.
I have been told that Tess is one of the strongest female characters in fiction today. She starts as a military helicopter pilot, driven and relentless, who fights in Iraq believing she is on the right side of history. Gradually, she is influenced by the views of her partner Jake, a brilliant CIA agent, who experienced first-hand the effects of misguided policy and corruption. Both of the characters are distressed at how the war in Iraq and its aftermath was handled by the U. S.
As an author, perhaps I am too bold, but I sincerely believe that the U. S. was directly responsible for generating the current chaos in the Middle East. Our own military casualties are tragic enough, but the loss of life among the Iraqis has been nothing less than appalling. Furthermore, we have created conditions that spawned the emergence of radical Islamists such as ISIS. We will be paying for our missteps for years, and have generated hatred against us that will last for generations.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I find myself unable to follow good advice about how to write efficiently. I don’t develop an outline beforehand. I don’t even know where I am headed, I just let the story go where it wants to go. Occasionally I get stuck, and I have to pull back until the story progresses to a logical conclusion almost organically. I don’t get up early or write into the night. I put in a good work day. Even though I am writing a series, I ensure that each book is stand-alone and of the proper length. I am very concerned with quality, and even though the stories are published in e-book format, they are actually intended for delivery as printed books.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I love the classics: Shakespeare, Tolstoy, Dickens, and Melville. Contemporary authors that influenced me are Stephen King; Kurt Vonnegut; Joseph Heller, the latter masterfully depicting the struggle of soldiers to maintain the sanity while trying to fulfill their duties. I read most of Tom Clancy’s books and Clive Cussler before he started to outsource writing. I like Dean Koontz, David Baldacci and Daniel Silva. I am a fan of historical books, having read most of Churchill’s works and many other works of history ranging from Roman, Medieval, Renaissance, and the world wars. I remain amazed how humanity keeps making the same mistakes.
What are you working on now?
Tess, Jake and the gang are now trying to address the worldwide problem of human trafficking and sexual slavery, from the horrific conditions in the developing world to the debauchery of the upper classes in Europe and the U. S. The subject is too large for one book, and will develop into a series.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I haven’t done much to promote my books. I am still testing my waters and pay considerable attention to the reviews that my readers write. I want to meet their expectations and continue to deliver quality.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Just write. Follow your heart and get it done.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Write – Now!
What are you reading now?
Daniel Silva “The English Spy,” Dean Koontz “The City,” David Baldacci “The Target,” Kip Thorne “The Science of Interstellar,” Ernle Bradford “The Great Siege of Malta.”
What’s next for you as a writer?
More of the same. With Tess and her gang, I have built a platform that is suitable for addressing many contemporary issues of interest.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Dante’s “The Divine Comedy,” Stephen King’s “The Stand,” Margaret Mitchell’s “Gone with the Wind,” Umberto Eco’s “The Name of the Rose.”
Author Websites and Profiles
Andres Mann Amazon Profile