Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I write under the name “The Birch Twins.” Helen, my twin, didn’t live to see life, and so I write for her. I’m a full time poverty stricken doll artist who took to writing as I seemed to spend more time writing out little back stories for the characters I created. My first book The Life of LOL was written in five weeks, and was about gangsters, grifters and drifters. Lots of cartoon slapstick violence mixed with a serious message.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest novel is Poohsticks Bridge. Inspired largely by my twin, Helen and my thoughts of what our relationship would have been like, Poohsticks bridge follows the life of a small boy growing up in an old ranch house in the Pacific NorthWest. In Kindergarten, he meets a little girl and the two of the become firm friends. That friendship lasts them their whole lives as they learn to depend upon and rely upon only each other for company and comfort.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I’m rather too fond of bourbon and cigarettes. I have a desk doll named Valerie who sits on my desk in her little chair and glares at me when I try to slack off and while away time on facebook instead of writing.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I’m heavily influenced by the works of Raymond Carver, which I first read as a small child.
Alan Moore for his comic book work on the sublime Halo Jones. Ted Hughes gave me my first love of nastiness and creepiness which influenced my own poetic style. David Whale with his Radko’s war series (David is a good friend). I seethe with jealous rage that I wasn’t the one to create the universe he created with his books.
What are you working on now?
A sequel to Poohsticks bridge entitled “Tales from Belle-Starr House, and a collection of poetry and artwork yet to be titled
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I do find facebook to be quite useful once an author page has built up a following and has loyal fans. I’m also a frequent user of Bookbub.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Do every single aspect of your craft to the best of your ability, from the research, the writing, finding editors, agents, cover designers. market the hell out of your book, but also yourself. Don’t enter the room apologising but storm in there with a fanfare playing ready to tell everyone why you’re the best.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Don’t snort vodka up my nose.
What are you reading now?
Out of the Black, by David Whale.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Apart from the above sequel to Poohsticks Bridge, I’m producing an occasional comic book strip entitled The Life of Tim, which features TIm, a neurotic and suicidal office worker and his colleagues.
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?
A Carl Barks Uncle Scrooge compilation
Lewis Carrol’s Alice in Wonderland
The Asylum for Wayward Victorian Girls, by Emilie Autumn
James Blish Star trek Volume 1 screen adaptations
Author Websites and Profiles
Andrew Birch Amazon Profile
Andrew Birch’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile