Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am from Plymouth in the United Kingdom, and about to start writing my 5th thriller novel. The first I wrote when I was 16 and never submitted it for publication. I named it ‘The Shade of Darkness’ and was inspired by dark thrillers at the time. I went through a period of reading a lot of Stephen King novels in my teenage years.
My second thriller was a rushed mix of madness, it was a self-published effort and I now consider this a mistake, but all good experience which led me down a path of professional commercial fiction.
I consider ‘Mummy’s Boy’ my first true real novel (although my third and lucky attempt). This was also the book that got me a book deal.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Mummy’s Boy – it’s inspired by things I’ve witnessed growing up. It contains a mix of characters who are dealing with real issues relating to mental health, alcoholism, drug abuse, mental abuse. I managed to combine many point of views into one chilling novel where every character is a victim of each other’s behaviours.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I like to write standing up. Weird, I know – but I move around a lot in the thinking process and take lots of breaks.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Stephen King, mostly. Although I have watched and read a LOT of psychological thrillers I always wanted to write my own and become an author.
What are you working on now?
I’m currently doing structural edits for my second commercial novel out in the later half of 2020. While also planning two more books for 2021.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
NetGalley is great for early reader reviews and can copy this into retailer descriptions on the sales pages of amazon, kobo etc. I think reviews make a big difference.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Never give up. I’ve tried and failed so many times. I wrote what I considered the wrong books for me until I found my own style that worked. For instance, I always wrote books in 3rd person and I look back now and realise they were awful. I also tried writing an erotic thriller to compete with 50 Shades, and that too was a failure. All failures lead to lessons learned.
I decided to try and write a book in the first-person perspective, as if I was that character in each chapter. My writing pace picked up, my planning was improved and this was just the winning formula for me. I appreciate everyone’s style can vary, but when you find out what works for you – just run with it.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Don’t give up
What are you reading now?
Every Little Secret by Ruby Speechley. It’s really quite something and very addictive.
What’s next for you as a writer?
To renew my publishing contract, hopefully, gain new readers and more exposure.
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?
Carrie by Stephen King, Misbegotten by James Gabriel, Rose Madder by Stephen King, and Mummy’s Boy by JA Andrews – yes I’d bring my own to prove I actually wrote a published novel.
Author Websites and Profiles
JA Andrews Website
JA Andrews Amazon Profile
JA Andrews’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
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