Ben Andrews
Scotland
United Kingdom
Good morning, Ben, and welcome to Vision and Verse, the sites for Art and Authors. Can you tell us about what you’ve written?
My first novel is called To My Grave. I started writing a year ago after losing my job due to the pandemic. After moving to Scotland, away from family and friends, I found myself in a bad way with my mental health. The age old question appeared in my mind one night of “Everyone has a book in them” and I wanted to put that to the test. Before I knew it I had unknowingly created a character with the same mental health issues I had found myself with and allowing myself to put the thoughts and feelings into a fictional character helped me understand my own issues with anxiety.
The book is a mystery drama that explores the damage that can be caused by a family who refuses to face up to their problems. I find that this issue is embedded into British families and issues that could be seen as embarrassing or bad for the family are brushed under the carpet and not spoken about.
The second novel is the sequel called Walk Over My Grave.
What is your favourite genre to write?
I love planning out a good mystery surrounded by characters who feel like real people. I enjoy writing for working class characters wrapped up in raw kitchen sink drama.
Favourite food.Being 90% vegan as my partner does most of the cooking means I follow his diet. Although you can’t go wrong with a roast dinner and piles of veg and gravy.
Tea or coffee?
Being from England I know what I’m about to say is sacrilegious but I’ve never had a cup of tea. I now drink decaf coffee but it has to have a flavoured syrup.
Pizza or ice cream?
Leftover pizza for breakfast is a regular occurrence for me so that’s an easy one!
Wine or beer or soda or what?
I gave up drinking alcohol over five years ago so I’ll always welcome a Pepsi Max and a glass of water (I promise I’m not a total bore at a party).
Where would you like to visit?
Before Covid stopped all travel I had plans to go to Japan to attend the Olympics, so that is still on top of my bucket list. The total change of culture is something that has interested me for years.
Favorite musical artist.
Can’t go wrong with country music and the queen of country is Dolly Parton!
Do you listen to music when you write? What?
A youtube channel called chilled cow is my go to. It is a 24 hour stream of relaxing music created to help you study and focus the mind. That is usually playing in the background softly as I rattle my brain.
What makes you laugh?
I love the old British sitcoms from the 80’s and 90’s. Vicar of Dibley, One Foot in the Grave and Keeping up Appearances. You can’t beat those classic jokes.
Favorite work of art or sculpture.
I find the work of Caravaggio fascinating. Not only because his work brought a new wave of modern art at the time but the stories behind the artist add another depth to the paintings.
How old were you when you started writing?
For years I stupidly boasted how I didn’t read books. I spent my childhood playing point and click video games that now looking back were just interactive books all along. In my late twenties I finally picked up a book and haven't looked back since. The depth of characterisation and story you can get from a book cannot be beaten.
Do you plan out your book with outlines and notecards? Or just write?
I always plan out my books before starting, the fear of having a huge plot hole in one of my mysteries sends shivers down my spine. I start with an initial idea or theme I want to explore and from there I create in-depth character profiles. I then plan out each chapter and point of view with bullet points for what parts of the mystery will get revealed to what character and how I can interweave the characters' own story beats into the overarching story. As I finish my first draft I usually find out things about the character I didn’t know at first and that usually allows me to add an extra twist into the story.
Describe your perfect evening.
I think a perfect ending is one that leaves you asking questions. Not everything has to be spelled out and sometimes your own imagination can create a better conclusion and allow for more discussion with others.
Where do you get your inspiration?
I worked as a hairdresser from my late teens to mid twenties. Working in a busy salon allowed me to come across a wide range of people. Being an introvert I would always be listening to others and most of my ideas and characters come from people I have met in real life.
What do you do when you get a writer's block?
I go swimming at my local gym. While swimming there is nothing to distract me and some of my greatest plot twists have appeared when I’m swimming lengths.
Who is your favorite author?
Terry Pratchett is my favourite author. The world he created in Discworld is unmatched in my mind. Even after all these years they still feel so fresh and new. His takes on society and politics are even more relevant today.
Best book you ever read.
Such a difficult question to answer. I would say A Game of Thrones stands out to me as a masterclass of changing the norms of the fantasy genre and George’s talent for making his characters feel so real is something special.
Last book you read.
The last book I read was the third book in The First Law trilogy called The Wisdom of Crowds by Joe Abercrombie.
Buy Link: http://mybook.to/ToMyGrave
What would you do for a living if you weren’t a writer?
Before the first lockdown me and my partner ran our own dog walking and boarding business. We moved to Scotland looking for a calmer life. I run a youtube channel and a podcast so I’d be doing that more full time I imagine.
Who is the one person who has influenced your personal life the most and why?
My partner has had the biggest influence on my life. Coming from a small seaside town in the south of England it was extremely tough coming out in my hometown. We have now been together for over ten years and without him who would I get to read my drafts?
If you could sit down and have a conversation with ONE person, living or dead, real or fictional, who would it be and why?
I’d love to sit down for dinner with Joan Rivers. I had always wanted to see her live and then one year she announced a tour. I booked tickets straight away and a few weeks before the tour she passed away. She was the best female comedian of her time and even now her material from the 1970’s still has me laughing out loud.
What advice would you give someone who aspired to be a writer?
I have the biggest case of imposter syndrome. I started my first book with no experience or training in how to write. I’d give the same advice another author gave me. Just write, get it down on paper and you have done the hardest part.
Do you have some links for us to follow you?
Twitter - https://twitter.com/Benand_rews
My Amazon page - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Ben-Andrews/e/B09P8Z3F6T/ref=dp_byline_cont_pop_ebooks_1
It has been a pleasure to have you here with us this morning, Ben. We at Vision and Verse wish you continued success in all your endeavors.
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