Tell us about yourself and how we can connect with you.
My name is Andrew McDowell. I am an indie author living in Maryland. I’ve written and published fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction, and I’m also interested in writing drama. Anyone interested in learning more about my writing, or my tips on the art of creative writing, can visit my website and blog at andrewmcdowellauthor.com. You can also follow me on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Tumblr, and Goodreads.
What would you like to promote? (Add links, description, and a photo!)
I would like to promote my epic fantasy novel, Mystical Greenwood.
Description:
Dermot is a fifteen-year-old boy living in the land of Denú who has always longed for something more in life. His life changes when he encounters a gryphon and a mysterious healer. Drawn into a conflict against one determined to subjugate the kingdom, Dermot and his brother Brian are forced to leave their home. A legendary coven must now reunite, for they are Denú’s greatest hope. In the course of meeting unicorns and fighting dragons and men in dark armor, Dermot discovers a deep, sacred magic that exists within every greenwood he crosses through, but his own role in this conflict is greater than he suspects. Can he protect those he loves, or will all that’s good be consumed by darkness?
It is available in paperback, Kindle (and Kindle Unlimited), and Nook.
Amazon | B&N | BAM! | Goodreads
The cover art is also available on Deviant Art. You can buy prints, canvases, mugs, coasters, mousepads, magnets, postcards, and greeting cards.
Finally, anyone interested in also seeing anthologies and literary journals that feature my shorter works can visit my Amazon page (everything there can be found on Goodreads too).
What inspires your writing?
My writing has been inspired by a wide variety of personal interests that I’ve had throughout my
life.
What genre do you write in?
I like to write in different genres because I don’t want to confine myself or be typecast. Some of the anthologies I’ve contributed to were in fantasy and horror. But I hope to dabble some more in those and many others (mystery, science fiction, historical fiction, etc.).
What was your favorite childhood book?
That’s a hard one to answer because I’ve enjoyed a number of books in stories when I was a child. I’ve always loved the stories of Dr. Seuss and Beatrix Potter, as well as those of Reverend Wilbert Awdry (my favorite childhood TV program was indisputably Thomas & Friends). Other titles that stand out from my childhood include Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown and Owl Moon by Jane Yolen. I also always enjoyed reading books about animals; one that particularly stands out was A Whale is Not a Fish & Other Animal Mix-Ups by Melvin Berger.
How did you get started with writing?
I remember that I started writing stories when I was eleven. They were little stories, typically one page. I shared them with friends and teachers; I fancied myself a writer, but I didn’t take it all that seriously. That all changed when I sat down to write a novel at age thirteen. The more time I spent on it, the more dedicated and passionate I became about it. That was when I was definitely going to be a writer and seek publication.
Do you connect with any of the characters in your book?
I think I do connect with the main character in Mystical Greenwood. I have described Dermot as the Nature lover in me, and like him, I seek purpose in my life.
What is your favorite thing about being a blogger, writer, or author?
What I like the most about being an author is that it gives me a sense of purpose in my life outside of anything that one could possibly consider ordinary or routine. I get to share my passions and outlook through my stories. In being a blogger, I get to share my insights into the writing process and offer tips and advice for others; even those who aren’t writers have told me they have enjoyed getting a window, via my blog, into what it’s like to be a writer.
If you could have superpowers, what would they be?
I would love to have the ability to shapeshift into any animal I wish.
How did you get published?
Mystical Greenwood was published by an independent press called Mockingbird Lane Press. I’d heard about them through an author I met at the Maryland Writers’ Association (of which I’m a member). I queried them, and they were the first to offer me a contract.
What advice do you have for new writers just starting out?
My father gave me this advice once: the important thing to remember is to tell a story and tell it well. Seek to tell a good story first and foremost, and do it for yourself, not because you want to be rich and famous. Believe in yourself and your writing, and don’t give up.
What projects are you working on right now?
I’m working on the sequel to Mystical Greenwood. There are some other writing projects that I’ve worked on it partially, but I’m trying to focus primarily on the sequel right now.
Any other information you would like to include for our readers?
I have Asperger syndrome, which is a high-functioning autism spectrum disorder. It is hard for me to understand slang and vocal tones sometimes. I tend to take things seriously. But that is something I am always trying to work on.
Nosh with Chef Julie 
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