Interview with Andrea Cannon, Author of 'Climb'

 Nov. 17, 2020

I was privileged to invite Author Andrea Cannon for an interview to discuss her latest book Climb and the inspiration behind it. Enjoy!

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What's your book about, and what inspired you to write it?

Climb tells the story of twelve-year-old Abby Fellows as she struggles with the grief of losing her mother to cancer.

I wrote this book because I wanted to explore the wide range of emotions that can be overwhelming when we are growing up and experiencing tragedy at the same time. 

I see the current trend in bookstores with fantasy and dystopian and sci-fi books, which are great. But I think there is still an audience out there that wants to read realistic fiction - the kind of books I grew up with - like Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson.

Who is your target audience, and why do you think this book will appeal to them?

I guess my target audience is middle-school aged kids, but I like to think this book will appeal to readers of all ages. It explores real emotions and life events that so many people experience.

What message do you wish to pass across to your readers with this book?

I want my readers to understand that loss and grief and hardship are not the end of their stories. Everyone will go through hard times in their lives, and with loving people around to support them, they will get through it.

What was the hardest thing about writing your latest book?

Editing. Definitely editing.

As a writer, is there anything you've learned about yourself while writing this book?

I think the biggest lesson for me was realizing my own process. I want desperately to be a plotter, but my brain does not cooperate. So I have learned to let my ideas bloom before I start trying to wrestle them into an outline.

For your own reading, do you prefer ebooks or traditional paper/hard back books, and why?  

I absolutely love traditional books - the way they smell and feel in my hands. But an e-reader is beyond convenient. I probably spend equal amounts of time reading both formats.

What is your niche genre, and if you were to write in a different genre, what would it be?

I haven't really found my niche yet. I've tried my hand at lots of genres - children's fiction; romance; literary; short fiction. For now I am going to keep writing where inspiration leads me, and hopefully I'll find my niche in time.

What books and authors have most influenced you?

I am a sucker for classic literature. Mark Twain, George Orwell and Jane Austen are authors that I read a lot. But I also love a lot of current writers, for example Karen McManus and Nora Roberts. I also follow a lot of bloggers that have books coming out.

Is there anything you'd like readers to know about you?

I think the most important thing for people to know about me is that I am a Christian. My faith is the foundation and inspiration of my entire life.

Do you have any more books in the works?

I am currently working on a novel that is a little bit literary, a little bit dystopian, and a lot girl power. It's about knowing what you want and fighting for it, no matter the consequences.

Do you read your book reviews? How do you deal with bad or good ones?

I feel the best way to read reviews - good and bad is with an open mind. Every reader is different, and every person is entitled to his or her opinion.

How can readers get in touch with or follow you (website, personal blog, social media handle, Goodreads)?

Readers can find my short fiction and poetry at ajcannon.medium.com.
I post book reviews and randomness on mywhateverblogsite.wordpress.com.
You can also find me on Goodreads.


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Andrea Cannon is an accountant turned author. She lives in the woods of East Texas with her husband, their dogs, and all the woodland critters. Climb is her first published children's book. 


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