Writer Behind the Words

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Andy Brodrick is a licensed mental health counselor by day and a writer by night. He makes his home in the Ozarks and loves hiking in the scenery they provide. Though he isn’t published yet, Andy has written several novels and short stories. He’s an introvert who will almost always choose a good book and a cup of coffee over going out. However, he’s also fully aware that he would only be half of himself without some very good friends (you know who you are). A lot of people think Andy is quiet, but that’s only because they haven’t asked him about Superman, the Lord of the Rings, the Legend of Zelda, or his next writing project. Most people don’t know this, but Andy is an accomplished self-defense tactician, the kingpin of the Chocolate Chip Cookie Black Market, and a former Olympian (he’ll let you guess the sport). Also, he wrote this bio at 2am, so some of the above statements may actually be flat-out lies. He’ll let you guess those too.

Connect with him over at his blog: withoutmapsblog.wordpress.com

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Welcome to the blog, Andy! It’s so much fun to welcome a local ACFW pal here today.

So tell us… When did you first start writing?

I’ve written on and off since I was young. I remember making up and writing down stories as a kid. However, I didn’t really start taking it seriously as an adult until 2014. Since then, I’ve written two short stories and three novels. Nothing published yet, but hopefully someday!

What are you working on right now?

Right now, I am editing my first novel. It’s a suspense novel in which the lead male and female characters witness a crime and both have to be placed in witness protection. I wrote it during a season of my life where I felt invisible, so taking two characters and literally making them invisible gave me space to process those emotions. I’m also planning to write a new short story later this summer.

Wow. Sounds like a powerful story. I love how God uses our own stories to influence our writing.

Can you tell us about one of your favorite characters you’ve written so far?

My characters are real people to me, so I really like this question. One of my favorite characters is named Joe. He’s a security guard from one of my early stories. He’s pretty no-nonsense and a little rough around the edges, but he takes his job of keeping people safe very seriously and I respect him for that. When I was writing up character bios for that story, most of the characters started in their memories. Joe demanded to be started present-day and wouldn’t let me delve into his memories. I remember scribbling down somewhere that I felt like he was keeping secrets from me. About halfway through the story, I found out why. That’s all I’ll say for now.

Love it! I can’t wait to meet him someday. 🙂

What’s one of your favorite books?

It’s so hard to choose! I’ll say Iscariot by Tosca Lee. Yes, it’s the story of Judas. But it’s just as much the story of Jesus. Lee’s depiction of a Savior who is both kind and strong at the same time had an impact on me. My favorite stories are the ones that change me enough to stay with me forever.

I need to add it to my TBR list!

What is one of your favorite Scripture verses?

I love Jude 1:24-25. Those verses have carried me through some dark days. Remembering God’s ability to keep me from falling takes the pressure off me. As a person who can easily create unnecessary pressure for myself, these Scriptures are a comfort.

Thank you for sharing that. Those verses hold such comfort and strength.

Can you share with us a special moment from your writing journey so far?

A friend in our local ACFW chapter encouraged me to enter the Genesis contest this year. I had never done it before, so I submitted a couple entries not really knowing what would happen. I ended up making the semi-final round! That accomplishment is really special to me.

Writer friends are the best! 😉 I was so excited to see your name on the list. That’s a huge accomplishment. And on your first try too!!

What’s been one of the most challenging aspects of writing?

Time management has really been a challenge for me. I work full-time in a job that can be mentally and emotionally demanding. Making sure I carve out regular time to write (and using my creative energy wisely) is something I’m constantly fighting to do.

Name a few authors who inspire you.

Ted Dekker, Frank Peretti, Tosca Lee, Steven James

Can you share a word of advice to other writers out there on the road to publication?

Yes, but you might not like it — just keep writing. Keep doing the work, over and over and over. Put in your 3000 “silent hours” that nobody knows about. Stay disciplined. Steward your parcel of Kingdom land well.

Very well said. Thanks for the encouragement, Andy. So glad you could join us today. Praying the Lord continues to bless and guide you as you write for Him.

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