Interview with Fantasy YA Author Andean White

For thirty-five years, Andean White worked in manufacturing management for some awesome organizations making interesting products. A couple years before retiring, Andean wrote a series of travel journals with a humorous under current. Several friends and family suggested he write some short stories based on the journals—that sparked an interest in writing. Among his interests, Andean enjoys biking, fishing, travel, woodworking, golf, classic cars, and of course writing.

Welcome to my blog, Andean. Please tell us about this Fantasy/Medieval Romance, Winter’s Thief.

Winter’s Thief is a medieval-like tale of a king’s secret adoption scheme to create an heir to the throne, as the queen cannot bear children. The story takes us into the lives of the characters providing security and those who wish to see the princess dead. Oscar, the captain of the guard, instrumental in the success of the king’s scheme, has second thoughts when his farmer son meets the princess several years later. Their budding romance struggles as they battle treason, spies, revenge, assassination, kidnapping, abduction, ambush, social class, beasts, and parents.

This tale sounds intriguing. Where did you get your inspiration for this book?

For Winter’s Thief, the idea came from a completely different source than other stories. Kathryn Elizabeth Jones, mentor turned editor, asked if I would write a page and a half story inspired by a card pulled randomly from a deck. The card contained a reproduction of the Bernardo Martorell painting titled Saint George Killing the Dragon—a castle, princess, knight, and a dragon. I was not thrilled with the assignment and put it off until a couple hours before our meeting. With little time to proof, I had to be at my best. It turned out pretty good. Over the next month Kathryn talked me into five pages, ten pages, a couple of chapters, and then a book.

That is so interesting. It was as if Kathryn had to encourage and pull this story out of you. Haha. What kind of research did you have to do?

Mostly I verified a few timing concerns. For example, the date linen was first used in clothing. Also checked the names of flowers, clergy apparel, and food. The story is loosely base on medieval life, but I took a few liberties, as it is a fantasy.

Please tell us about the main character in this story and what you love about him or her.

Oscar is the Captain of the Long Bows and the king’s most trusted knight—handling the king’s secret missions. He is bound by his oath to the king, and sacrifices time with his family to be strong, efficient, prepared, and deadly. His skills are tested on assignments from transporting a newborn princess to interrogating an enemy spy. The real test is coming as some of his secrets are about to be exposed.

And yet, he is not afraid to discuss his favorite color is green because it reminds him of Spring, a new beginning. He knows thoughts of his new beginning are in conflict with his oath and reality. Lost time with Abby, his sick wife, has him wondering how his son Kendrick will survive without a father.

I’m sure adults would enjoy this novel as well. Now it’s time to tell us something about the real you that we’ll never forget.

When I tell friends and former work associates that I am a writer, their faces have the strangest expression followed by “What did you say?” Then “Really?”

My former career was details, procedures, specifications, testing results, blue prints, budgets—you get the picture—technical, with a narrow range for creativity. I am happy to say Winter’s Thief, my second book has received good reviews from many of those same people who formerly asked “What did you say?” Thankfully, I can answer “Really!”

Haha! That is great. Thanks for this wonderful interview. For those interested, you may visit Andean’s website at http://andeanwhite.com.