An Interview with Andrea Corwin

Andrea Corwin is a Washington State adventure novelist and scary-story writer. In years past, her free verse poetry was published in the Christian Science Monitor Home Forum, small press literary magazines, and local newspapers. She has written human resource blogs and local opinion pieces and has been published in Bereavement Magazine. After a small break, she now has short fiction stories, non-fiction, and poetry, as well as “first chapter” contest entries online with Vocal Media.com and reedsyprompts.

Who/what made you want to write? Was there a particular person, or particular writers/works/art forms that influenced you?

I have always loved reading, especially historical and science fiction. My poetry frequently includes nature poems written in my head on walks in the woods or during wildlife encounters. I frequently take photos and base some poems on the photos.

What inspired you to start writing this book?

I retired shortly after getting a much-needed hip replacement. While recuperating from the surgery, the main character, Ebby, popped into my head. I wanted the book to reflect an alternate reality with a few truths woven through. Location was important, so it is based where I live and includes some well-known locales.

Tell us the story of your book’s title. Was it easy to find, or did it take forever?

Ebby’s Coalition was not the book’s first name. It was originally called Tribes and Coalitions but evolved once I realized that the protagonist, Ebby, was the catalyst who created the coalition. Not only did the title evolve, but more characters came, so the sequel is almost completed.

Describe your dream book cover.

Picture this. A teen girl with long dark hair is standing on the shore of Commencement Bay, gazing at Mount Rainier in the distance. Behind her is a huge forest of Northwest fir trees as a backdrop.

What other professions have you worked in? What’s something about you that your readers wouldn’t know?

I retired from the General Services Administration, where I managed benefits and retirement counseling for federal employees. I also worked as a technical advisor in information security on their Human Resources IT system.

What is one thing you hope readers take away from reading your book? How do you envision your perfect reader?

I hope readers of Ebby’s Coalition will enjoy the adventure as she builds her coalition and stays safe from the rogue government that caused her family’s destruction. The varied ages and idiosyncrasies of the characters in the book will pull readers in, and they will find themselves rooting for all the misfits.

Are you a writer, too? Submit your manuscript to Atmosphere Press.