Where do you hail from and what do you love most about your hometown?
I come from Bearwood, a small town just outside Birmingham, the UK’s second largest conurbation. When I was growing up, I loved the fact that – despite being so close to a major city, there were miles and miles of woodlands and parks to play in.
As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
An Astronaut. I was influenced by the first Moon landing and seriously set my sights on reaching out for the stars through a career in the military.
Tell us about your latest book.
It’s called “Guardian Angels” and I’d introduce them like this:
A small boy runs in front of a truck.
Miners trapped in the aftermath of a devastating underground explosion have no hope of escape.
A stricken passenger aircraft plunges thousands of feet towards the earth below.
Everyone survives!
Why?
Because they are among the first in a number of miraculous interventions that heralds to the world that, “Guardian Angels”, blessed with extraordinary powers and incredible technology, actually exist!
While society in general reacts with euphoria, not everyone is pleased!
There are those in power and those within the criminal underworld, who seek to counter the threat they feel these awesome newcomers represent.
Early confrontations ensue, leaving many hungry for retribution, and their revenge is exacted at a terrible price in lives and suffering.
The resulting deaths do succeed in creating a backlash that causes people to lose hope in their newfound friends, and which changes public opinion forever.
Is the fairy tale over before it even begins?
“Guardian Angels” is a powerful and compelling story about the catalyst that could at last, galvanize society to unite and look towards the future with hope.
Sadly, it also reveals how fragile such a spark of hope could be.
Do you have anything new in the works and can you tell us a bit about it?
I’m currently writing one of the new “Cambion Chronicles – The Rage of Augustus”.
It describes the life and adventures of Augustus Thorne, someone touched by evil before he was even born. Tell me what you think of the blurb:
They say that, “Revenge is a dish best served cold.”
Well, whoever they are, have never met Augustus Thorne.
Born a Cambion–a human/demon hybrid–and cursed with a terrible hunger he can barely control, Augustus spends his long and lonely life hunting down and exterminating any and all Incubi and Succubae he can find.
Of course, his dream is to find one demon in particular…The foul scum who attacked his mother and caused his nightmare existence to begin in the first place…His own father!
Driven by rage, his quest leads Augustus down through the centuries and around the world until suddenly, unexpectedly, it appears fate has handed him his heart’s desire.
However, not all is as first appears and the revelations Augustus uncovers are mind boggling. As he finally corners his father in London, events take an unexpected twist.
Is revenge served upon a bed of scalding rage?
Only time will tell, as you discover the awful truth yourself in…
Book One of the Cambion Journals – The Rage of Augustus
Is there anything you find particularly challenging about writing?
Finding the time to put all my ideas down and giving them the attention they deserve.
What advice would you give to writers just starting out?
Don’t give up! It’s a hard business to break into. So, take your time to make sure your idea, your concept is fresh – new – a novel approach to a popular theme. Then believe in it. Make it as polished and as tight as you can. Do your homework! Ensure that what you present will knock the socks of anyone reading it.
Do you ever suffer from writer’s block? If so, what do you do about it?
I don’t really believe in writers block. I carry a pad and make lots of notes about current plot themes and developments – and future ones too. Get something down – every day. Even if its polishing what you’ve already written.
Who is your favorite author and why?
I don’t have just one particular favorite. It would depend on the genre. Raymond E Feist, J.R. Rain, Tad Williams, Julian May, Trudi Canavan, John Grisham & Tom Clancy are long established reads, although I’m starting to get into Laura DeLuca and Suzanne Collins now too.
What books have most influenced your life?
To Kill a Mockingbird. Prejudice, preconception, standing up for what is right.
My Family & Other Animals. Adapting to a different way of life if it ever gets presented to you.
I Robot. Wow! What if…
The bible. So much in there IF you dig. I’ve read it cover to cover more than a dozen times now.
How did you deal with rejection letters?
I learnt from them if they offered advice and didn’t take it personally if it was a standard “yawn” letter. Fortunately, Once Guardian Angels was completed in its current format, I was accepted within 3 months by someone with true vision J
What tools do you feel are must-haves for writers?
Strong – nuclear – coffee and silence. When I’m researching, good relaxing background music. I usually listen to Enya or Julia Thornton.
Where do you as an author draw the line on gory descriptions and/or erotic content?
If it fits the context, I use it. But I write it well! Guardian Angels contains a great deal of action and suspense. Some of it is graphic because of disasters that occur, but it’s never gory. There is little reference to sex. However, The Cambion Journals is an entirely different beast. Cambions are human/Incubi hybrids. Those supernatural beings feed on the heightened emotions of their human targets. Their very nature is sexual, so – although the story is fast paced and action packed – it has much stronger scenes of a sexual nature in it. The greatest tool we have as writers is the reader’s own mind. Creating a picture is what we aim to do, so, although strong – such scenes can still leave a great deal to the imagination. Let your audience fill it in.
Don’t forget to give us links to your website etc.
Andrew P Weston
Author of the Guardian Series
Website: www.andrewpweston.com
Blog: http://andrewpweston.blogspot.gr/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/WestonAndrew
Andrew P. Weston
If you had the power to make a difference…would you?
Andrew P Weston was born in the city of Birmingham, UK and grew up in the towns of Bearwood and Edgbaston, eventually attending Holly Lodge Grammar School for Boy’s where he was School Captain and Head Boy.
He was an active sportsperson for the school, college and a variety of rugby, martial art, swimming and athletics teams throughout the city.
On graduation in 1977 he joined the Royal Marines fulfilling a number of roles both in the UK and abroad.
In 1985 he became a police officer with the Devon & Cornwall Constabulary, and served in a variety of uniformed and plain clothed departments until his retirement in 2008.
Over those years, he wrote and illustrated a selection of private books for his children regarding the life of a tiny kitten, called, “The Adventures of Willy Whiskers”, gained further qualifications in Law and Religious Studies, was an active member of Mensa and continued to be an active sportsperson, providing lessons free of charge to local communities.
An unfortunate accident received on duty meant Andrew had to retire early from the police force, but after moving to the sunny Greek island of Kos to speed up his recuperation, he was at last able to devote time to the “Guardian Concept” he had developed over his years in the military and police.
When not writing, Andrew enjoys Greek dancing and language lessons, being told what to do by his wife, Annette, and hunting shadows in the dark.
Andrew is now contracted to Pagan Writers Press for two books.
“Fairy Tail”, is a dark and gritty paranormal thriller with a twist.
The second book, “Guardian Angels” is the introductory book to the “Guardian Series”, a sci-fi/fantasy epic set in the near future.
Further work on the Guardian Series and a new paranormal series has been completed and will hopefully be presented soon.
Author Links
Website / Blog / Twitter / Facebook
Guardian angels
By
Andrew P. Weston
Guardian Angels, book 1
Science Fiction/fantasy
August 31, 2012
In a series of terrifying events, otherworldly beings intervene to save innocent lives. The world community reacts with relief as they realize that angels may in fact exist, and they are diligently protecting us.
But there are those who would seek to stop what they feel is a threat against their livelihoods. How far will some go to battle the Guardians? Is the fairy tale over before it even begins?
Guardian Angelsis a powerful and compelling story about the catalyst that has the power to unite society in the hope for a better future. The spark of hope is fragile—can it last?
Buy Link
Excerpt: (Unedited)
Luigi decided to toast himself and his accomplishments again. Finding his glass empty, he rang the bell for a top up, and continued to gloat, firmly believing he was beyond accountability.
When the door to the study opened a few minutes later and Gianni, the housekeeper, came in with his favorite Black Pearl Louis XIII cognac on a silver tray, he insisted the old servant stay with him and drink to his success. “Come, Gianni, stay, celebrate with me. Good times should be shared with trusted friends.”
The gesture wasn’t missed by Gianni. At fifty-five thousand dollars a bottle, the cognac was one of the most expensive in the world, and he quickly poured a generous helping into two glasses. As he handed one to his boss, he paused momentarily to savor the bouquet of the blended flowers, fruits, spices, and the deep amber color of the aromatic liquid. “You’re looking particularly pleased with yourself today, young Sir. Good news?”
“It’s the very best of news, Gianni, and one that appears to be maturing with age.” He replied without looking away from the screens.
The old housekeeper tossed down his drink in one and shuffled to stand deferentially behind his employer. He listened as yet more reports of the suffering caused by the missile detonations were announced. “That mess doesn’t look like there’s much to be happy about, Sir. Surely that doesn’t please you, does it?”
“Aah, Gianni, sometimes, when you need to make a point, you have to catch your enemy’s attention,” Luigi replied. “You have to ensure they not only respect you, but fear you. I’m pleased because I’ve done just that. Wouldn’t you agree, my old friend?”
When no reply was forthcoming, Luigi naturally assumed the old housekeeper must have been unable to hear his question. Turning in his seat, he felt a peculiar throbbing, tingling sensation in his teeth and sinuses. “I said ‘wouldn’t you agr . . . .’”
Luigi’s voice choked off in his throat as he caught sight of Gianni’s eyes. The distinctive, familiar, lazy old eyes of his long-time employee seemed to be undergoing some kind of metamorphosis. Gone was the semi-vacant, un-focused faraway look he always seemed to display as he pottered about. Instead, Luigi was looking into the hardest, most piercing eyes he had ever seen, eyes that seemed to glow with an inner furnace to match the cold look of rage chiseled onto his face.
The shock made him drop his glass onto the carpet, spilling about three thousand dollars worth of the deep amber nectar.
Transfixed he watched as Gianni’s body straightened, grew, and bulked out. As the years fell away from his face, he realized without a doubt that he was going to fully shoulder the burdens his choices had wrought.
Before him stood his own personal living nightmare made flesh, dressed from head to toe in black. Instantly he felt the fire rising within him, straining for release.
The Guardian stepped forward, making the barest of gestures with his finger as he did so, and Luigi found himself lifted into the air by some unseen force. He was held motionless, helpless as a puppet awaiting the commands of his master.
Nodding at the screens, the Guardian spoke. “Allow me to introduce myself. I am Andrew, Guardian Lord of Shadow Operations. Did you seriously think you’d get away with something like this?”
Luigi stared defiantly back, fighting to overcome his shock at the Guardian’s presence, and surprised at the lack of access to his ability. “Do what you want, asshole, at least the world sees you as the frauds I knew you were!” he hissed.
“Do what I want? I’d love to, but unfortunately my boss won’t let me.”
Luigi stared impotently back at his nemesis as he strolled closer. Once he was standing in front of him, the Shadow Lord said, “As for exposing us as frauds? Well, I really don’t know why you would think that. We never said or intimated we could be everywhere at once. The world’s a sad enough place as it is without you adding to it. All we are doing is trying to help people avoid as much heartbreak as possible.”
Andrew pointed to the repeat bulletins on the screens. “So, once the world finds out that all this was the deliberate act of some sick and twisted psycho who didn’t care how many suffered, just so long as he could score some points, how do you think they’ll react to you, Luigi?”
The point struck home. Luigi struggled in an attempt to slap the Guardian across the face, to do something to help vent the building fury inside him.
Helpless, he continued stewing as the Guardian moved so close he was able to whisper in his ear. “And when they find out about your abilities, can you even begin to imagine how they’ll react to that? You worthless, spineless, pathetic little man. I really wish they’d let me play with you before we throw you to the wolves.”
“Fuck off, asshole, you don’t scare me.”
“Scare you?” Andrew smiled wickedly. “Oh no, Luigi, that’s not my job. That’s hers!”
The Guardian gestured behind Luigi at the same moment he let go with his telekinesis. Although Luigi only dropped about a foot, he crumpled to the floor, becoming acutely aware that the strange throbbing in his teeth was even more pronounced than before.
Turning, Luigi was met with a vision of such barely contained power and fury that he immediately soiled his pants.
Andrew squatted beside him. “Allow me to introduce you to the head of our investigations branch. This is Victoria, our Lord Inquisitor, and she’s very pleased to meet you after all the suffering you’ve caused.”
Victoria stood in front of the TV screens, wreathed in a visible static discharge that blew the circuits of all the electrical equipment in the office and made the hairs on Luigi’s arms and head stand on end. Her eyes, so similar to those of the Shadow Lord, intensified in luminosity and turned from grey to white hot. Luigi shielded his eyes and cowered on the floor in his own excrement.
What a fool I am. He thought.
In reply to his thoughts, the Shadow Lord said, “Yes Luigi, what a murderous, cowardly fool of a man you are. I think the whole world will agree when they find out, eh?”
