“I’m a part-time unicorn … and fairy, and princess. When I’m not writing, I work at children’s parties, festivals and other events as a face painter and storybook character.”
–Andrea Eames
A member of the Writers’ League of Texas since June, Andrea Eames lives in Austin, TX.
Scribe: In what genre(s) do you write?
Andrea Eames: So far I have published literary fiction and poetry. My first two books, The Cry of the Go-Away Bird and The White Shadow, were set in my native Zimbabwe and published by Random House UK. One is a novelized autobiography of my childhood growing up under Mugabe’s dictatorial regime, and the other is set in the civil war of the 60s and 70s before Zimbabwean Independence. I released my first poetry collection this year. I am also working on two YA fantasy novels — I’ve always wanted to publish a fantasy novel!
Scribe: What author would you most like to have a drink with, and what’s the first question you would ask them?
AE: I was lucky enough to have coffee with my hero, Peter S. Beagle, and as I recall, I asked him about his experience writing The Last Unicorn. If I could choose another, it would be Terry Pratchett, who sadly passed away recently, and my question would be, “What the hell is going on?” I’m sure his answer would be entertaining.
Scribe: If you were stranded on a deserted island, what book would you want to have with you to keep you sane?
AE: That’s a tough question. I have so many favorite books. I would probably take The Last Unicorn, by Peter S. Beagle. The wisdom in there is worth a hundred self-help books.
Scribe: What have you learned from your association with the Writers’ League?
AE: I’ve only just joined, but I’m so excited to get to know other Texas authors and to become more a part of the community here.
Scribe: Where do you see your writing taking you (or you taking it) in the future?
AE: I’m no longer with my previous publisher and made my first venture into self-publishing this year with my poetry. I would like to find a traditional publisher for my third novel and for the YA novels, but I’m also excited to explore other kinds of publishing. My business partner Jenna Opperman and I are starting a small poetry press here in Austin.
Scribe: Here at the Writers’ League, we love sharing book recommendations. What’s one Texas-related book that has come out within the past year that you couldn’t put down?
AE: Mary Helen Specht’s Migratory Animals!**
Scribe: Is there anything else about you that you would like to share with the world? An opportunity for blatant self-promotion!
AE: Well, I’m a part-time unicorn … and fairy, and princess. When I’m not writing, I work at children’s parties, festivals and other events as a face painter and storybook character.
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Thanks, Andrea!
If you’re a Writers’ League member and you’d be interested in being interviewed for our Meet the Members feature, email us at member@writersleague.org for more information. It’s a great way for other members to get to know you and for you to share a bit about what you’re working on!
**Migratory Animals won the Writers’ League of Texas 2015 Book Award for Fiction. You can view the full list of winners on our website.
