Andy Straka

Who?

Burned out medical equipment salesman who turned back to writing in order to finally justify my English major of many years before.

From Where?

A native of upstate New York. Lived in NY City area and Connecticut. Emigrated across the Mason-Dixon to Virginia in 1988.

Schooling?

BA from Williams College where I co-captained the basketball team and my only other noteworthy accomplishment was meeting my wife of going on twenty seven years.

Careers?

A little bit of everything -- from flipping hamburgers in a MacDonalds to auto dealer parts department, from college publishers rep in New York City to selling pharmaceuticals, orthopedic implants, imaging systems, and neurodiagnostic testing systems, vice-president/consultant for dermatology practice and medical spa.

Family?

Five children, ages twenty one down to four.


Proudest Accomplishment?

See "Family."


Most embarrassing moment?

Being sent to the principal's office in the third grade for hitting another boy in the eye with a paper airplane. His eye, at least, suffered no long term damage.


In your car CD player right now?

Bebo Norman try


Writing Routine?

I try to follow William Faulkner's advice when he said, "I only write when I'm inspired." Of course Faulkner quickly added, "Fortunately, I find myself inspired every morning at nine AM." I also belong to a semi-regular writer's group, the Moseley Writers, that meets just often enough to give me a needed kick in the pants.


Hobbies, other interests?

With five children, four still at home, I spend a lot of time doing the dad thing. A licensed falconer, enjoy hiking, canoeing. News junkie. Readaholic -- our house and our lives are filled with books -- what can I say?








MORE ON FALCONRY

Now and then I show up at book events with a hawk or falcon. Many other falconers and their birds have also appeared with me in order to help further educate the public about birds of prey, raptor conservation, and the art and science of falconry. At such events, the format typically includes both a reading/discussion about my novels and a discussion/q&a session about raptors. All individuals handling birds possess the requisite state and federal permits.