Ask the Author: Andrew Shaffer
Answered Questions (34)
Andrew Shaffer
Thanks! And -- truthfully -- I was not a Bernie fan prior to researching the book. I was solidly behind both Hillary and Joe the past couple of primaries, and so didn't really give Bernie a look. I was also influenced by media portrayals of "Bernie bros," which I learned were pretty much trumped-up BS. While researching Bernie, I learned that much of what I thought I knew about him was wrong.
You can't help but respect him -- he's been entirely consistent in his messaging for fifty years. He didn't change for anyone...he waited for them to come around to him. I'm disappointed we'll probably never get to see what a Bernie presidency would have looked like. (Don't tell Joe I said that.)
You can't help but respect him -- he's been entirely consistent in his messaging for fifty years. He didn't change for anyone...he waited for them to come around to him. I'm disappointed we'll probably never get to see what a Bernie presidency would have looked like. (Don't tell Joe I said that.)
Andrew Shaffer
Thanks for reading! Unfortunately, Joe is simply too busy to spend time off being a detective. He barely has time for pilates! While there are no plans for a third book, never say never...
Andrew Shaffer
Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it. For now, it's strictly a one-off. I do want to send him on a cruise, though...
Andrew Shaffer
Signed copies are available in my store at andrewshaffer.com. Also, if you already have a copy pre-ordered, I can send you a free signed bookplate (sticker) for your book. Details in my store!
Andrew Shaffer
Thanks! I had an idea for a Joe Biden mystery early in his vice presidency--something about those aviator shades. It wasn't until their final month in office, when all the "bromance" memes were going around, that the missing piece clicked...Obama! It had to be them together, or not at all. A third book was planned but scrapped when Joe launched his bid for president. The primaries were particularly divisive on the left, and once Joe became president he changed from the fun Uncle into the stern Dad. He's got too much on his plate to solve mysteries. I've pivoted to another politician, however--FEEL THE BERN: A BERNIE SANDERS MYSTERY comes out this December. It's a small-town cozy set in Vermont. A different vibe than the Obama Biden books, but just as humorous in my humble opinion.
Andrew Shaffer
Discussing the possibilities right now with my agent and editor... Joe running for president (and the wild campaign) threw a wrench into the story that I had planned, so I will need to go back to the drawing board completely...
Andrew Shaffer
I was born in Cedar Rapids, although we lived in Fairfax (and later Ely)--which were small towns once upon a time, but feel more like suburbs these days. Went to Prairie High School and Kirkwood Community College, and later the U of I. Finally moved away about ten years ago. My family still lives in the Cedar Rapids area, so I make it back (from Kentucky) a few times a year--and, when I can, stop in at Next Page Books in New Bohemia.
Andrew Shaffer
For a traditional skin-mount, it's considered a major faux pas to substitute another animal's hide. At that point, you might as well just cast the entire piece using fiberglass or resin (a "reproduction" mount), and use artificial fur. Cat fur is not an adequate substitute for bison fur, as bison fur is much thicker. An accomplished taxidermist should be trained in both styles (skin-mounts and reproductions). I would take pictures of the animal (in its original state) and a gym bag with the pieces you have left to a professional taxidermist, and let them advise you which route to go.
Andrew Shaffer
Bury the hatchet in a neighbor's head. Let them figure out what to do with it.
Andrew Shaffer
When you say "went to the bathroom," do you mean that you had a bowel movement? If so, this is nothing to be overly worried about. The symptoms you describe are typical with chronic constipation. Add fiber to your diet--and possibly a magnesium supplement--and future bowel movements will be much less dramatic.
Andrew Shaffer
I never post in the online message boards, but I do haunt them...
Andrew Shaffer
I was born in 1978, at the tail end of Generation X.
Andrew Shaffer
Good question. I don't address the issue in either of the first two books in the series. For years, there have been montages floating around the internet of Joe getting close to women at public events (many of which featured Photoshopped or out of context photos, which made them easy to dismiss). The women speaking up is a recent phenomenon. I'm listening to their stories, and am curious to see what the political ramifications will be. There aren't any plans for a third book at this time.
Andrew Shaffer
In order to get into the heads of my subjects, I use a shrinking ray to miniaturize myself so that I can fit into my tiny spaceship, which I then fly into the subject's head via the ear canal, where I wait for them to fall asleep. Then I simply write down what they're dreaming about. It's all quite routine.
Andrew Shaffer
I've been called worse. Incidentally, I was in Washington last night and walked past the White House. It's in decent shape for its age, but my wife and I have been looking into newer homes (at least post-1900). I don't think the house will work for us, so I'm going to have to pass.
Andrew Shaffer
Thanks, Mark! Indeed, there will be a second adventure for the "Democratic Duo"...Obama and Biden will ride again next year in HOPE RIDES AGAIN!
Andrew Shaffer
There aren't any plans just yet for a film or television adaptation, but you never know--fingers crossed! And which part do you want to play? I want to lock down Nicolas Cage for Joe Biden, but the other parts are wide open...
Andrew Shaffer
Hello, Chris! Indeed, you do need it in your life. The story has strong bromantic elements, like any good buddy-cop type story. The good news is there are several ways to score an ARC. You can win an advance copy in Quirk Books' giveaway here on Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ (/giveaway/en...). You can also request an ebook ARC through NetGalley or Edelweiss, if you're a blogger, librarian, or bookseller. And, last but not least, ARCs may be available at either BEA or BookCon this spring (we're still working out the details, so don't quote me on it!). As for sequels...stay tuned.
Andrew Shaffer
Good questions, Carol! I first realized I had health anxiety -- the medical term for hypochondria -- when I walked into my doctor with a lengthy list of terminal and chronic maladies and he referred me to a psychiatrist. "What's a psychiatrist going to do for someone like me who has brain cancer, lyme disease, and MS all at the same time?" I asked skeptically.
Of course, I had none of the above. I was, in fact, one of the physically healthiest twentysomethings he had ever treated. The key word is "physically." Mentally, I was a wreck. I spent hours a day researching my "symptoms," on message boards with other hypochondriacs. The worst thing for a hypochondriac is another hypochondriac. Throw us all in a chat room online, and everyone will be convinced they're dying within fifteen minutes.
I've since learned to handle my health anxiety with a combination of psychiatric medication and talk therapy. I've had "real" health issues unrelated to my health anxiety -- that's life. However, if I can avoid going down a WebMD or Yahoo Answers rabbit hole (and leave the diagnosis up to my doctor), I feel that I've successfully cleared a major hurdle.
My Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ profile photo was taken 13 years ago. I keep getting older, but I keep using younger and younger pictures of myself. Soon my author photo will be a baby pic, followed, finally, by an egg.
Of course, I had none of the above. I was, in fact, one of the physically healthiest twentysomethings he had ever treated. The key word is "physically." Mentally, I was a wreck. I spent hours a day researching my "symptoms," on message boards with other hypochondriacs. The worst thing for a hypochondriac is another hypochondriac. Throw us all in a chat room online, and everyone will be convinced they're dying within fifteen minutes.
I've since learned to handle my health anxiety with a combination of psychiatric medication and talk therapy. I've had "real" health issues unrelated to my health anxiety -- that's life. However, if I can avoid going down a WebMD or Yahoo Answers rabbit hole (and leave the diagnosis up to my doctor), I feel that I've successfully cleared a major hurdle.
My Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ profile photo was taken 13 years ago. I keep getting older, but I keep using younger and younger pictures of myself. Soon my author photo will be a baby pic, followed, finally, by an egg.
Andrew Shaffer
Bill O'Reilly may be gone from Fox News, but he's still right here -- in our hearts.
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