BooksChatter: ℚ Trapped Inside: Living with Agoraphobia

Today we have the pleasure of meeting up with author Andrew J. Hess to talk about Trapped Inside: Living with Agoraphobia (10 August 2015, Phoenix Entertainment and Development , 151 pages), a psychological drama.

Synopsis | Teaser | Author Q&A | About the Author | Giveaway & Tour Stops

Hello Andrew, and welcome to BooksChatter.

What was the inspiration for Trapped Inside: Living with Agoraphobia?

"I love psychology and found the subject of agoraphobia interesting. Part of me wanted to tap into my psychology background and bring together a story that could make people see the struggle someone faces with a disorder."

How much of yourself is reflected in this book, and how?

"I don’t really feel like there is a whole lot of me reflected in the book other than imagining what life would be like if I never had to leave my apartment."

The first thing that draws me to a book is its cover. Can you tell us about your cover for Trapped Inside: Living with Agoraphobia - why you chose that concept and who the artist is.

"BK Walker created the cover for me. I wanted it to display what the book would be about, and how the main character (Justin Ackers) feels about his disorder. He wants to escape the apartment, but is a prisoner to his own thoughts."

Why should we read Trapped Inside: Living with Agoraphobia and what sets it apart from the rest?

"Trapped Inside is a fictional book about a man dealing with agoraphobic issues. Despite it being a complete work of fiction (and should not be perceived as a way of coping), it could still bring awareness of how serious social disorders and other psychological disorders can really be."

Can you tell us something quirky about Trapped Inside: Living with Agoraphobia, its story and characters?

"The character Carolina was loosely based on two Polish women I knew from high school. They were both very sweet caring women, but also had the tendency to push others away when people got too close."

Who would you recommend Trapped Inside: Living with Agoraphobia to and what should readers be aware of (any warnings or disclaimers)?

"I think anyone could read Trapped Inside and love it. The only disclaimer I would add to it is that this is a complete work of fiction. It is not based on an actual person. But if one does battle agoraphobia or know someone who does, seeing a therapist is strongly encouraged."

If you could / wished to turn Trapped Inside: Living with Agoraphobia into a movie, who would be your dream team?

"Oh man, I get asked that about every book and it’s always so hard to choose.

I think Scott Michael Foster (Leo from Chasing Life) would be a good fit for Justin Ackers. Anne Dudek (Covert Affairs & House) for Carolina."

What do you like to write and read about? Do you stick to a particular genre or do you like to explore different ones?

"I am mostly a mystery and suspense writer, but am branching out every once in a while into other genres. Trapped Inside is more of a psychological drama. I have a few ideas for some attention grabbers, and have interest in writing romance and horror as well."

What is your writing process?

"It used to be I could write anywhere at any time and be content. I feel like the process has simplified itself to be working from home with music playing in the background or taking some time in a busier environment."

What is in store next?

"I have the second book in the Detective Ali Ryan Series (Campus Killer was book 1) coming out in early November. I have the fourth and final installment of The Phoenix Blade Series (Final Justice) coming out early next year, and may be collaborating with another author I met on Facebook to work on an edgy romance."

And as a final quirky thing, to get to know you a little bit better... do you have a pet or something that is special to you (this could be absolutely anything!)?