I started writing this book in Elementary school if you can believe that.

Andrew S. Cohen – 8 September 2023

The Back Flap

Eleven-year-old Andrew Mikaelson lives in Wayveryln, New Jersey with his caring mother, annoying kiss-up stepfather, and lazy, but fun step-uncle. But when a brutal serial killer, known as “The Knife Thrower,” begins killing residents, the town of Wayveryln is rocked. The Knife Thrower is cunning, quick, and can stab someone by throwing his knife—from any distance.

Andrew and fifteen other adolescents have been selected to participate in the annual Murder Mystery Race that can occur anywhere around the world. The competitors must go on a cruise that the Knife Thrower is on. The first person to capture the Knife Thrower receives the coveted award of one million dollars. Andrew makes friends and enemies, and alongside the other contestants, goes through many obstacles. For Andrew to identify the Knife Thrower, he must show ambition, resilience, and bravery.

About the book

What is the book about?

A brutal serial killer known as the Knife Thrower starts to kill the residents of a town called Wayverlyn. The main character, Andrew Mikaelson, gets offered to go on a nine day long cruise that the Knife Thrower will be on with 15 other kids. The first contestant to find the Knife Thrower will receive the coveted 1 million dollar prize.

When did you start writing the book?

I started writing this book in Elementary school if you can believe that.

How long did it take you to write it?

It took me three months to get an initial draft and four months to edit through multiple times.

Where did you get the idea from?

I was bored during quarantine and I love to use my imagination so I just started writing and ideas flowed.

Were there any parts of the book where you struggled?

After I wrote the book I realized I needed to write a brand new beginning with a hook to get my readers interested. So, I struggled to come up with something.

What came easily?

I’d say the main character, Andrew, was easy to create because we have similar traits. We are both adventurous, resourceful, and a little sarcastic.

Are your characters entirely fictitious or have you borrowed from real world people you know?

Some are fictious some aren’t, but I’d rather not say who is who.

We all know how important it is for writers to read. Are there any particular authors that have influenced how you write and, if so, how have they influenced you?

Suzanne Collins, she does a great job of keeping her readers on the edge of their seat and I want to be able to entertain my readers the way she can.

Do you have a target reader?

This book is for anyone to enjoy as long as they like thrill, suspense, and mysteries.

About Writing

Do you outline? If so, do you do so extensively or just chapter headings and a couple of sentences?

I do not outline. When ideas come to me I just start writing.

Do you edit as you go or wait until you’ve finished?

Editing is the key to writing a successful book. I edit edit edit. I edit as I write, in the middle, and at the end, and then I edit more.

Did you hire a professional editor

Absolutely! It was my first book and I wanted it to be awesome!

Do you listen to music while you write? If yes, what gets the fingers tapping?

No, I want zero distractions.

About Publishing

Did you submit your work to Agents?

No, I went straight to the publishers.  

What made you decide to go Indie, whether self-publishing or with an indie publisher? Was it a particular event or a gradual process?

To be honest, I was willing to go with any publisher who would take a chance with an 11 year old.

Did you get your book cover professionally done or did you do it yourself?

I’m a terrible artist so I had it done professionally to make it look as cool as it could be.

Do you have a marketing plan for the book or are you just winging it?

Yes, I am working with a professional publicist and we have a comprehensive marketing plan that includes social media, school librarian outreach, and book signings at local bookstores.

Any advice that you would like to give to other newbies considering becoming Indie authors?

Edit, edit, edit, edit, and when you’re done editing- edit.

About You

Where did you grow up?

I am still growing up (I’m 13). I live in the suburbs of Chicago.

Where do you live now?

Still the suburbs of Chicago.

What would you like readers to know about you?

Outside of writing books I love to play tennis and cook surf n turf.

What are you working on now?

Another exciting murder mystery set at an overnight camp.

End of Interview:

Get your copy of The Murder Mystery Race from Amazon US or Amazon UK.