Andy Weiner is the author of a children’s book, Down by the River. Andy is an avid fly angler, environmentalist and conservationist, as well as a long time publishing industry professional. He got the fishing bug from his father and the appreciation of a good book from his mother. Andy believes that fly fishing brings out the kid in all of us, and he highlights that in his book, Down by the River.
In the book, a young boy, Art, joins his mother and grandfather for a fly fishing trip. Art learns the gear and flies, and listens to stories of his grandfather’s fishing past. The book encourages Art to keep fishing, and in the end, he is amazed by the fish and fishing. Down by the River encourages children to have fun while fishing with their family.
Through writing Down by the River, Andy has connected with the fly fishing community like he couldn’t have ever imagined. All proceeds from the book, Andy donates to non-profit organizations that encourage healthy fish habitat and watersheds, or use fly fishing as a tool to heal, such as Casting for Recovery, The Mayfly Project, and Project Healing Water Fly Fishing.
Why did you begin writing? What inspired you to begin?
I have been a booklover since I was a kid and have worked in publishing for decades. I love children’s books and hoped I’d be able to create that love of books into appealing stories for kids.
How long have you been writing or when did you start?
I did some writing in college and after, but I didn’t really start writing stories for kids until twenty years ago. Down By the River was one of the first stories I began writing at that time, and it took fifteen years to get published.
How many books have you written and which one is your favorite?
I’ve written a dozen books or so, but only one has been published. For that reason Down By the River is my favorite.
Have all of your books been about fishing?
Down By the River and its sequel, which I’m working on now, are about fishing. The others aren’t. For example, one story is called Sadie the Bookstore Dog. It’s about a dog named Sadie who works in a bookstore. The illustrator, April Chu, actually based the dog in Down By the River on Sadie.
Why did you choose to write in the outdoor / fishing genre specifically?
Fly fishing is my passion. It brings out the kid in all of us, especially when we catch a fish. And, I love the outdoors and definitely wanted to incorporate that into the story.
What is one thing you wish you knew before beginning outdoor/fish writing?
All the steps in the process. I didn’t realize how long it would take from the initial writing phase, then to the editing phase, onto the waiting for the illustrator, then to begin illustrating the book, and finally being published. That was about a three year process.
Is your being an author a full-time job, or do you have a daily gig too?
No, my full time job is a book sales rep. In fact Down By the River is published by the company I work for – which actually made it more difficult to get accepted for publication. And, as a sales rep I was in the unique position of selling my own book to my customers.
How do you manage a work-life balance as an author?
I work far more than I write, but I try to continue to promote the book in many ways all the time.
What is your writing process like?
Since I write stories that will be picture books, which aren’t very long, I usually write a first draft after I have an idea of what the story will be. Then edit edit edit, shorten shorten shorten, simplify. Shorten.
What draws you to fly fishing, both personally and professionally?
I’ve loved fishing since I was a kid – the combination of being in a beautiful place that calms me, to the pleasure of being a competent (let’s face it, not the greatest) fly angler, and of course catching fish. Professionally, I’ve enjoyed the opportunity to meet so many amazing people in the fly fishing industry – as well as the environmental education and environmental non-profit worlds.
Have you ever gotten “writer’s block”? If so, how did you cure it?
I don’t write enough to have writer’s block.
It’s like when I was in high school running track and was lazy and didn’t want to run in a meet. I once told the coach it was cold and I was afraid to pull a muscle. He said, “Weiner, you’re not fast enough to pull a muscle.”
That’s how I feel about writer’s block. I don’t write enough to claim it.
Who is your biggest inspiration or mentor?
My dad, who wasn’t a fly angler, but was my fishing buddy. My mom was my book mentor, instilling that love of books in me.
When did you begin fly fishing?
I started fishing with flies probably thirty years ago. I started fly fishing a couple of years later.
Do you remember your first published piece? How long did it take you to get there?
My first published pieces were in anthologies that Abrams Books published. Very short pieces about my parents. This was probably ten years ago.
With so many publications moving virtual, how does this play a role in your publishing process?
Children’s picture books will always be better when one is holding them in their hands. There is something special about the tactile pleasure in that. I’ve shared pdf’s or spreads from the book, but it’s not the same. There was a time when folks were positive e-books would destroy the print book industry. It didn’t happen. Print books are here to stay.
What, to you, are the most important elements of good outdoor and fishing writing?
I’d say most important would be the ability to convey the joys and pleasures of the outdoors and of fishing. By doing that well a writer can help create the next generation of environmental stewards and fly anglers, both of which are tremendously important.
What’s your favorite writing snack or drink?
I don’t really have one, but my favorite foods are probably cherry pie and fried chicken. I also love a nice bourbon or single malt scotch.
Do you play music while you write? If so, what is your favorite?
No, but I do love music.
What has helped or hindered you most when writing a book?
What has helped is how much I love books and stories. What has hindered me is creating a story that works for all kinds of people. That isn’t easy.
Did you grow up around fishing and writing? Please share any thoughts about your family or upbringing that may have led you to become an author.
Yes to both. I began fishing with my family at the age of 6. I continued to fish with my dad for another 55 years until he passed away. And, he was a writer as well. My mother worked in the book industry, beginning with bookstores for many years and then working for publishers. My sisters and I love books because of our upbringing.
Any tips for other aspiring outdoor / fishing authors?
The most important tip I can give: Write. If you have a story you feel compelled to tell, write it. Be realistic with yourself that it may not get published, or maybe it will take years. But write your story.
Who do you trust for objective and constructive criticism of your work?
My girlfriend and my peers in the book business. And now people I’ve met in the fly fishing world through Down By the River.
How do you use social media as an author?
Social media is the most important aspect of promoting my book. Primarily through personal promotions as well as the incredible generosity of so many people on Instagram and Linkedin. I have made so many productive connections through social media. Publishers only promote a book for so long and then the responsibility falls to the author to pick up the ball.
Where can people find your work?
Any bookstore can order my book and have it on hand within a few days. Many fly shops carry it, or can easily order it for you.
Down by the River is available on Amazon, of course, as well as gift stores, catalogs, and other places.
This is the book’s website with links to some buying options: www.downbytheriverbook.com/buy-a-copy/
Instagram: @weinerandy
Any parting thoughts you’d like us to add?
The experience of having Down By the River published is the thrill of a lifetime. I’m so grateful to everyone who has bought the book, spread the word, reached out, and responded so generously. It is the best. I also encourage anyone who is interested in a donated copy to reach out, and am always interested in collaborating in support of great non-profits associated with fly fishing and the environment.
