I was lucky to get an interview with Andrew C. Piazza, the author of A Song For The Void, and one of this year’s #SPFBO8 finalists.

Please, tell us a bit about yourself…
I’m a fairly boring, standard issue American. I grew up in small town Pennsylvania near Amish country. I started reading at a very early age and was almost always found with a book in my hands. I started writing seriously in my twenties and now I just can’t stop.

What was the first thought that popped into your mind when you found out you had made it to the finals?
I was thrilled to hear it! Especially since my novel is, perhaps, not a conventional choice as it is cosmic horror and not epic fantasy.

Why did you decide to take part in the SPFBO?
A reader contacted me and encouraged me to join the contest, and I’m very grateful that he did!

Why should we buy your SPFBO8 book?
It depends what you like. “A Song For The Void” is not a light read. It’s challenging and gritty and explores themes of addiction, nihilism, and identity all wrapped up in a grimdark supernatural naval adventure.

What got you into writing? And how long have you been doing it?
I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t creating stories of some sort.

Why did you choose to write fantasy? And why pick this particular fantasy subgenre?
Do we really choose to write the stories that we write?  Or are we compelled to write them?  I like fantasy and related genres because there are no limitations.  Anything goes.  They’re the stories I love to read and that I love to write.

Cosmic horror is a particular favorite of mine because it allows me to explore themes that are of interest to me; life and death, the nature of existence, you know, all that light hearted stuff.

Which other author has had the biggest influence on your writing?
It’s hard to pick only one. Stephen King, HP Lovecraft, Ray Bradbury, Harlan Ellison, Elmore Leonard are all strong influences.

What’s the best thing about being a writer?
When a reader reads and appreciates your work.

What’s the hardest thing about being a writer?
Shutting out the noise of the world long enough to get into a flow state in order to compose.

How do I get into the finals? Just kidding! Or not? Do you perhaps have a tip, scrap of wisdom, or perhaps an author app, tool, or resource that you can really recommend we try?
Editing your own work is tedious but essential to get better with your prose. Constantly go over your work. Can this sentence or that one be improved in any way? Can it be made more succinct? More clear? More emotionally evocative? Keep going over it, again and again, until you’re ready to go insane. And then, go over it again.

What new projects are you working on?
I’m working on two projects right now. One is another cosmic horror novel, the other is contemporary fantasy.

Anything else you would like to say before we close?
I am always grateful when anyone invests their precious time in reading one of my books. I know how valuable that time is, and when a reader chooses to spend some of that valuable time sharing my daydreams with me, I consider to be an honor and a privilege. It’s even more gratifying when those readers indicate that they’ve enjoyed the book. So to be recognized in a contest such as this, and to read the positive reviews that come with it, is the sort of thing any writer lives for.

Congratulations on becoming a finalist, thank you for your very precise answers, and best of luck with A Song For The Void. A big thank you for doing the interview, Andrew!