Interview with Author Andrew Mondry

Andrew Mondry's story "Smile for the Camera" gripped us immediately with its hauntingly believable take on what AI, capitalism, and surveillance could turn our reality into in the near future. Read on to learn about the author, his writing advice, his book and author recommendations, and what's next for him.

What makes you keep writing, even when it's hard? 

I’ve tried to stop thinking about writing as a skill, and more like a behavior. Surely, I can craft better sentences and write more interesting stories, but like a beaver building a dam, I return to the page. It’s just part of my nature.

Advice on creating that you’ve learned by trial and error. 

When it doubt, take a nap.

What's your favorite obscure novel or short story (a work you never hear anyone else talking about)?

Masters of Atlantis by Charles Portis.

In your opinion, who is an underrated author that more people should read? 

Brad Watson. Beautiful southern stories that border on gothic but always center the human heart.

What are your long-term writing goals? 

I’ve just sold my first novel to Silent Clamor Press, so I’m going to ride that high for a while, but I’d like to teach and continue working on my next novel.

If you were a cryptid, what would your name be and what strange habits would people whisper about? 

King Brisket. I’d come out at night and steal succulent meat from the smoker while they cook overnight.  

What is your writing strategy? Do you write every day, as the mood hits you, or do you have a rigid schedule? 

I try to sit with the work at least once a day, sometimes that means reading a line or two while I wait for my daughter in the pickup line at school, but having two kids means writing whenever and wherever I can.

Have you ever had a supernatural encounter? 

No, but I’m willing to if my wife’s into it.

What is your favorite nostalgic film? 

My dad let me and my brother watch Predator when I was ten years old, but my mom thought it was inappropriate, so Dad made us watch it on mute.

Do you have a favorite weirdo? (Could be famous, obscure, fictional, or a personal connection.) 

My daughter, Raelyn.

Andrew Mondry lives in Western Massachusetts with his wife and two daughters. His short stories and criticisms have appeared in The Nude Bruce Review and Jerry, and his debut novel, The Passion of Saint-Jablonski, will be published by Silent Clamor Press in 2026.