Why do you like writing?
Andre Ratchford: I can express my imagination, and allow people to see how creative I am, plus I can't draw. Plus for me writing is a great stress reliever for those times when I have a lot on my mind.

When did you start writing and why?
Andre Ratchford: I started writing probably back when I was 10, but I really didn't get serious about it until I was around 12 or 13. My reason for writing, I was extremely bored, and my over active imagination took over, then I figured I could write what I imagined into stories, and have been doing it ever since.

How long have you been writing?
Andre Ratchford: All together, about ten years, I did take a brief beark from it, but I'm back into and enjoying it now. It's difficult though to keep motivated when I don't get feedback.

What is the best book you have ever read?
Andre Ratchford: The best book I've read was "When the Wind Blows" by James Patterson. It was an imaginative story with such great characters, I could really relate to it.

Who is your favorite author?
Andre Ratchford: James Patterson, his stories are great, and while I know I'm not going to be the writer he is, I am happy to be able to call myself a writer. If you ever get chance to, read his series featuring a character named Alexander Cross, it's very intense and a great detective story.

What is the best story you have ever written?
Andre Ratchford: Well, that at the moment is Bloodstorm: The Potential Within, which is posted here on freestoriescenter.com. I am working on the sequel to that story, but I'm going to work on a couple fan fiction stories and post them here before it's completed. Now, this is for Street Fighter and King of Fighters fans, can you figure out who the main antagonist is referring to when he talks of a famed opponent? If you can, email me, and give me your guess, only for those who have read my profile.

What is some advice you would give new writers?
Andre Ratchford: Take your time and get your story together first in your head, then make a lay-out, whether it be brief or not is up to you, but make sure you know what direction you want to go with it, or you'll be just wasting your time and get bored. Another good tip is to have a few people lined up who you can get to read parts of the story as it progresses and give you feedback on what they think is good for the story. Just the fact that you're getting feedback will have you so motivated to finish each chapter of your story. Another thing that I forgot to mention, listen to music that you like for what you're writing. I usually use rock or hip-hop for stories that are meant to be intense, and jazz or r&b for stories that are less stressful. I hope that helps.