Interview with V.C. Andrews Ghostwriter Andrew Neiderman

As a fan of gothic horror and complex relationships, it was an absolute joy to get the chance to interview novelist, screenwriter and V.C. Andrews ghostwriter Andrew Neiderman about his latest novel in anticipation of the long-awaited Landry screen adaptation.

What inspired you to write this novel?

First came the family situation and then the character of The Umbrella Lady. She seemed to form on her own, which is how I know I have a good character.

What is your writing process like and how does Saffron stand out among other V.C. Andrews heroines?

I write practically every day and rewrite first what I've written. My characters, once formed, write the story. You go where they would go and you know when you're contriving. Saffron starts out innocent and lost, but gradually grows which is how a good character in a novel should move. There should be an arc in her character, moments when she begins to change, mature.

What was an early experience where you learned that language had power?

In kindergarden there would be story time, stories told by the kids and they would always shout for me. The teacher was frustrated, wanting more to participate. That's when I know the power of Once upon a time.

How did you develop in your craft as a writer?

I taught English and was director of dramatics for 23 years. I published my work while teaching.

What advice would you give to aspiring writers?

I'd tell would be writers to read, read, read and advise them that writing is rewriting. I also tell them success in writing or any of the arts is 60-40, talent 60 and 40 perseverance. If you don't have it in you to keep it up, you're probably not destined to do so.

What V.C. Andrews related pieces are you currently working on?

I'm working on the fourth book in the current four-book V.C. contract. It will soon be known that I have written the biography of Virginia Andrews. We'll make an official announcement very soon. Stand by for that and it's movie development.

Lifetime will be premiering its latest V.C. Andrews movie series, which will focus on the Landry family. Adapted from the V.C. Andrews' best-selling Landry novels, the four-movie event will air across two consecutive weekends beginning Saturday, March 20. Raechelle Banno and Karina Banno star alongside an all-star cast.

The first film, Ruby, will premiere Saturday, March 20, followed by Pearl in the Mist on Sunday, March 21. The final two movies, All That Glitters and Hidden Jewel, will air Saturday, March 27 and Sunday, March 28, respectively. All four films will air at 8 p.m. ET/PT.

And the highly anticipated sequel to Saffron's story Out of the Rain will hit bookstores this October!

Following the events of The Umbrella Lady, young Saffron Faith Anders searches for family and love in this spine-tingling gothic fairy tale from the New York Times bestselling author of the Flowers in the Attic series and Landry series—now popular Lifetime movies.

After escaping the trauma of the Umbrella Lady’s home, thirteen-year-old Saffron Faith Anders is determined to find the father who abandoned her all those years ago. But when she finds him in a nearby town, Saffron is shocked to discover that he has married a woman he clearly had been involved with before her mother’s death. Worse, her father insists Saffron pretend to be his niece so he can continue to con his new wife’s family. Desperate for her father’s love, she goes along with the farce, but it soon becomes clear that perhaps it is better to face the world alone than trapped in a toxic and potentially dangerous family.

Keep an eye out for my upcoming reviews of the Landry series and more.