Author Andrew O. Huddleston returns to speak with Defiance Press about his writing journey, spiritual themes, and the inspiration behind “The Cherokee Promise: Rebuilding Humanity after the Fall.”
Defiance Press: Andrew, let’s go back to the beginning. What first inspired you to start writing?
Andrew Huddleston: It was during high school in 1967 or 1968 when I was required to read the novel “Green Mansions.” I enjoyed that story so much that I began to wonder if I could write a whole novel myself. That planted the seed—the idea that maybe I had a story worth telling.
DP: What advice would you give to someone just starting their writing journey?
Huddleston: Keep writing and don’t give up. Keep your hands on pen and paper, or keyboard, and experience the joy of crafting descriptions of what’s important to you. All of us stop from time to time, but we get back to it. The key is persistence.
DP: In your opinion, what are the most important elements of good writing?
Huddleston: I believe you should keep the work moving quickly from one scene to another so as not to bore readers. Pacing is crucial—you want to maintain that momentum that keeps people turning pages.
DP: How do you define success as a writer?
Huddleston: I believe there’s an inherent feeling of accomplishment when any work is finished—whether it’s a blog, an article, or a novel. But the best success is having even one reader enjoy the work. That connection with another human being through your words—that’s what makes it all worthwhile.
DP: How do you handle literary criticism when it comes your way?
Huddleston: I take criticism and reviews as a good source of reflection to correct my often free-wheeling nature with my writing. It helps me become more disciplined and focused in my approach.
DP: You’ve written several books. Which have been the most enjoyable to write?
Huddleston: I began with “Young Nation” to see if I could actually write a novel, then came “Rose,” “The Cherokee Promise,” then “Nations,” and “A Life Beautiful”—which is historical, verse, spiritual, and a family saga. I’ve enjoyed the experience of writing my heart into these works. Each one has been a different kind of journey.
DP: Are there secrets or deeper layers in “The Cherokee Promise” that readers might miss on first reading?
Huddleston: There are continuous streams of symbolism throughout the novel that come from the cultural and societal clashes we’ve lived with. The careful reader will pick up on these symbolic elements that reflect our current struggles.
DP: Can you share a passage that gives us a sense of the book’s more hopeful moments?
Huddleston: Here’s a scene where Jeremiah is leading children away from dark evils toward the North Carolina Mountains: “The roadways nearby appeared to be clear. The hills behind him and the fields in front of him appeared clean and green, though overgrown. There were trees showing signs of early spring life and blooming. He heard birds and saw some flying here and there, around the structures and trees. He took in the sweetness of an innocent land—the kind of innocence and life that fills man with hope and good cheer. He saw the blue sky punctuated by white streaks of soft, long clouds that were peaceful and beautiful. Nothing was threatening; all of it was welcoming them in the sweet embrace of nature.”
DP: What was the deeper inspiration for this story?
Huddleston: There’s an ever-present spiritual war between good and evil in human beings. That’s the fundamental conflict that drives not just this story, but all human drama.
DP: What’s the key theme or message you want readers to take away?
Huddleston: People must pray and be prepared to defend the peace. In our current world, we can’t afford to be passive in the face of evil. We need both spiritual preparation and practical readiness.
DP: Who are your heroes?
Huddleston: I believe the Saints, Martyrs, and every recipient of the United States Medal of Honor are heroes. These are people who put principle above comfort, others above themselves, and were willing to sacrifice for something greater than their own immediate interests.
DP: Given the dark themes in your book about societal collapse, where do you find hope?
Huddleston: Hope comes from witnessing the resilience of good people throughout history. Even in the darkest times, there are always those who choose to do right, to protect the innocent, to rebuild rather than destroy. The Cherokee in my title represent that kind of enduring wisdom and strength—the ability to survive catastrophe and emerge with intact values.
Andrew O. Huddleston’s “The Cherokee Promise: Rebuilding Humanity after the Fall” explores themes of spiritual warfare, redemption, and the enduring human capacity for both destruction and renewal. His work reflects a lifetime of observation about human nature and the eternal struggle between good and evil.
