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Andrea Ridout is radio’s "Ask Andrea". Her latest book, If I Had a Hammer - Over 100 Easy Fixes & Weekend Projects, was published in 2008 by Harper Collins. It has been featured on Martha Stewart Radio, Daybreak USA, Fox's Good Day, and scores of magazines.

Andrea’s folksy style is popular with a variety of media outlets. Her genuine experience has made her a sought-after expert time and time again. Her articles, expertise and product critiques have appeared in Country Living, Old House Interiors, Women's Day SIPs, Catalog Age, Reader's Digest, Prevention and many other magazines. She appears often on regional TV programs such as Fox’s Good Day in Dallas. Nationally, she is a regular guest on DIY's Tools and Techniques.

Andrea is also  “Mom” to 3 active young adults. She is an animal lover with pets ranging from a Scotty dog to cows.

Thank you Andrea for answering a few questions for us!  What have you been working on lately?

Last year, Harper Collins published a collection of home improvement projects of mine as a book titled "If I Had a Hammer". It was the culmination of over 20 years in the hardware business and working side by side with my husband (now ex-husband) who was a builder. I have also hosted a radio show for 8 years, Ask Andrea, and recently started a new show, energizeGreen on CNN in Dallas-Ft. Worth and nationally on the USA Radio Network.

Do you also do speaking engagements, or seminars?

I often host workshops for folks who want to learn how to do their own home improvements. In the last two years, my emphasis has shifted to green topics such as how to save energy, make your home more efficient,  composting, organic gardening, etc... I have been a speaker many times, especially at women's groups and homeowner meetings.

How has your education, profession or background helped you in your writing career? Or conversely, how has you writing success helped you in your  profession?

I owned and operated several companies related to home improvement. The main two that influenced my writing were Hardware+Plus, a decorative hardware showroom, and Nostalgic Warehouse, a line of reproduction hardware. I began writing as a way to publicize the companies. Eventually, after selling the businesses, writing (and other forms of media such as radio and TV) became my full-time business.

What kind of other works have you had published?

My articles and advice have appeared in various magazines such as Country Living, Readers Digest, Women's Day SIP's, Washington Post Express and Old House Interiors. Sometimes, I write the piece myself and other times I am interviewed by another writer.

Is there any aspect to your profession that gets you in touch with your readers directly?

My readers and listeners often email me questions which allows a true one-on-one connection with them. They can also call into my radio shows when we are doing the shows live. My direct email is andrea@askandrea.com.

What will your next project be?

I am working on a first person narrative about some cows that I adopted when they were on their way to the slaughterhouse - how they changed my life and helped me recover from my divorce. I have been considering doing a book about this topic - how people use somewhat off-the-wall experiences to recover from trauma and loss.

What type of work is the most rewarding or satisfying for you?

I love to write about people and what they do for work and play. People totally fascinate me.

What can you recommend for writers who are just getting started and are trying to make a name for themselves?

One of the best ways is to find a local magazine or newspaper to which you might contribute or even write a column. You might offer them free services for the first few months, to give you a chance to show them what you can do. I started with a magazine called Dallas Home Improvement and wrote a monthly column, Andrea's Choice, which featured product critiques. When I go back and read those early pieces, I have to cringe a bit at my form and style, but it was great practice for meeting deadlines, finding topics, and dealing with editors, etc...  Gradually, I improved as I wrote more and more.

Which is your favorite book/work published? Is there a favorite?

Don't laugh, but I still love the Little House series of books by Laura Ingalls Wilder. These books were orginally suggested to me by my school librarian when I was 12 years old. I have enjoyed them ever since and have been inspired by Laura's true story as a wife, mother and businesswoman who did not really find her writing voice until very late in life.

What does a typical work day look like for you?

Controlled insanity!

Have you ever had a mentor, or someone who sparked your passion for writing?

I have had several and still do, including my friend, Melissa Shultz, a literary agent and writer. Many other authors and radio hosts have helped me along the way, as well as friends and family. One of the things that I most want to do myself is to mentor a fledgling writer and pass on some of the wonderful guidance that has been bestowed upon me.

Finally, a most important question: what was the last song you sang out loud when you were by yourself?  :)

"When the Goin' Gets Tough, the Tough Get Goin'" It's my theme song!

Thank you Andrea! We hope to see your book about how people use off-the-wall experiences to recover from trauma and loss in print soon!