Andy Oakes

Hey there! 👋

My name is Andy, and I'm a developmental engineer turned bestselling author, counsellor, and creative community builder.

Born in London, I've worn many hats throughout my career — from developmental engineer to running twelve photo developing shops across the city's busiest areas. But my true passion has always been storytelling and helping others heal.

I specialized as a counsellor in substance and sexual abuse, working in social services offices, schools, and high-security prisons to help people overcome trauma.

My Writing Journey

Despite being profoundly dyslexic, I discovered I had a gift for creative writing early in life.

My debut novel, DRAGONS EYE, was published by Daedalus Books and Pan MacMillan and became an instant international success:

👉 Sold 19 foreign rights to major publishing houses worldwide
👉 Won the prestigious European Crime and Mystery Prize
👉 First novel of its genre nominated for the Booker Prize
👉 Created the new genre: "Chinese Noir" — a fusion of gritty crime and literary fiction centered on politics in The People's Republic of China

I've toured with A-list writers including Kathy Reichs, Stephen King, and Mark Billingham, and continue writing across multiple genres under various pen names (which I never reveal! 🤫).

Building Creative Communities

In 2021, I created THE WRITER FORUM — a revolutionary writers group that has become the fastest-growing and most supportive writing community on Facebook with over 230,000 vibrant members.

From Golden Globe winners to brand-new writers, this community caters to creative needs and support for writers of all genres and abilities.

I'm also a Creative Advisor for Vocatales, the state-of-the-art creative writing platform for storytellers of all kinds.

Let's Connect

If you're a storyteller looking to get your ideas "out there" or need guidance on your creative journey — whether that's overcoming writing blocks, building your author platform, or navigating the publishing world — I'd love to help.

💡 Let's chat and see how my unique blend of engineering precision, psychological insight, and storytelling expertise can help bring your vision to life.