Columbus author Andrew Welsh‑Huggins shares fun facts

Author Andrew Welsh-Huggins was 6 when he began writing stories, which his artist father would illustrate.
His thriller, “The Mailman,” has been optioned by a studio for a potential film adaptation.
He believes success for a writer is working on exciting projects and sharing them with readers.

Author Andrew Welsh-Huggins is lauded for his deep dives into terrorism and Ohio’s death penalty, and his fiction thrillers draw rave reviews.

But it all began with a goose on the loose.

“I’ve been writing stories for as long as I could read, so since about 6 years old. My first story was about a goose that goes on an adventure,” Welsh-Huggins said, chuckling.

“My dad, who was an artist, illustrated it. Somewhere, I still have it. I think it’s in a box in the basement.”

This core memory is one of many interesting facts about the Columbus resident that you won’t read in his bio. Here’s another: He’s an aspiring polyglot. That’s not as painful as it sounds, which you’ll find out later.

Genial with a subtle sense of humor, Welsh-Huggins was a good sport about answering The Dispatch’s questions, both serious and spontaneously silly. Keep reading to find out fun facts, like who he’d want to portray him in a movie.

Which of your books would make the best film?

Welsh-Huggins: I would say “The Mailman,” which has been optioned by a studio. A lot of people have said they like the concept of the character. It’s not a character they’ve seen before: a freelance courier who’ll do anything to not miss a delivery, even if it’s dangerous.

It all takes place in real time over 24 hours. I think people really like the combination of the character and the pacing.

Are you still taking piano lessons?

Welsh-Huggins: I took lessons briefly about 53 years ago. It didn’t take! I always had it in my mind that I wanted to try again. I’ve been playing about three years now.

I like learning Beatles songs, classics like “The Entertainer,” things that pique my interest. My recital piece is the theme from “Downton Abbey.”

You learned Gaelic in Ireland. Let’s hear it!

Welsh-Huggins: At one time, I was pretty fluent. I’m not now! I can make out some words and I know a few expressions.

During that time over 40 years ago, I also went to a city in Catalonia, Spain, where I was tutored in Catalan. Years later, our oldest daughter married a guy from Catalonia, of all places. She lives there along with both of my granddaughters. So, I’m brushing up on my Catalan!

Who would play you in the Andrew Welsh-Huggins biopic?

Welsh-Huggins: I do actually have an answer! More than one person has randomly come up to me and said this: James Lance, the actor who plays Trent Crimm in “Ted Lasso.”

How do you define ‘success’ as a writer?

Welsh-Huggins: Success as a writer is being able to work every day on a project that excites me and being able to share that finished product with readers. Money is good, but it can’t be the only reason you write.

Who would win in a fistfight: Andy Hayes or Mercury Carter?

Welsh-Huggins: That’s the best question I’ve had all week! It would be a tie because Andy Hayes is a big guy, but he doesn’t have a lot of fighting skills other than experience being knocked around on the football field.