Andrea Scholer

Andrea Scholer (born January 11, 1982) is an American novelist. Her first novel, The Message of the Isle, debuted in 2008, published by Mallette House Books. It had previously been published under the title When Gaelic Spirits Wake but was revised within a few months of publication. She also writes for the magazine series Accents of Europe and is known for her activist work, promoting such campaigns as Legalize the Irish and GOAL.

Life

Born Andrea Elizabeth Scholer in Tacoma, Washington on January 11, 1982, her parents divorced when she was three years of age. Raised by a single mother, her family spent many years in poverty. Themes of rising above financial struggles are widely reflected in her work, most evident in a scene in the Message of the Isle where she incorporates the real childhood memory of staying in a family homeless shelter celebrating her sixth birthday with her mom and two brothers.

After high school, Andrea attended Boston University to major in archaeology. She describes herself as feeling 'restless' during her sophomore year and decided to attend a study abroad program in Dublin, Ireland. Through the program, she interned at the National Museum of Ireland Archaeology Department and studied Irish culutre, politics, and culture at Dublin City University. Having always been enchanted by Irish culture despite the fact that she lacks Irish ancestry, her time with the program inspired her to stay in Ireland and pursue her dream of writing. She withdrew from Boston University at the end of her junior year and began her writing career overseas.

While in Ireland, Andrea spent a short period of time living in the country illegally because Irish law did not allow her a work permit. As a result of her status, during this time she was unable to find work and suffered severe financial troubles. She used the time to write and find inspiration in the international group of friends she kept around her. Once her financial status improved, she began the publication process of her first novel.

Andrea moved back to America in the summer of 2007 to prepare The Message of the Isle for publication.

Career

Most of Andrea's writing is inspired by global culture. She's an avid traveler and philosopher, many of her ideals of the evolution of humanity imprinted within her stories. The Message of the Isle is her first major work, a controversial story of an American living as an illegal immigrant in Ireland. The piece has been received with mixed reviews. It has been critized as an amateur piece yet praised for its poetic writing style. Andrea is currently finishing work on her second novel scheduled to launch in the winter of 2010.

Causes and Charity

Every school year, from elementary to high school, Andrea walked in the March of Dimes Walk America fundraiser. She carried her interest in political and charitable causes into her adulthood. Influenced by the heritage of her youngest brother and sister (half siblings, paternal) she's become an advocate of the Save Tibet campaign. She also supports efforts to Legalize the Irish, allowing for Irish immigrants in America to become citizens. Ten percent of all proceeds she earns from sales of The Message of the Isle have been committed to the Irish charity GOAL.

Interesting Facts

While in Ireland, Andrea met the former Taoiseach (prime minister) of Ireland Bertie Ahern while he was still in office. She also worked as an extra in the movie PS: I LOVE YOU by Warner Bros. While interning at the National Museum of Ireland, she was allowed to listen in as Éamon de Valera's grandson shared accounts to the Head of Antiquities of his grandfather and the Irish War of Independence and subsequent Irish Civil War.

Published books

  • Why the Angels Need You (CreateSpace, 2008) ISBN 1438234708
  • The Message of the Isle (CreateSpace, 2008) ISBN 1438234716
  • When Gaelic Spirits Wake ((CreateSpace, 2008) ISBN 1434843688