Andrew O. Huddleston is an American novelist and essayist whose writing reflects the authentic fabric of American life. Born in Knoxville, Tennessee in September 1950, Huddleston's formative years in Alabama and his military service have profoundly shaped his literary voice and worldview.
After enlisting in the Marine Corps in 1969, Huddleston served in the infantry until 1971 and then was honorably discharged in 1975. Following his military service, he pursued higher education, earning his bachelor's degree from the University of Alabama in 1975 and completing a Master of Science degree at Jacksonville State University in 1978.
A child of the fifties and sixties, Huddleston's work often reflects the cultural touchstones of his generation-where music dominated youth culture and military service was a common path for young men. His experiences during this transformative era in American
history inform his "free-wheeling" narrative style, which presents characters confronting the personal and national challenges that define the human experience.
Huddleston's published works include "HEART & IRON" and "ANNA and the Killer," along with numerous essays and editorials. His prose has appeared in several online publications, including notable pieces such as "New York September," "Some Came Together," and "He Did" (about Professor Librescu of Virginia Tech). His writing style, which he describes as "Americana," explores the eternal conflict between good and evil while celebrating the possibility of peace, harmony, and joy in everyday life.
Throughout his professional career, Huddleston worked in Industrial Safety, Human Resources, and Training within various manufacturing organizations. This practical experience with diverse workplaces and individuals enriches the authenticity of his characters and situations.
A devoted family man, Huddleston is the father of four children-two daughters and two sons-and grandfather to six. He is married to Denise Tompkins of Virginia. His family life and his ongoing spiritual journey as a "struggling Christian" inform the moral dimensions of his work, which often addresses themes of redemption, regret, and the pursuit of a meaningful life.
From an early age, Huddleston developed a passionate stance against bullying, dedicating himself to opposing aggression in all its forms. This commitment to protecting the vulnerable permeates his writing, which balances a clear-eyed view of human conflict with an abiding hope for a more compassionate world.
