Phoenixville native and author Andy Bridgeman is returning to his hometown upon the debut of his first novel, writes Regan Bradley for Main Line Today. The novel, entitled Fortunate Son, was released in September 2024. 

After graduating from high school, Bridgeman attended Dickinson College, where he studied creative writing. Although he was encouraged to go to graduate school, Bridgeman “equated artist and starving as two things that went together.”  

Bridgeman became salesman, selling carpets out of a mini-van and later selling insurance to car dealerships. However, his lifelong dream was to become a published author. 

His day begins at 4:30 AM, writing until lunchtime with a goal of 1,000 words per day. After lunch, he’ll go over his writing, read to his wife, and make edits. Originally, he experimented with historical fiction for two years but tossed his first two drafts.  

Three years after leaving the insurance agency, he produced the idea for his debut novel, based on his angsty middle school experiences. Fortunate Son surprised him, as the novel is full of twists and turns.

Bridgeman said it works well because “I am just as shocked as the reader when I realize what’s going to happen.” 

Stop by Reads & Company in Phoenixville on Oct. 24 to pick up a copy of Fortunate Son and meet the author. 

Read more about the author Andy Bridgeman debuting his first book at Main Line Today. 

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