Five Things I Learned from Heather Brewer's Book Signing...
I attend a lot of author events because, well, I love to meet authors. Most recently I saw Heather Brewer, author of the best-selling Chronicles of Vladimir Tod series, doing a signing at my local B&N to support the release of book #4 in the series, ELEVENTH GRADE BURNS. This was a particularly fun author event for me (more on that below) and Heather did a terrific job addressing her young (and not so young) audience about her writing career and her books and her characters. Here are a few things we learned:
1) Give yourself permission to write.
Not to get all Nike on you, but if you want a career as a writer, it's not going to happen unless you just do it. Although it was something Heather longed for for years, she was told by parents and even her beloved librarians that being an author wasn't really an option and she'd need a "real job." Finally, she said, after her youngest child started school, she discussed her career options with her spouse. What would you do, he asked her, if money didn't matter and you could do whatever you wanted? I want to be an author, she told him. Then do it, he said. (She proceeded to write, find a agent, get a book contract, and hit high on the New York Times Bestseller List.) It's okay to give yourself permission to follow your dream. But if it takes a supportive, encouraging significant other, that's OK too.
2) Goal setting is important.
Heather's Brewer's formula: butt + chair = writing. Even when she's on tour she writes 1,000 words a day. Books don't write themselves, after all. So, again, just do it.
3) Mine the painful stuff for material.
Heather told the bookstore audience about growing up in a small town where she felt like an outcast and was bullied. (Except when she spent time in the library. "Bullies don't know there is a library," she said.) She calls upon these experiences as she writes her main character, Vladimir Tod. Because, really, who's more of an outcast than a vampire in junior high?
Heather Brewer's Chronicles of Vladimir Tod books.
Great post! Heather rocks.
Awesome post. It was fun to read about Heather's signing. :)
That sounds fantastic. I love to hear about enthusiastic boy readers!
Sounds like an fab event! I love that you got asked about being in a grade. :)
You're in grade A-weseome, Alice!
Jolie, when the kid said, "You're not in any grade, are you?" I laughed a little and said, "No. I'm old." He told me I was NOT old and asked me for my email. I think he might be my boyfriend now ;)
Alice - that story just made my day brighten up! Thank you.(Oh, and I'm sure you make a cute couple.)
Enjoyed the post and the advice.
Butt in chair it is!
What a charming young man you met. :)
Alice- great, great post!
clap
clap
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I'm new here and love your blog and today's post. Heather's a little cutie patooty.
PS I think authors are rock stars.
I caught Heather in action while she was in the SF Bay area - very inspiring!
Thanks for sharing! Great reminders to just keep writing.
Very helpful
God has greatly gifted you
I enjoyed visiting your blog
God Bless;
http://westbob.blogspot.com/2010/02/encourager-part-1.html
Thanks for the great post. You made me want to read the series, especially since so many boys like it.
Awesome post. I am lucky enough to have a husband who encouraged me to write full time.