Heather Brewer

So tonight I went to the book launch party of Heather Brewer's new book, Soulbound. Now, I'll admit, I've never read a Heather Brewer book before.

I know. It's weird. Why would I go to a book signing for an author I've never read? Well, there were several reasons.

1) I LOVE author events. They have such great energy. As a writer, nothing gets me more motivated to write than to see another author talking about their work. And hearing someone read their own stuff? There's nothing like it. And lately, I've been running low on inspiration in the writing department, so I thought I might as well go to get myself inspired.

2) I'd heard good things about Heather Brewer's books in my Teen Library Materials class, and the last event she did at the library was apparently a great time had by all.

3) I have so very little in my life besides work. Sad but true.

4) Her new book totally sounds like something I'd read, so I was all over that. MOAR YA!!!

Now, the thing about going to a book signing for a YA and/or children's author when you're my age is that you have to be prepared to be the only person from your generation there. No really. The last two YA events I've gone to, I was the oldest person there who didn't have kids. It's basically a bunch of 10-15 year olds, ME, and then all the moms. Yes, I DID feel like a huge creeper, thanks for asking! It doesn't bother me enough to stop going, obviously, but still.


Anyways, I am so glad that I went. I've been to a few author events before and I've always enjoyed them greatly. But Heather Brewer...she's good. She writes YA, but she skews a little young (11-14). And any YA author, when they're talking to kids, won't talk down to them. They talk to kids like their feelings, opinions, and dreams are just as valid and important as any adults'. Which they are, but a lot of times teens aren't given a lot of credit for the depth they can possess.

But I don't know, something about the way she spoke was just...so utterly sincere. Like she really, honestly cared deeply for each and every person who came out to see her. And she was honest (particularly when she revealed her true feelings about Twilight. Haha). She was just so genuine, and I was really touched by that. Not that the other authors I've seen haven't been genuine, but none have been as....earnest as Heather Brewer. It was like she had this deep-seated respect for her readers, and that respect was something she cherished.

So I know I'm heading into sappy territory here, but the whole thing was such a positive experience for me. And of course, it did motivate me to write. What about, I don't know, but as Heather said, butt+chair=book.