Author Interview-Heather Brewer
By, Teen Book-Shelf
By, Teen Book-Shelf
1.What was your inspiration for EIGHTH GRADE BITES?
I was actually hugely unpopular growing up, so writing about some of those feelings and experiences through Vlad have been quite healing. But my son, Jacob, has also been an enormous source of inspiration. The reason, of course, that I chose to write about a teenage vampire is that it's what I know. I'm obsessed with vampire lore; I'm chock full of wit and sarcasm (not to mention humility...); and every vampire novel I've ever read has let me down at least in a small way. So I chose to write the book I wanted to read.
2.Could you consider Vladimir do be somewhat like you?
Vlad is very much like me. We think in the same way. Plus, we're both night people.
3.How many books will be in this series?
I have five books planned for the series. We'll get to see Vlad all the way through his high school graduation…if he lives that long.
4.Which character do you think developed the most in the book?
I'd have to say that Vlad developed the most. One minute, he's just an ordinary half-human, half-vampire teen. The next, he's kicking major paranormal butt.
5.What else are you working on, besides the series?
I'm working on a YA horror called DEVON'S PLAYGROUND right now. It's about a teenage boy who moves to a small town, where bad things happen…mostly involving a gang of kids with supernatural powers, and giant, winged, flesh-eating monsters.
6.Do you have any advice for other writers?
My best advice is this: learn how to take criticism. Whether it's from a friend, a critique partner, an agent, or an editor—you have to learn how to listen with an open mind when it comes to things that might be wrong with you story. It's a natural reaction to get that "yeah, but…" feeling when you hear someone say something critical of your work. But ignore that feeling and try to hear what they're really telling you.
7.What/Who are some of your favorite books and authors?
I adore Stephenie Meyer's TWILIGHT, as well as Robin McKinley's SUNSHINE, and Gena Showalter's OH MY GOTH. But the classics, like Bram Stoker's DRACULA, and Stephen King's SALEM LOT can't be ignored. Most recently, I've had the pleasure of reading Jackie Kessler's HELL ON EARTH series, and Richelle Mead's VAMPIRE ACADEMY. All of them were delicious in their own way.
8.Do you ever look in your books and say "Man, I wish I could change that"?
There comes a point where you just have to let it go. I've only read EGB once since it became an actual book, and luckily, didn't see anything that I was desperate to change. But when the books are in manuscript stage, oh yeah. All the time. ☺
9.How long have you been a writer?
All my life. ☺ But I didn't get really serious about it until about 2003.
10.What do you want to come for 2008 in your writing career?
I'd love to watch my Minion Horde (what I call my fan base) grow even more, and I look forward to getting to know as many of my Minions as I can!
I was actually hugely unpopular growing up, so writing about some of those feelings and experiences through Vlad have been quite healing. But my son, Jacob, has also been an enormous source of inspiration. The reason, of course, that I chose to write about a teenage vampire is that it's what I know. I'm obsessed with vampire lore; I'm chock full of wit and sarcasm (not to mention humility...); and every vampire novel I've ever read has let me down at least in a small way. So I chose to write the book I wanted to read.
2.Could you consider Vladimir do be somewhat like you?
Vlad is very much like me. We think in the same way. Plus, we're both night people.
3.How many books will be in this series?
I have five books planned for the series. We'll get to see Vlad all the way through his high school graduation…if he lives that long.
4.Which character do you think developed the most in the book?
I'd have to say that Vlad developed the most. One minute, he's just an ordinary half-human, half-vampire teen. The next, he's kicking major paranormal butt.
5.What else are you working on, besides the series?
I'm working on a YA horror called DEVON'S PLAYGROUND right now. It's about a teenage boy who moves to a small town, where bad things happen…mostly involving a gang of kids with supernatural powers, and giant, winged, flesh-eating monsters.
6.Do you have any advice for other writers?
My best advice is this: learn how to take criticism. Whether it's from a friend, a critique partner, an agent, or an editor—you have to learn how to listen with an open mind when it comes to things that might be wrong with you story. It's a natural reaction to get that "yeah, but…" feeling when you hear someone say something critical of your work. But ignore that feeling and try to hear what they're really telling you.
7.What/Who are some of your favorite books and authors?
I adore Stephenie Meyer's TWILIGHT, as well as Robin McKinley's SUNSHINE, and Gena Showalter's OH MY GOTH. But the classics, like Bram Stoker's DRACULA, and Stephen King's SALEM LOT can't be ignored. Most recently, I've had the pleasure of reading Jackie Kessler's HELL ON EARTH series, and Richelle Mead's VAMPIRE ACADEMY. All of them were delicious in their own way.
8.Do you ever look in your books and say "Man, I wish I could change that"?
There comes a point where you just have to let it go. I've only read EGB once since it became an actual book, and luckily, didn't see anything that I was desperate to change. But when the books are in manuscript stage, oh yeah. All the time. ☺
9.How long have you been a writer?
All my life. ☺ But I didn't get really serious about it until about 2003.
10.What do you want to come for 2008 in your writing career?
I'd love to watch my Minion Horde (what I call my fan base) grow even more, and I look forward to getting to know as many of my Minions as I can!
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