Brett T. Brown, 18-year-old author and /illustrator has written a children’s book titled Haley’s Comet.
Haley’s Comet is about a 12-year-old girl who moves to a new town with her mom after her parents divorce, experiences bullying by a mean clique at her new school, and battles with Aliens to save her world. Although, the book has subtle mentions of adversity, the book is not dark or depressing. The outcome of all of the unfortunate events is that Haley gains popularity at her new school, a new BFF, popularity around the world; and her parents get back together.
Haley’s Comet examines what some kids go through in their everyday lives. Brett would like a chance to explain the challenges that he and kids he knew have gone through; and how he feels is the best way to triumph.
Read what he has to say.
What inspired you to write your first book?
There were situations in my life that were too difficult for me to handle such as moving to a new city, going to a new school, and experiencing bullying. I didn’t take to change too well at the age of 11.
Do you have a specific writing style?
My style is [fiction], but I incorporate real-life situations.
What books have most impacted your life (or life as an author)?
I’m a voracious reader. The books I read have messages about how to get over and through difficulties.
What books are you currently reading? Why this author?
Haley’s Comet (220 Communications) by Brett T. Brown. I know people will probably take this the wrong way because I’m the author, but I use this book as my personal movement. It denotes my step forward in my life. Although this book talks about past situations that I’ve encountered, it was for me, a very inspiring and courageous journey. Every once in a while, I take a peek to remind me of how far I’ve come as a person.
What new authors have piqued your interest?
I’m in college, run my own business. I read my text books about urban planning. I haven’t had time to check out any new books. My leisure time consists of brainstorming new ideas for new books I want to write. I’m on my seventh book.
If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything about your latest work?
No. I wish that I could have encouraged more of my friends who were going through tough times to write it out instead of putting themselves in negative situations. Writing was a good exercise for my mind. It helped me to focus on positive outcomes and change my life for the better.
Is there anything you find particularly challenging about writing or coming up with a concept for your book?
The beginning. I can get ideas from a song, a street corner, a house or car, but the beginning is the hardest part, because that is the part that pulls in the audience.
What was the hardest part of completing this project?
Haley’s Comet (220 Communications) was actually easy for me, it took me three months to write it. I was going through so much, writing was my way to escape it all.
What advice would you give other writers?
Keep a journal at all times. Write it down.
Describe the process of getting published.
My mom manager™. My mom with a summary of my book and a few pages of my manuscript shopped high and low for a publisher. We received two responses, one publisher wanted me to relinquish my rights, which would have required me to alter my story. I didn’t want to do that. The second publisher (220 Communications) located in Chicago, allowed me to keep my rights to the book 100 percent.
What were the literary, psychological and/or logistical challenges in bringing your work to life?
The only challenge I will say was psychological. I was 12 years old. There were immense influences around, good and bad. I was already depressed, I wanted to write something positive. I wanted to mention my situation, but subtly. I was feeling not so good about myself, but I didn’t know at the time, how to write something that would get my feelings across without coming off as dark.
Everyone’s process for writing is different. Explain yours
I usually start my writing in December. I listen to music; I can only write when I am alone. I have to have complete peace, no disturbances.
What are five of your favorite books or writers and why?
1984, Clockwork Orange, The Mayor of Central Park (kiddy book), Langston Hughes, Edgar Allen Poe. All of the reads provide interesting messages about triumph over adversity.
Please provide three “good to know” facts about you.
Be creative. Tell us about your first job or the inspiration behind your writing. I have a hat I am wearing in the picture on my book cover by Burberry. This hat was part of my growth. I felt empowered and ready to take on the world wearing it. It is damaged a bit, but I still wear it. I wear it when I’m writing.
I come off as quiet and reserved, but I am like a loose cannon when someone starts talking about sports or something I find interesting. I learned how to look up words in a dictionary at the age of 3. It was my punishment when I didn’t listen. My mom used to make me write down everything I did wrong. I didn’t understand. I used to cry myself to sleep. The more I looked up words, the more I enjoyed it. It later molded me into a writer.
What is the mission you set out to accomplish with your voice in this book?
I was 12 when I wrote Haley’s Comet (220 Communications). I was going through things I couldn’t grasp the understanding of. I’m thankful that I had a good foundation (writing) that I used to help me get through those troubling times. I know most kids aren’t that fortunate to have good guidance at home or any other positive influence. I want kids who are going through some troubling times and feel anxious or depressed to keep pushing. Don’t ever give up. Although my situation may seem a little watered down because I did have my support system (mom and dad), I still had to face some pretty bad situations, that my parents weren’t able to shield me from. As young as I was, I decided I was going to rule my own life and not succumb to peer pressure or allow society to dictate how or what I can or cannot do. I wrote my own story!
Who are the authors you reread and why?
I’m a big kid at heart. I love Dr. Seuss.
A great book has what?
The ability to captivate a reader and leave a positive impact.
You develop character and ideas by …
Personal situations
Where would you travel if you could to write your next book?
Chicago. In spite of the darkness that surrounds the city, there is so much intrigue, beauty and inspiration in Chicago
Why is reading a gift and why does it open up a new world?
Reading is essential to the soul, it is nourishment to the mind, if we read positive things. We live what our minds think. If you think you’re astounding, you are. If you think you’re a failure, you are.
Haley’s Comet is available at select Barnes and Noble stores and Amazon.com.
