Annie Brewer Author Interview ~ JeanBookNerd

Photo Content from Annie Brewer

Annie Brewer leads several lives. At home she's a caring mother of two with a heart of gold. Online, she's a best friend to several and puts a smile on her many fans every time she utters a word. In her own world, she's a dreamer. But the biggest part of her is made of books, books, and more books. It's not a surprise she's turned out to be such a talented young author. Some of her many hobbies include reading, drooling over Ian Somerhalder, Channing Tatum,and Christian Grey (etc.), reading, reviewing, reading, watching Vampire Diaries, reading, and last but not least WRITING like a maniac. She currently resides in Texas, where she dies of heat-strokes every few seconds, with her many books and book-boyfriends, and her two adorable little girls.

Was there a defining moment during your youth when you realized you wanted to be a writer?
Not really, I just loved writing since I was young. I kept journals and diaries of all my thoughts. I started a story about 10 years ago but never finished it.

Why is storytelling so important for all of us?
I just think that telling a story is important for the imagination. We all have one to tell, but sometimes, we don’t know if anyone would listen. It also keeps you young, living in a fantasy or fairytale world.

What is the best piece of advice you ever received from another author?
Don’t give up, no matter what. It will be hard and frustrating at times, but it will be worth it in the end.

In your new book, Back to You can you tell my Book Nerd community a little about it and why they should read your novel?
It’s about a 17 year old girl named Abby who has a dream of singing one day. She’s dating a guy who she is not sure she wants a future with because he is not supportive the way he should be, and her ex boyfriend/best friend, Lucas makes her life more complicated and leaves her confused and heart broken. Followed by the fact that her father, comes back into her life after having left her and her sister for someone else when they were young. He wants to make things right and she’s not sure she wants to trust him again. She goes through a lot of emotional stress and betrayal. I think a lot of readers would be able to relate to Abby’s character in some way or another. She is just an average teenager struggling with many every day problems. But she’s a strong person for all she’s had to endure in her life.

Can you tell us when you started Back to You, how that came about?
I started it back in February, while I was working on my first book…which still needs to be finished. But I remember writing, Take Me Away and all of a sudden I had this scene that was totally irrelevant to that story and I kept thinking, what is this supposed to be? So I took my blank notepad and started writing this scene and after that, it wouldn’t stop. It’s about first love and I think most people would enjoy the romance and friendship between the characters.

What part of Abby did you enjoy writing the most?
I enjoyed writing her honesty, and the fact that she’s not afraid to admit she’s not perfect and makes mistakes. She knows what she wants but she also doesn’t want to hurt anyone.

If you could introduce Lucas to any character from another book, who would it be and why?
Well, I’d have to say Jace Lightwood from the Mortal Instruments. He’s my favorite character of any book I’ve ever read. Maybe he could teach Lucas some of his powers.

What are some of your current and future projects that you can share with us?
I have my first book I will be finishing. But I am also working on a 2 book contemporary series at the moment. I hope to write a paranormal series too. I have an idea for a suspense, drama book or series as well. But it’s kinda dark so I need to be in that mode.

When asked, what’s the one question you always answer with a lie?
Are you okay?

What’s the best advice you can give writers to help them develop their own unique voice and style?
1. Always go with the story, go where it takes you. It might not be what it originally started out to be, but that’s okay. It just means it will be better.

2. Don’t let anyone discourage you from writing your story. There are a lot of negative people out there, but just ignore them.

Who is the first person you call when you have a bad day?
Stacy. I’ve known her since I was 5 years old. She’s always been there for me and for my girls. But I usually will text my beautiful friend Jean when I’m upset. She always makes me feel better.

What is your favorite room in your home and outside environment?
Believe it or not, my bathroom is my sanctuary. It’s the only place I get privacy and it’s where I get my ideas. Weird I know. But it’s true. Outside of my home would be the bookstore. I would live there, if I could.

Who was your first boyfriend?
Justin. He died in a car wreck when we were 16. But he was my first kiss at a very young age. He inspired me to write this book. In a way, he reminds me of Lucas and I feel he had a hand in turning my story completely upside down from how it started.

What is the one, single food that you would never give up?
Oh boy…this is tough. But I don’t think I’ll ever give up on coffee ice cream. Does that count?

On the outside, 17 year old Abby Lewis has it all. She is dating the HS Football star, has a best friend anybody would kill for and a love and passion for singing that could send her to Broadway. But on the inside a storm is raging inside of her that she can no longer hide. As her life at home becomes more unbearable she turns to the only rock she has ever known, Lucas. When her father abandoned her and her sister, Lucas was there to help her pick up the pieces. And now that her dad wants back in her life, Lucas will again be her source of strength. But she isn't his and Abby can't stand the thought of being anyone else's. Will she ever be able to let go of the past? Or will she let it control her for good?

The remarkable story behind Back to You by Annie Brewer will put its readers through many emotions. It is a nice shift from the available flooding selections of paranormal romance. Readers are introduced to seventeen-year-old Abby, who is going through some family issues and uncertainties with the guy she is dating. She does not really see a future with her boyfriend Brady but feels safe being with him. She is torn between Brady and her best friend, Lucas, who has always been there for her. When her uneasy younger sister finds love with the boy who has always cared for her, Abby can’t help but to wonder if Brady is really the one for her. But the longer she stays with Brady, the faster Lucas is slipping away.

The emotional roller coaster that author Annie has directed will put its readers to a non-stop ride of drama and intrigue. The introduction of Lucas is truly captivating and readers will want to know more about him. Abby, on the other hand, is not your typical heroine. She’s easily irritated and will not take crap from anyone. Although the choices she makes sometimes will make readers grab her by the shoulders and shake her and say “Why”, it was really her way of trying to be strong and coping with what happened with her parents. Annie’s writing style allows readers to be consumed by its gripping story of the lengths one would go for love. Back to You is a truly endearing and touching story that explores the trials one goes through searching for love.

You can purchase Back to You at the following Retailers: