The Small World of Writing

Before I started writing, I didn't personally know a single author. After my first book was published, it seemed like everyone I met was an author or was related to an author. I suppose it's just normal to start seeing the things you're focused on. The reason I mention that is because a few months ago my brother told me that his neighbor had just landed a publishing deal.

The book is Fablehaven. The author is Brandon Mull. There are only a few books that I've read as quickly as I read Fablehaven. It drew me in quickly and kept me interested. I finished it in three chunks of time split over Saturday and Sunday.

Fablehaven reminded me of The Chronicles of Narnia (the movie -- I never read the book) as far as the basic storyline. It also had elements that reminded me of Eragon, the Harry Potter series and The Lord of the Rings Trilogy. If you can't surmise from the aforementioned references, Fablehaven is fantasy fiction. Brandon's writing is descriptive yet concise so you can build a great visual in your head without feeling overwhelmed by unnecessary detail. He created a world so compellingly real and complex that I had no trouble believing the story, so the conflicts felt real and I cared about the characters. The book itself is just the beginning of a longer story. There will be a sequel. Based on the first book, I'm now at least as excited about the sequel to Fablehaven as I am about the final Harry Potter book.

Good job Brandon and good luck!