On Sunday, “The Mind Field,” a book written and self-published by senior creative writing student Brooke Balamenti, will be available on Amazon.  

“The Mind Field” is a coming-of-age story about a 17-year-old girl named Amethyst in Stodgekins, a community for gifted people. Amethyst starts learning about her abilities and has to find her place in the world — with twists and turns along the way. 

“It’s a book that’s meant for young adult and middle-grade audiences,” Balamenti said. 

Balamenti began writing this book when she was fifteen and finished the book during the spring of her junior year in high school. 

During her first year in college, she started talking to literary agents. She was told that her book was too long and did not fit into a genre as nicely as they would like from a debut author. 

Balamenti said that one literary agent told her “Sometimes they won’t even look at the letter if the word count is too high.” 

Balamenti then decided to go the route of self-publishing.  

“I think what we’re seeing a lot with novels is that it doesn’t necessarily matter who your publisher is as much as it matters how you’re doing on social media,” Balamenti said. 

Balamenti started writing at an early age and has always loved it. She said that she remembers getting a writing prompt in the second grade and continued to write it for weeks after. She also said that her teachers would tell her she would be a writer one day. 

Balamenti said that publishing this book has been a “long time coming,” despite others not expecting her to complete the project when she was so young.  

Balamenti advises others who want to publish their own books to “stick with it” and that “it does not matter how old you are.” 

While Balamenti said there are some nerves surrounding the book’s release, she is highly excited, and the release of her book has given her a positive focus.  

She also said to write stories you would like to read and not write for others. 

“Don’t force yourself,” Balamenti said. “Just write for yourself.” 

Balamenti will also have a release party for her book on Feb. 25 from 1-4 p.m. in Sandstone 3 of Strosacker Hall. The release party will have raffle baskets based on themes from the book. The tickets for the raffle will cost five dollars and can be paid through Venmo or cash.  

There will also be copies of “The Mind Field” for $15, which can be paid through Venmo or cash. All the money will go to Glimpses of Grace, a nonprofit for teens and their families navigating cancer.  

Last Edited Feb. 11