Millie Bobby Brown published a novel in 2023 called “Nineteen Steps.” The book is a work of historical fiction centered around a woman living in London during WWII. Brown did what all writers of high-profile novels must do: launch a promotional tour, travel around doing signings, and meet with fans. Unlike most new writers, Brown’s place in the entertainment industry meant she already had a fanbase set and ready to receive her, which put quite a few people off because Brown didn’t write “Nineteen Steps.”
Brown used a ghostwriter, Kathleen McGurl, to write the novel, and while that’s not entirely unheard of, some fans took offense to the cover, which prominently displays Brown’s name as the author. When British book retail giant Waterstones posted about a signing event with Brown on X, formerly known as Twitter, it didn’t take long for folks to come out swinging at the “Stranger Things” star. One user posted, “Beyond bizarre. ‘Come to our shop, meet a famous girl from the TV, buy a book she didn’t write and she’ll sign it for you.'”
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They went on to suggest she could sign a sandwich and walk into the store with a massive crowd, whereas “real writers” don’t get similar treatment. Despite the controversy, Brown did take part in writing the novel, which is based on her family history. She worked with McGurl throughout the writing process, sending research, ideas, and more via Zoom calls and other means.
