AUTHORPALOOZA INTERVIEW & GIVEAWAY - RUBY PRESTON

This giveaway is now closed!  Congratulations to Bridget O'Neill, the lucky winner of Ruby Preston's novel SHOWBIZ!


Authorpalooza continues today with a sparkling new addition to the ranks of Chick Lit authors, Ruby Preston!  Ruby and I crossed paths on Twitter and connected through our love of Broadway musicals.  I was delighted to discover that Ruby had written a novel based in the theater world (What a setting!) and couldn't wait to dive into SHOWBIZ.  My rave review can be read here.

Be sure to drop back by this blog tomorrow for Ruby's guest post on the Tony Awards, which will air on CBS Sunday night!

Ruby has generously offered to give away one copy of her e-book.  So, be sure to leave a comment, including your e-mail address, below to be entered for a chance to win.  This giveaway is open to US residents only.

And now on to the interview . . .

1) Can you give us a brief overview of SHOWBIZ?

Set amid the twinkling marquees of modern day Times Square, SHOWBIZ, is a juicy behind the scenes glimpse into the delicious and malicious world of Broadway.

Scarlett Savoy, the under-appreciated apprentice to the “King of Broadway” is finally on her way to becoming a Broadway producer in her own right.  A shocking suicide turns Broadway on its head and Scarlett finds herself at the center of the storm as everything she thought she knew about Broadway begins to unravel.  A chance meeting with an influential gossip columnist sparks romance – but can he be trusted?  Scarlett is forced to decide to what lengths she’ll go and who she’s willing to become to achieve her Broadway dreams.

Being a young Broadway producer myself, you could say I have a few insights into this subject.  Though you'll never catch me admitting the truth to any of Scarlett's adventures,   I've already heard there are a few Broadway players who think they see themselves in the book ;)

2) What's your favorite quality about your hero/heroine?

It was important to me to create Scarlett as a career woman who could hold her own in the “old boys club” of Broadway producing but still maintain her femininity.  She’s tough, sassy and ambitious, but still kind and optimistic.

3) What made you want to write this book?

I've always been passionate about musical theater and my job as a Broadway producer gives me exclusive access into show business.  Over the past few years, I've been sharing my crazy theater stories and experiences with friends and family.  They kept telling me that I should write them down and now I have!  I decided on fiction so I could include some of the more juicy characters without running into trouble.

It's actually been very empowering.  Now when I encounter any of the mean and nasty people that I sometimes have to deal with over the course of my job I know that I can come home and “deal with” them in a Scarlett Savoy book.

4) What are you working on now?

I'm having fun writing book two of the Scarlett Savoy series.  But I've also been busy developing two new musicals for Broadway. Balancing my writing and my producing is keeping me on my toes, but I love that I get to be so creative and each of my pursuits informs the other.  Of course, today I'm working on finding a dress for the Tony Award red carpet this weekend!

5) What comes first for you -- character idea, plot idea?

Both, though now that I have a solid cast of characters in place for the Scarlett Savoy series, I can focus on plot.  My goal is to stay as true to real life Broadway as I can get away with.  It's such a crazy business that there's lots of fodder for juicy plots.  I don't want to include any spoilers but if you read  SHOWBIZ and think “that's way too far-fetched,” think again!  Many people would be shocked to know what really goes into getting a musical on Broadway.

6) How do you think of titles?

I worked with my publisher, Dress Circle Publishing, on the right title.  We went with simple and straightforward since this book really is about the business of putting on a show.  Now every time I see my book, the Irving Berlin song, “There's No Business, Like Show Business,” gets stuck in my head.  But that's a good thing since I love showtunes!

7) What are your thoughts on love scenes in books?  Do you prefer to read/write sweet/romantic encounters between your hero and heroine or spicy ones?

I like reading both (yes, I did read all three 50 SHADES books in one weekend!) but so far, I've stuck with sweet scenes in my own books.  Who knows, maybe if I get braver later in the series, Scarlett's romantic encounters will get spicier?

8) Who are the authors who inspire you?

I love so many authors.  Recently, as I've been discovering new authors through fabulous book blogs (like this one!), I've been incredibly inspired by the new voices that are appearing thanks to indie publishing.  Not only do these amazing authors write great books but they also have the entrepreneurial guts to get their work out there.  I really respect that and find it hugely inspiring.

9) What genres do you like to read?  Do you stick to one or are you eclectic in your reading tastes?

I'm very eclectic in my taste.  I love traveling and will often try to find books based in the cities where I'm going.  I like to discover new writers.  I also try to read a cross section of bestsellers to keep tabs on what readers are liking.

10) What was the last book you read that really WOWed you?

I was bowled over by THE NIGHT CIRCUS by Erin Morgenstern

11) Do you prefer a series or stand alone novels?

Both!  I enjoy getting to live with the characters in a series though I'm impatient and hate waiting for the next books to come out.

12) If you could be plopped down in the middle of any book, which one would it be?

Good question.  Wouldn't it be incredible if we could do that?  I’d love to land in the middle of RAGTIME by E.L. Doctorow.  Turn of the century New York City would be pretty amazing.  Do I get to specify my social status?  Landing in the glittering ballrooms of 5th Avenue would be fabulous.  The sweatshops and tenements, not so much.

13) If you could invite any five people (living or dead) over for a dinner party, who would they be and why?

Queen Elizabeth I

Eva Peron

Richard Branson

Aaron Sorkin

Hugh Jackman

First of all, they'd need to invite me over since I can't fit five people in my studio apartment and I'm not a great cook, but if we can get past that...these are all people who are, or were, not afraid to reach for the stars.  They are legends and rose from nothing by being smart and willing to take huge risks.  Often when I have moments of insecurity or self-doubt, I remember that these people overcame obstacles larger than I could ever imagine and persevered by not listening to anyone who tried to tell them they couldn't do what they had set their mind to.

Fast and Flirty 

Favorite movie musical/Broadway show?  Don't make me choose just one!

Favorite word?  Vivid

Dream vacation spot?  A year in Paris 

Favorite time period in history?  Now!

Favorite girl's night out drink?  Champagne 

Favorite date night activity?  Going to the theater, of course!

Coffee or tea or soda?  Coffee and tea, but mostly coffee

Strong but lean or built and burly?  I care more that he's smart and kind.

Scruffy or clean-shaven?  Clean-shaven

Dark-haired or blond?  Details, details...

Celebrity Hottie on your laminated list?  Hmmm... don’t have one.

Novel hero crush?  Heathcliff (WUTHERING HEIGHTS)

Thanks for dropping by Books by Banister, Ruby!  Best of luck with SHOWBIZ.

Leave a comment below telling me what your favorite movie musical or Broadway show is and you'll be entered to win an e-book copy of SHOWBIZ.  Don't forget to leave your e-mail address so that I can contact you if you win!  Contest is open to US residents only!  Drawing will take place on Thursday, June 14th, so get your comments in by midnight on Wednesday, June 15th.

Purchase SHOWBIZ at:

Amazon

Smashwords

Find Ruby Preston at:

Website

Twitter