Starstruck by Ruby Preston

Ruby Preston will be on tour July 27-August 10 with her novel Starstruck
With her Broadway opening night a few weeks away savvy young producer, Scarlett Savoy, is finally ready for her brand new musical to take center stage. Only two major things stand in her way - the beautiful but mercurial Hollywood diva she's cast in the lead and a handsome familiar face from her past who flies back into her life. From high stakes rehearsal rooms, to paparazzi fueled scandals, to the star-studded red carpet of opening night, Starstruck is a page-turning journey behind the scenes of Broadway, all set against the glittering back drop of Manhattan. Will Scarlett make it to opening night before the curtain falls on her dreams?
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Can you tell us a little about your latest book?

Starstruck is my third book about the world of Broadway and my experience as a young producer on the Great White Way (with some extra romance and drama thrown in)! The book follows Scarlett Savoy, a sassy young producer who is finally ready for her brand new musical to take center stage. Only two major things stand in her way - the beautiful but mercurial Hollywood diva she's cast in the lead and a handsome familiar face from her past who flies back into her life. Readers can look forward to high stakes rehearsal rooms, paparazzi fueled scandals, and the star-studded red carpet of opening night, all set against the glittering back drop of Manhattan. 

What inspired you to write it?

My job as a Broadway producer in real life gives me exclusive behind the scenes access into show business. Before I started writing, I’d often meet up with friends for drinks at Sardi’s (just like Scarlett in the book) and I’d regale them with showbiz stories about my crazy theatrical experiences. They finally encouraged me to put them into a book. I decided on fiction so I could include some of the more juicy characters without running into trouble. I love how my fictional world allows me to process and respond to what’s happening in my real life. It’s very empowering.

How did you come up with the idea for the cover?

My fabulous publisher, Dress Circle Publishing, works closely with a talented designer and together they developed the cover. I always love what they come up with! 

Is it part of a series or is it a stand-alone novel?

Starstruck is part of a series of books about Broadway. The other two books are Showbiz and Staged. 

What is it about this genre that appeals to you so much?

I love contemporary chick lit because I feel like I can relate to the characters. It’s fun to feel like I can find new “friends” in the pages of great books. I particularly love novels set in New York.

What made you want to become an author?

I wasn’t sure I wanted to be an author. I was inspired with a few ideas for Showbiz, my first novel, after reading The Devil Wears Prada. I wanted there to be a version of that book set in the world of Broadway (the way that book is set in the world of fashion). I figured I’d give writing a try and see how went. I was fortune to find a great publisher, Dress Circle Publishing, and I’m thrilled that they are now releasing my third book!

How do you come up with character names?

Some of the names just popped into my head. For other names, I browsed sites of baby names to find things that caught my eye and felt like the right fit for the characters.

Name one of your all-time favourite books?

The Count of Monte Christo

Who, or what, inspires you?

I’m inspired by so many of my Broadway colleagues. Getting to Broadway is tough and I’m so in awe of the people around me who have overcome so much to be there and stay there.

Where is your favourite place to write?

I do my best writing in coffee shops, airports, rehearsal rooms, etc. Really any comfortable public place where I’m not interrupted too much. Something about the energy of lots of people around makes it easier to delve into my imagination and find my characters. Little things I see and hear get woven into my chapters. 

What is your favourite movie that was based on a book?

That would be a tie between Bridget Jones Diary and The Devil Wears Prada

Name two of your favourite authors.

Sarra Manning and Jess Walter

Tell us a random fact about yourself.

I hate chocolate. Weird, right?

What are your (writing) plans for the future?

Starstruck was the final book in my Broadway series. I loved writing the series but my Broadway producing is keeping me way too busy to start on a new book right now. I have ideas for a YA series that I might write at some point in the future.

Tell us one thing that's on your bucket list.

Visit Cuba

Favourite myth / fairytale?

Cinderella

Who/What did you want to be when you were a kid?

I wanted to be the famous Broadway actress, Bernadette Peters. That was before I learned that I was much more talented off stage than on stage.

Ruby Preston is a young Broadway producer currently working on several new musicals on the Great White Way. She couldn't be more thrilled to be living her dreams in the Times Square trenches of Manhattan. Starstruck is her third novel and includes many of the characters introduced in her previous books, Showbiz and Staged. @BroadwayRuby Amazon

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