Your novel is StarSitter. Could you tell us a little about the book and your inspiration for it?
“StarSitter” is the story of an Interior Designer named Grace Daniels, who is thrown into “starsitting” for an up and coming Hollywood “it” girl named Maddy Malone, after her Aunt Lana begs off sick for the day. Maddy takes an instant liking to Grace and ends up asking her to go to LA with her as her guardian while she does press and promotions for her upcoming films. The two take an unbelievable journey where Grace is witness to unbelievable incidents and behaviors from her young charge.
My inspiration for this novel came from being an on-set tutor and sometimes guardian to many young Hollywood stars of today. I have had the opportunity to see them in a way that no one else does, and get to know them on a more personal level.
You worked as an on set tutor for many young stars on such films as “Ice Princess,” “The Perfect Man” and “The Pacifier” as well as working for a small time as a guardian to Lindsay Lohan. Did many of your experiences during that time make their way into StarSitter?
I was definitely inspired by my experiences working with young stars. I think it is extremely difficult to write a novel without drawing on one’s own experiences. Creativity has to come from somewhere. I was a witness to things from the mundane to the outrageous. You wouldn’t believe some of the things that I saw. Many of my experiences made it into the book, but I’ve also exaggerated on a few stories.
What are your thoughts on the recent antics of Young Hollywood that are so frequently reported in the press; IE: Lindsay’s drink driving, Paris’s jail time etc.
I think it’s terrible, and I think that despite what these girls have gone through in their lives, at some point they need to stand up and take responsibility for their actions instead of blaming everyone around them. I think once they do this they will start gaining more respect from the media and society. I also think that they are putting the lives of others in danger every time they get behind that wheel, and they have to take that into consideration. On another note, I believe they will learn from their mistakes and set a positive example for others who may go down this road.
Do you have one particularly outrageous story you’d be willing to share with us? Not naming any names of course…
I once had to go to the store and pick up a curling iron for a young diva because the one she was using was making her curls too small. When I returned with the iron in hand. Her hair was pin straight and she told me that because I took so long she decided to straighten her hair instead.
Would you ever consider a sequel for StarSitter?
I hadn’t planned on a sequel, but since the book came out, I’ve received so many emails from people begging for one. I am currently in the process of drafting an outline for it.
Are you working on any other Young Adult novels at the moment? If so could you give us any early information?
The book I’m working on now is about a girl in her mid 20’s who has a very difficult time selling her condo because of the other people living in the building who keep sabotaging her open houses. Also based on a true story.
When did you decide you wanted to be an author? Has it been a lifelong dream?
It has definitely been my dream for as long as I can remember. I actually read somewhere that whatever it was you wanted to be when you grew up is the path you should follow.
What were some of your favorite novels when you were a teenager and what are some of your favorites today?
I loved all the books by Judy Blume. I can still read them over and over, and love them as much. I think I have them all. I also adore a book called “There’s a Rainbow in my Closet,” by Patti Stren, a Canadian. It’s really hard to find a copy of this book now. I got a copy on ebay a few years back. Another favorite of mine was “To Kill a Mockingbird.” I love stories that have morals to them.
Since starting your career as an author, what would you say are some of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
I’ve learned that I am so much stronger than I thought I was. I have done this whole process by myself. I have been able to get to this point without the help of agents, big publishers and publicists. They say that it is nearly insane to have been able to sell this many books without the help of outside sources. I’m really proud of myself for that, and it’s been opening many other doors for me.
If StarSitter where to be made into a film within the next year; who would you cast in the lead roles?
I have had people interested in optioning the movie rights, and have been holding off so far, but I think Rachel McAdams, Maggie Gyllenhal, Katie Holmes, or Reese Witherspoon would all make fabulous Graces’. For Maddy, I think Hayden Panetierre would be the best, or else maybe a new up and comer, not yet known.
What advice would you like to offer to aspiring authors?
I would say that it’s a very tough road, but if you believe in your project stick with it. It is the best feeling to accomplish something so huge.
Thanks for doing the interview. Anything you’d like to say in closing?
Thank you so much. I think it is really important to have websites like yours to keep young people informed. I wish you much success with it.
