First, would you tell readers a little about Shooting Stars?
Shooting Stars centers on Jo, a sixteen-year-old paparazzo living in LA. Jo is all about getting the perfect shot and doesn’t mind doing what it takes to get it, either. That is, until she’s sent on an undercover assignment to shoot Ned Hartnett – teen superstar and the only celebrity who’s ever been anything close to kind to her – at an exclusive rehab retreat in Boston. Taking, or not taking, the job is a huge decision for Jo. Taking it would mean finally having enough money to pay for her dream: real photography classes. But when she falls in love with Ned…? Suddenly everything in Jo’s world isn’t as black and white as it usually is.
What do you look for in the romance of a book?
This might sound hokey, but I really love a good romance where the girl falls for someone decent. Sure, they can have their misunderstandings along the way, but I’m really not into cruel guys for my heroines. In my romances (and in the ones I like to read, too), nice guys finish first!
The love interest in Shooting Stars is a celebrity. How did you go about keeping it real and interesting without being overdone?
I think the most important thing here was removing Ned (and Jo) from the LA environment. In rehab, it doesn’t matter who you are – everyone is on neutral ground (or so I hear!) and this is how things are for Ned and Jo. If I’d left them in LA I’m sure they would never have gotten together – their jobs were too much a part of what defined them as people. But in a neutral environment, their personalities are more important than their job definition, so they’re able to get to know each other as real people.
What do you think is the appeal in a celebrity love interest (Jo is far from the only girl with an interest in celebrities)?
I suppose it’s all about the glitz and the glamour and the excitement of being noticed and adored, but this is what I loved about writing this particular story – being able to delve into the other side of things. I read a lot of books written by, and about, the paparazzi (fellow Aussie Darryn Lyons’s Mr Paparazzi is a fabulous one if you’re looking) and the things they had to say about celebrity – about the dark side of celebrity and fame – were truly revealing.
Who are your biggest celebrity crushes?
You know, I can honestly say I don’t really have any. I have particular shows I’m really into (like Downton Abbey), but no real celebrity crushes. I think perhaps writing Shooting Stars wrecked the celebrity crush forever for me after doing all that research! Crushes aside, I do have a soft spot for Hugh Laurie, though. I think he’s an amazingly adaptable actor, which is what acting should be all about, I guess!
If you were to come up with a catch phrase for Shooting Stars, what would it be?
I think I’d have to go with a catch phrase Jo might say, which would be something along the lines of, ‘Shoot now and sleep when you’re dead’!
Sounds fun. I love Jo’s sense of humor. Thanks again for interview with me!
About the Author
(Bio and photo from her website)
Having failed at becoming a ballerina with pierced ears (her childhood dream), Allison Rushby tried writing instead. This is working out a lot better for her as it means she can sit on her backside most of the day and eat a lot more than a ballerina ever could. Plus, she can wear her pyjamas until midday and her book, movie ticket and DVD purchases are tax deductions. It doesn’t get much better than that.
Over the past ten years, she has published four books for young adult readers and five for adult readers in the women’s fiction genre. She is originally from Brisbane, Australia, but in 2011 and 2012 will be living in Cambridge, UK where she will most likely spend her days whingeing constantly about the weather.
She is currently working on a new YA novel, a travel memoir and her sanity. Oh, and she got the pierced ears in the end, thanks for asking…
Find Allison at her Website ❘ Facebook ❘ Twitter
Buy Shooting Stars at Amazon | B&N | Book Depository
Author: Crystal
A story girl at heart, Crystal is a bibliophile who can easily spend the day immersed in a good read. She writes under the name Kristy Wang. You can follow her writing adventures on X and Instagram @_kristywang.
Rebecca Hipworth says
I haven't heard too much about this one but it certainly sounds good. It looks like a sweet contemporary. 🙂
Rachael-Madison ^__^ says
I'm looking forward to this book because of its focus on photography, and the celebrity aspect that the author focuses on. Thanks for the interview – I agree with Kris-10 when she says she loves the catch phrase! I also have to thank her (although this is a little late) for introducing me to Hugh Laurie's music – I suppose I'm an oldie's fan! Again, thanks for sharing 😀
Christina K. says
I love this interview! It's so funny her researched killed her celebrity crush:)
Sounds like an awesome book:)
Kris-10 says
I really love Jo's catch phrase: "Shoot now and sleep when you're dead!" Thanks for the awesome interview! I'm really looking forward to reading Shooting Stars- it sounds fantastic! ♥
Christina Kit. says
This is so true: "but I really love a good romance where the girl falls for someone decent."
I hate it when the girl falls for a guy who's a total idiot, who treats her like dirt. Who's a guy she'd talk her best friend out of dating.
I mean, why like someone who doesn't treat you well?