American Superstar: Time To Shine
by Shay Paris
Released: Dec 24, 2022
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Why this book and why now?
American Superstar came to life after listening to “Devil Gate Drive” by Suzi Quatro a few times. It was probably by the third listen that I saw Lennon on stage, but she was a totally murky and unfleshed out character. It took about a year before I actually wrote anything to do with American Superstar. I allowed her to simmer in my mind until she became a real character. The good girl that just wants to please her parents and have them feel proud of her, only she has her own desires and a secret. It all started with Lennon – and then Camila came along with her own baggage.
I felt ready to tell their story in 2020 and hit publish on book one in January 2021. Book two continues on their saga which just got published Christmas Eve 2022 and I’ve started work on book three.
It turns out these two have a lot to say, and I am purely existing just for them.
What is a significant way your book has changed since either the first draft or the way you thought it would turn out when you first had the inspiration?
The character names and the relationship Lennon has with her parents. Also, Lennon’s appearance. Initially I had envisioned her as a brunette with brown eyes, but suddenly a blonde haired, blue eyed diva took her place.
Lennon’s relationship with her parents was far worse in the original draft, although I feel that those parents will finally reveal themselves in book three in all their glory.
Would you and your main character(s) get along?
I would get along with Lennon. She’s kind and cares about people. Camila and I could be 50/50, but I don’t think we would be best friends. She’s too self serving, in my opinion.
Do your character names have special significance or meaning?
A lot of thought went into Lennon’s name. I wanted something unique and different, but also something else I could build a smaller story around. To Lennon, the name does have significant meaning, obviously the musical connection between her and her grandfather.
Camila’s name came from a list of babynames.com, so not an overly special reference (LOL).
Can you tell who my favourite character is yet?
What TV show would your main character(s) most likely binge watch and why?
Lennon would binge Nashville, Emily in Paris, The L Word (OG and Gen Q)
Camila would be all up in Criminal Minds, Wentworth, The Walking Dead – anything that doesn’t remind her of the fluff she acted in as a child/teen.
What’s your main character(s)’s favorite book and why?
Lennons favourite book is The Bermudez Triangle. She picked it up from the school library without reading the blurb as a teenager. It would be her first exposure to sapphic romance between teens.
Camila’s favourite book would be The Folk of the Far Away Tree. It was the one time in her life her mother read to her and had been kind to her. She’ll never admit that out loud though, so she would tell you she doesn’t like to read.
What 3 things would your main character want with them if they got stranded away from civilization, and why?
Well, both characters would want each other, a piano/guitar and probably their managers Nicole and Jesse.
That’s if they get to pick 3 things each.
One of your main characters is planning a romantic night. Tell us about it.
Camila would plan something on the water. A nice boat with tea lights set up everywhere. Probably a nice charcuterie board and some wine. Away from prying eyes and on the silence of the water where she could have Lennon all to herself.
Lennon would plan a picnic in a nice park with a good view at sunset. She’d love the old fashioned picnic basket and patchwork rug. Maybe some sandwiches and some fresh fruit… chocolate coloured strawberries and a bottle of wine.
Publishing a book is a huge accomplishment and it’s time to party! Choose a celebratory beverage for one of your main characters to toast the release of your new book.
Camila would toast with a gin and tonic. Simple and to the point.
Lennon would hands down have her hands on a cocktail if she could. Sex On The Beach 100%
What song does your character put on to start your book launch party?
They would both pick a song from the book itself. Probably “Devil Gate Drive” as that’s where the book originally spawned from.
