American Superstar: Drop the Mic
by Shay Paris
Released: Jan 18, 2024
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Why this book and why now?
This book is the final instalment in the American Superstar series. The series itself spawned from the song “Devil Gate Drive” by Suzi Quatro. Lennon appeared in my mind on a stage as an unfleshed character, and she slowly came to life over a year of thinking and listening. Book one was published January 2021 and the final book published 18 January 2024.
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?
Character names and appearances changes drastically from the first draft of book one. Lennon started off as a brown haired, brown eyed girl named Katerina. Also, the relationship with her parents was a lot darker than what has been published.
Would you and your main character(s) get along?
I would get along with Lennon 100%. Book one and two Camila, no, but book three Camila, yes.
Do your character names have special significance or meaning?
A lot of effort went into naming Lennon. The name had a smaller story built around it, along with the musical connection she shared with her grandfather.
Camila’s name came from baby names.com!
What TV show would your main character(s) most likely binge watch and why?
Lennon would watch Nashville, Emily in Paris, The L Word.
Camila would be Criminal Minds, Wentworth, The Walking Dead.
What’s your main character(s)’s favorite book and why?
Lennon’s favourite book is The Bermudez Triangle. She picked it up off the shelf in the school library and didn’t know what it was until she started reading it. It was her first introduction to sapphic fiction.
Camila’s favourite book is The Folk of the Far Away Tree. It was the one time in her life her mother read to her and had been kind. She would never admit that out loud, though. She would tell you she doesn’t like to read if you asked her.
What 3 things would your main character want with them if they got stranded away from civilization, and why?
Each other, piano, and guitar. Music is their life outside of each other.
One of your main characters is planning a romantic night. Tell us about it.
Camila would plan something romantic 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, preferably on a hilltop, with a nice sunset view. She would love an old fashioned picnic basket and a patchwork rug to sit on.
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.
Lennon would toast with an old fashioned, her new choice drink in book three. Camila would keep to a gin and tonic.
What song does your character put on to start your book launch party?
“Devil Gate Drive” – Suzi Quatro in honour of where the idea first started.
