Blog Tour: Showbiz, A Novel by Ruby Preston plus an Interview with the author

Showbiz, A Novel
written by Ruby Preston          
published by Ruby Preston, via Smashwords

find it here: Barnes & Noble, Amazon, Goodreads

Why did I pick this book: I participated in the blog tour for this book organized by CLP Blog Tours. (I received a copy of this book for review purposes.)


Did I enjoy this book: I did enjoy this book. It was very enjoyable and had me on the edge of my seat wanting to know what happens next. I read Showbiz, A Novel every free chance I had. 

I loved all of the characters…each were very well written and developed. I loved the action and the inside drama. There was nothing in this book that I would want to change. 

I loved Scarlett Savoy. I really wanted her to succeed and make it on her own as a producer. Her friend, and go to guy for functions and whatnot, Lawrence, was fantastic. He and Scarlett were great together. I wanted more but I can see the reason behind the direction taken. Reilly was a  wonderful love interest for Scarlett. The two of them complimented each other quite nicely despite having to walk the fine line of “what can I tell/share” and “what can I print v. keep confidential”.  Margolies was an ass…his ending was all that I could hope for. And the Jeremys…so funny, so sweet, and I hope their new musical, Swan Song, is a hit. 

Would I recommend it: I would recommend this book to anyone who likes chick lit or who likes Broadway.

Will I read it again: I probably will not read this book again. But I will be anxiously awaiting the sequel!!!

About the book – MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS: After four years in Manhattan, slaving away as the under-appreciated apprentice to the brilliant but ruthless “King of Broadway”, Scarlett Savoy is finally on her way to becoming a Broadway producer in her own right. But then, a shocking suicide turns Broadway on its head. Scarlett finds herself at the center of the storm as everything she thought she knew about the business of Broadway begins to unravel. A chance meeting with an influential gossip columnist sparks romance – but can he be trusted? Scarlett is forced to decide to what lengths she’ll go, who she’s willing to become, and what she’ll sacrifice, to achieve her Broadway dreams.

What is it like to be a producer on Broadway? It is nothing short of thrilling to be a Broadway producer. I’ve never worked harder in my life, but to be creating new musicals that will go out into the world and impact people’s lives is an honor and a privilege. The politics and personalities can be tricky (as readers will discover in Showbiz) but watching the curtain go up on a show I’ve helped create makes it all worth while.

Why did you decide to write this book? My job as a Broadway producer 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 stories about my crazy theatrical experiences. They eventually convinced 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.

Which character was your favorite to write about? Which was your least favorite? The heroine, Scarlett Savoy, was the most fun to write because she’s the most like me. I loved putting her in situations similar to what I’ve been through but let her say and do things I could never get away with!

Scarlett’s boss, the ruthless but brilliant Margolies was the most difficult to write. I’ve had to work with nasty people like him and it’s not fun. However, writing for Margolies forced me to look at things from his perspective and try to understand out how someone might become so nasty in the first place.

What was your favorite scene to write in Showbiz? Why? I enjoyed writing the early scenes between Scarlett and her potential love interest, Reilly. I feel most comfortable writing dialogue, probably because I spend hours reading scripts for Broadway, and it was fun to imagine their banter as they decide how they feel about each other.

How “true” is this work of fiction? Since I’m still very active on Broadway, I have to be careful that my characters truly are fiction. Though they may have aspects of several real life “characters” I can’t afford to explicitly offend too many people. In fact, it was my publisher who suggested I write under a pen name, though keeping my real identity a secret in the inner circles of the tight knit Broadway community is a challenge.

How long did it take you to write Showbiz? What was your writing process like? I wrote Showbiz very quickly. Once I had set my mind to it, I wrote every free moment I had – all day, all night, all weekend – whatever time I could find! After two months I had a first draft and then I spent another two months revising it thanks to my editor as well as several wonderful friends who read numerous drafts and offered brilliant suggestions and edits. So all told, four months almost to the day!

Will there be a sequel to Showbiz? I know I would love to know what happened to all of the characters (a few more so than others)! Yes! In fact, I’m nearly done with the second book in the Scarlett Savoy series. Once I got into the habit of writing, it was hard to stop. I took a break between books for a celebratory glass of champagne and then dove right into writing the sequel. I’m having fun with the continued adventures of Scarlett and her friends and I can’t wait for you to read it!

In one sentence, tell us why we should read your book. If you enjoy seeing theater, Showbiz will prove that the behind the scenes drama is every bit as entertaining as the drama you see on stage!

What is/are your favorite book(s)? I love reading and have many favorite books. If I had to name a few… The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay by Michael Chabon, The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern, Mists of Avalon by Marion Zimmer Bradley

Who is/are your favorite author(s)? I love so many books and authors. I’m particularly enjoying getting to know the work of some fabulous new indie writers now that epublishing is taking off!

What are you currently reading right now? I’m reading and loving Rules of Civility by Amor Towles.

Thanks for the interview. See you at the theater!

About the author: Ruby Preston is an up and coming 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. Ruby loves hearing from readers and Broadway fans so feel free to drop her note via email ruby (@) rubypreston (dot) com or twitter @BroadwayRuby.

Also find Ms. Preston here: website, her publisher, Twitter

Happy reading wherever you are and whenever you get a free chance!!!