Ruby Parker Film Star [Paperback]

Lights, cameras… action?“Do you really know what makes a performer successful?”“Hard work and lots of it,” I answered, before realising that the question was supposed to rhetorical. “I mean, probably, I don't know, what do you think?”Sylvia Lighthouse arched a pencilled eyebrow at me. “I hope you're not too confident Ruby,” she said. I shook my head energetically. “Not at all. Not even a bit.” And then I wasn't sure if that was the right thing to say either. Child star Ruby Parker is heading for her very first proper audition with one of the most famous film directors in the world. If she is successful, Ruby could win a good part in a box office smash to be watched by millions! People keep telling her that if she doesn't GET the role, it's not the end of the world. But inside, Ruby isn't sure that she really believes that…Warm, funny and starry bright, this perfect follow-up to Ruby Parker Hits the Small Time is perfect for fame-struck girls.

In Rowan's own words:

'I wrote Ruby for three reasons. Firstly when I was growing up I desperately wanted to be like Ruby. I dreamt of going to stage school and fame as an actress - preferably a film star and regularly practised my Oscars acceptance speech (I still do this now - ever the optimist) Secondly it seems to me that every girl and boy these days wants to be famous, as if fame itself can somehow protect you from real life. I wanted to write a book about a girl who despite all the benefits that fame had brought her still had to go through the up and downs of growing up just like the rest of us. Thirdly I love soap! I am, unfortunately according to my husband, addicted to it and my average day contains at least three. I'm a huge fan of Neighbours, Emmerdale, Coronation Street and Eastenders. I'm also an expert on Hollyoaks, and have long mourned the loss of in my opinion two of the greatest serialised drama's in history Eldorado (Genius) and Sunset beach. (Hilarious). I have really enjoyed taking inspiration from all of these soaps for some of the story lines that crop up in Kensington Heights. I am also fascinated with behind the scenes of movies sets and backstage at theatres and I'm sure as Ruby goes on to have more growing up adventures her career will also branch out into these areas.'

Rowan graduated from Hull University in 1993 then worked in bookselling for three years as the manager of an independent bookshop in the City of London. In 1997 she moved to Random House to work as a Sales Administrator, where she eventually became Editorial Manager at Ebury Press.

In January 2001 she signed a three-book deal with Arrow at Random House. Her first novel, GROWING UP TWICE, was published in September 2001 and was a WHS Fresh Talent winner. Her third book, RIVER DEEP was published in 2004.

Rowan lives in Hertfordshire with her husband Erol and her three-year-old daughter, Lily.