Author Chat with Dana L. Davis (FAKE FAMOUS), Plus Giveaway! ~ US/CAN ONLY!

Today we are very excited to share an interview with author Dana L. Davis!

Read on to learn more about the author, the book, and a giveaway!

Meet the Author: Dana L. Davis

Dana L. Davis is an author, actress, and voice-over artist who lives and works in Los Angeles. She has starred in Heroes, Coach Carter, Franklin & Bash, Veronica Mars, and countless other film and TV productions. A few of her animation credits include Star vs. the Forces of Evil, Craig of the Creek, and She-Ra and the Princesses of Power.

Dana is a classically trained violist and the founder of the LA-based nonprofit Culture for Kids, LA, which provides inner-city children with free tickets and transportation to attend performing arts shows around LA County.

Website * Instagram * Facebook

About the Book: Fake Famous

In this breezy novel from the author of Somebody That I Used to Know, one Iowa farm girl―a dead ringer for a global pop star―gets an unlikely shot at stardom. Will she choose fame…or the family farm?

Red Morgan is fresh out of high school. With signature red curls and a remarkable singing voice, the bubbly teenager is a devoted daughter and big sister. The world should be her oyster. But Red already knows exactly where her future lies: the family farm in Orange City, Iowa.

Zay-Zay Waters is at the top of her game. The Brooklyn-born singer has it all―talent, fame, even a smokin’ hot boyfriend. But life in the limelight isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. And when a video of Red singing in the mud―looking and sounding exactly like Zay-Zay herself―goes viral, the pop star begins to hatch a plan.

Red is the key to Zay-Zay’s scheme. With much-needed money on the line, Red agrees to step into Zay-Zay’s famous shoes for one week. But when planned appearances start to go off script, Red may be in over her head. Can she really pull it off?

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~Author Chat~

YABC: What gave you the inspiration to write this book?

Honestly, it sorta feels like a modern-day Cinderella story. And who doesn’t love Cinderella, right? On a deeper level, I also wanted to show a different side to the world of fame and fortune. While simultaneously showing a different side to the world of a “normal” life. We sometimes have these pre-conceived notions that the life we’re not living is the better one. So, this story gave me the opportunity to showcase the beauty (and challenges) of two very different lifestyles. Hopefully I did a good job of showing that neither is necessarily better—if you’re true to yourself and living the life you actually chose. To go on a journey and live the life you want to live… is a noble journey. Indeed.

YABC: Who is your favorite character in the book?

Red’s Mom. She had every opportunity to selfishly hold Red back, and she never did. I love that! I have a mom like that. I said the wildest things to her about what I wanted to do with my life, and she never said anything other than, “I believe you can do it, Dana.” She’s always believed in me and supported me.

YABC: Which came first, the title or the novel?

I think almost all of my books start off as….The Untitled New Dana Book. J So the official title came later.

YABC: What scene in the book are you most proud of, and why?

I think my favorite scene is when Red runs into Zay’s personal chef, Caleb. He takes such pride in what he does, where he’s from, and in who he is. He isn’t ashamed when Red asks him why he wears the tassels that hang at his sides (tzitzit). He’s thrilled with the opportunity to tell her that he is certain of his purpose in life. It’s a short scene, but her interaction with him certainly shakes things up for Red.

YABC: Thinking way back to the beginning, what’s the most important thing you’ve learned as a writer from then to now?

Sometimes your story may seem unimportant…but that’s a lie. I remember when my first book came out and there was no New York Times Bestseller list, Oprah wasn’t emailing me and asking to have my book featured on her book club, the president didn’t call to express how much he enjoyed reading it. Lol. I joke…but it takes years to complete a novel. And there is an element of feeling like…did all my hard work matter? But I’ve received so many letters from kids, and adults too, who read my novels, and it impacted them. My most prized moment as an author was when my older brother, his name is Adaryll, he came to my book event and pulled me to the side and said, “Wow, Dana. It made me feel so relieved to hear you talk about anxiety. I’ve never told anyone this, but I have anxiety too. I’ve always been embarrassed to talk about it.” Then he held up my novel and said, “I can’t wait to read this.” It was such a touching moment. To think my older brother, who was the picture of poise and confidence, was also living with anxiety. I love that my debut novel helps (in its small way) to normalize living with mental illness. Again. There are no unimportant stories. The stories we tell have value and they are important. Even if Oprah doesn’t call. J But I mean, if she calls…that’s cool too.

YABC: What do you like most about the cover of the book?

It’s pink! And to me it just screams HOLLYWOOD!!! I mean, it really does. It’s so fun and light and bubblegum and really, that’s what this book is. It’s fun!

YABC: What new release book are you looking most forward to in 2023?

Britney Spears memoir. Hearing some of the things she went through breaks my heart. And also…so in line with Fake Famous. The stories we share with the world are not always the real story.

YABC: What’s up next for you?

I’m working on a new Paranormal/Sci-fi series. One of the hardest books I’ve ever written, but I can’t wait to share it with the world.

YABC: Which was the most difficult or emotional scene to narrate?

Any sort of breakup scene is always hard for me to write. Nothing is quite as fetal position inducing as a breakup. Love feels so so special. So when it ends, it just feels like this amazing, exclusive club that kicked you out. I always tap into my personal experiences when writing, so that being said. Who wants to assume the fetal position?! I try to keep my characters together!

YABC: Which character gave you the most trouble when writing your latest book?

Probably Red and her love interest, Koi Kalawai’a…together. YA novels are notorious for these absurd depictions of teenage boys with crooked smiles who are madly in love with the most boring girl in the world. I wanted to make sure Red was interesting and confident in who she is. And I wanted to make sure that Koi was more than just gorgeous. Although… I do envision him like if Jason Momoa and Keanu Reeves had a baby. Impossible? Yes. But…can you imagine that kid?! That’s Koi.

YABC: What is the main message or lesson you would like your reader to remember from this book?

There is no story that is more meaningful than your own. You are the main character for sure. Pursue the things that set your heart ablaze without guilt. This is your life to live.

YABC: What would you say is your superpower?

As an author? Probably dialogue. I think I do a good job of getting into people’s heads and writing authentic and realistic dialogue. As a human? Hmm. Maybe the uncanny ability not to scream at people in LA traffic.

YABC: Is there an organization or cause that is close to your heart?

I mention it in my book. It’s called Friendship Circle. It’s this wonderful organization for children and teens with disabilities like autism. But the organization is also for the parents too. I think it’s important that parents get respite, help, guidance, and community. Raising disabled children is very complex and parents need all the help they can get.

YABC: What advice do you have for new writers? 

Live! The best school is the school of life. Don’t be afraid to get your heart broken, cry, laugh, travel, shout at the moon and cry some more. When you live authentically, your characters can too.

Title: FAKE FAMOUS

Author: Dana L. Davis

Release Date: 11/7/23

Publisher: Skyscape

ISBN-10: 1542038766

ISBN-13: 978-1542038768

Genre: Young Adult

Age Range: 14+

*Giveaway Details*

Ten (10) winners will receive a hardcover copy of Fake Famous (Dana L. Davis) ~ US/CAN Only!

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