School Time Author Q&A Series: Ruby Preston

Hello Beautiful People,

I recently had the privilege of attending the book launch of Ruby Preston’s second book, STAGED, and it was truly a wonderful night.  Her books have been described as The Devil Wears Prada meets SMASH, and I couldn’t agree more.  They’re deliciously addicting, and I do  hope you all get yourselves a copy! (Or be sure to attend our twitter party next Thursday, where we will be giving away autographed copies of BOTH STAGED and SHOWBIZ to some lucky readers!)

Ruby was kind enough to participate in our School Time Author Q&A Series, and I hope you all enjoy this exclusive interview as much as I have! 

TWT: Did you always grow up wanting to be a producer on Broadway?

RP: I started out on stage as a kid – which is where most producers start. When I realized that I loved theater but didn’t love the spotlight, I was thrilled to discover I had a talent for the business side of theater.

TWT: What is the biggest inspiration for your novel, STAGED?

RP: My own career as a Broadway producer! A lot of the stories come from my own experiences and those of my friends in the industry. Of course, I take a lot of artistic license, but the basis of STAGED is the challenges that young producers like me face every day when building a Broadway career.

TWT:  Can you recall your first “experience” with Broadway? Was it a show? A certain soundtrack? A visit to NYC?

RP: I was always a fan of movie musicals. As a kid, I lived for all the old Judy Garland films. The first soundtrack I remember owning (on tape!) was Les Misérables. I didn’t see my first show on Broadway until high school, fortunately, it was RENT!

TWT: SHOWBIZ has received wonderful feedback, and the world waits with baited breath for the release of STAGED.  Can you tell our readers what your writing process is like?

RP: Thanks! I was thrilled with the positive reception for SHOWBIZ. There are so few resources for people who want a realistic picture of what life as a young Broadway producer is like – I’m happy to provide even a little insight. I take extensive notes as I go about my own Broadway career. When it comes down to actually writing my books, I read through my notes and figure out how to weave in the real stories with my fictional plot. I tend to write quickly. I’ll schedule a period of several weeks between productions and write intensively to hammer out a first draft.

TWT: Just for fun, what is your favorite Broadway show (or top three if you cannot pick just one)?

RP: I love so many musicals, and I go through phases where I’ll listen exclusively to one show and then move on to the next. If I had to pick a few favorites, I’d have to say La Cage Aux Folles, In the Heights, and Ragtime. However, there are dozens more that I couldn’t live without. Also, my iPod is also filled with amazing new musicals that hopefully the world will get to discover someday.

TWT: Just for fun, what character from musical theater is MOST like your personality?

RP: That’s a great question, but tough to answer! There are so many great musical theater characters that I resonate with. These days I’m loving the scrappy spirit of the title character of the new-to-Broadway musical, Matilda.

TWT: Just for fun, what character from musical theater is LEAST like your personality?

RP: Another tough question. There are lots of characters that are unlike me, but I have to say, the fact that most musical theater characters are striving to find love, happiness, and do something big – means I can relate to most of them.

TWT: In today’s economy, arts education budgets are being cut. What reasons would you give to a politician for preserving the arts?

RP: I could go on for pages about this, but, in a nutshell: The arts build confidence, creativity and teamwork better than anything else – all things that every human being should have the opportunity to develop.

TWT: What advice would you give to younger writers?

RP: Just do it. As a writer, I benefit greatly from operating on an internal theater clock. In show business, the curtain goes up whether you’re ready or not. As a writer, the deadlines can feel more flexible and it can be tempting to revise to a fault. I set an “opening night” date for myself and stick to it. Shows always come together when the curtain rises, and I find that my books do too if I force myself to make it happen.

TWT: Who is/was your greatest teacher?

RP: I am learning from people everyday. The wonderful thing about working on Broadway is that I’m surrounded day in and day out by passionate inspiring people who are making their dreams come true. Pursuing a Broadway career is one of the hardest things anyone can do – that means the people who are there really want to be there and have the talent, passion and work ethic to prove it. My greatest teachers are my incredible colleagues in the business.

Thank you, Ruby! 

Write Teacher(s) readers, be sure to attend our Twitter Party next Thursday for a chance to win an autographed copy of SHOWBIZ AND STAGED! 

Live, Love, Learn,

Megan & The Write Teacher(s)