Imagine being a nobody... Who suddenly becomes a somebody... Because of something you can't tell anybody?
When Hollywood legend Ruby Valentine shocks the world with her mysterious suicide, Kelly's father reveals something even more shocking – she’s Ruby’s daughter.
So Kelly sets off for Tinseltown to find some answers, diving head first into Hollywood society with her new family of jet-setters and fashionistas. But she soon discovers that Ruby's real life was laced with more drama, tragedy, and intrigue than any screenwriter could imagine.
When Ruby's fortune turns out to be non-existent, and Kelly learns of the intense relationship her mother had with her slick, powerful agent, she begins to get suspicious about what's really going on. And the more she digs, the closer she gets to uncovering the most unbelievable secret of them all.
Alison Bond knows all about the beautifully buffed of Hollywood from working in the film industry for seven years before writing How to be Famous and her latest novel, The Truth About Ruby Valentine. We grabbed five minutes with Alison to ask her a few outstandingly unglamorous questions…
Who or what always puts a smile on your face?
The unintentional hilarity of America’s Next Top Model.
What are you reading at the moment?
Which Lie Did I Tell? – William Goldman
Which author do you most admire?
Donna Tartt. A fantastic story, a dark heart, millions of copies sold and the nerve to take ten years to write the next one. She also has very chic hair.
What’s your earliest memory?
An Easter egg hunt, which I won despite not being able to reach up high, or walk very well. I suppose I must have cheated.
What is your greatest fear?
Nuclear attack. I watched a film called War Games when I was nine or ten (not the cute one with Matthew Broderick but a terrifying drama/documentary by Peter Watkins). I was scarred for life.
How would you like to be remembered?
As a fine old lady who left a colossal fortune.
Have you ever done something you’ve really regretted?
Yep. I’m quite stupid. But I have to live with it.
How do you spoil yourself?
Extended periods of inactivity. I’m talking weeks.
What’s your favourite word?
Minx
Who do you turn to in a crisis?
My bank manager.
What makes you angry?
See above.
Have you ever had any other jobs apart from writing?
I’ve worked in the film industry since I left university. My first boss was a high-powered, very angry talent agent, who used to scream insults until he made you cry and then send you a bunch of peonies to apologise. At the end of one particularly stressful week the office was literally awash with peonies from a swanky florist, we ran out of vases. I was struggling on about ten grand a year at the time so I asked him if he could just give me the cash instead. He said that he always charged the flowers to the company credit card, so no.
Are you in love?
Very much. Ask me again tomorrow.
What’s your worst vice?
I couldn’t pick a favourite.
What are you proudest of?
I think I’ve got a pretty good memory.
Where do you write?
At home, or on trains. Longhand on the bus. Still trying to figure out the perfect routine but starting to think it’s a myth.
Which is your favourite city?
London, especially in the summer. Everybody acts as if they are on holiday, sitting on the grass, skipping dinner, drinking too much and sleeping with people they normally wouldn’t. If another city was my favourite I’d live there instead.
When was the last time you cried?
This morning.
One wish; what would it be?
The ability to talk to animals.
Did you enjoy school?
I did. I thought I owned the place.
Favourite thing about being a writer?
Telling lies for a living.
Favourite thing to snack on while writing?
The end of my pen.
Favourite item in your closet?
A black silk kimono from Sunset Park, Brooklyn – the real Chinatown.
Favourite place(s) to shop?
Threshers, or Nicolas if I’m feeling flush.
Favourite purchase you've made recently?
A plane ticket to New Zealand to visit my good friend Sarah and her new son Charlie.
Favourite item(s) always to be found in your handbag?
Carmex, gum and stray fivers.
Favourite author(s)?
Peter Biskind, Douglas Coupland, Armistead Maupin and Jackie Collins.
Favourite movie?
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn: plucky kids survive drunken Irish upbringing in turn-of-the century NYC. They just don’t make them like they used to.
Favourite place you'd like to travel to?
The moon.
Favourite way to spend a Saturday afternoon?
On a roll.
Favourite music to relax to?
Something girly like Mazzy Star or Aimee Mann.
Favourite guilty pleasure?
Reality TV and plenty of it.
Favourite thing about London?
Black cabs. To me they are the ultimate luxury and every trip over the river to South London feels like a grand tour. When I was a kid I used to dream of living here and I love that now I do.
Favourite character from one of your novels?
The one whose life story I’m working on right now. Screen diva Ruby Valentine.
What's your celebrity style? Try Alison Bond's fantastic quiz and find out...
Q1: Your ideal boyfriend is likely to be…
a) An athlete
b) A musician
c) An academic
d) An actor
Q2: What do you wear in bed?
a) Nothing
b) Shorts and vest combo
c) Cotton PJs
d) Antique lace
Q3: What would be your dream holiday destination?
a) Cannes
b) Alaska
c) Israel
d) Peak district
Q4: How do you relax?
a) Luxurious bubble bath
b) Chilling out with friends
c) A night at the opera
d) Learning lines
Q5: What’s your favourite tipple?
a) Champagne cocktail
b) Bottle of beer with lime
c) Still water with a twist
d) Alcopop
Q6: What’s on your playlist?
a) Big Band and classic ballads
b) Rock and Roll
c) Esoteric jazz
d) Coldplay
Q7: Who’s your biggest inspiration?
a) Marilyn Monroe
b) Jane Fonda
c) Jodie Foster
d) Julie Christie
Q8: Your dream car would be a…
a) Midnight blue Bentley
b) Old School mini
c) Fuel efficient hybrid
d) VW Golf
Q9: What’s on your feet?
a) Jimmy Choo’s
b) Haviannas flip-flops
c) Faux leather sandals
d) Trainers
Q10: Which of these would be your motto?
a) Think Big
b) Stay Cool
c) Do Good
d) Work Hard
Mostly A’s: You’re a glamorous sex kitten like Scarlett Johannson and like the good things in life. You dress to impress and would never think of leaving the house without your make-up on. You like your men to be heroes who worship at your designer-clad feet. You are bold and uncompromising and determined to get to the top. Be careful not to tread on people as you rise.
Mostly B’s: You’re a kooky original like Maggie Gyllenhaal and you like to laugh. Your laid back manner and sharp instincts will help you to make good love choices. You tend to favour substance over style but your fondness for vintage ensures that you stand out. You’re not one to follow the crowd, but neither do you lead the way. You sit back and observe. Be sure that you don’t get left behind.
Mostly C’s: You’re the girl next door like Natalie Portman and your feet are firmly on the ground. You want to make a difference in the world and you value education and culture. Romance is not a priority for you but others warm to your loyalty and passion. You sometimes find it hard to look at the lighter side of life and need to remember to let your hair down occasionally.
Mostly D’s: You’re the quintessential English Rose like Keira Knightley. Sweet and well-mannered, you are deceptively strong-willed. You try hard at everything you do and always get what you want, but true love can be difficult to find. You are blessed with beauty and good fortune and need to slow down once in a while to appreciate what you have instead of always chasing the next challenge.
For further information please contact Clare Pollock on 020 7010 3354 / clare.pollock@uk.penguingroup.com or Anwen Hooson on 020 7010 3273 / anwen.hooson@uk.penguingroup.com
