All about the book Star Survivor
Who is Lisa Brace?
Lisa Brace is an award-winning writer, who combines penning novels with running her own business in the beautiful surroundings of West Sussex.
Her debut novel, Star Survivor – a romcom with a dark twist, is due to be published in March 2024 by The Book Guild and was inspired by a dream she had with Simon Cowell.
She has worked as a journalist and copywriter for over 20 years, giving her the chance to be nosy without getting into trouble.
When she had two very young children she decided she didn’t have enough on, so gained a BA Hons degree in English Literature and Language via the Open University, where her love for creative writing was sparked.
When not writing, and running writing retreats in the south of England, Lisa enjoys walking her dog, reading everything she can lay her hands on, and baking elaborate cakes.
What is Star Survivor about?
The designer luggage is packed. The bodily fuzz removed. It’s time for Star Survivor.
Hollywood star Zoe Stenson, TV darling June Sharp, author Toby Masters and mumfluencer Emily Chase, are ready to take part in the world-renowned reality TV show Star Survivor.
The plan is to pretend to survive for the cameras, safe in the knowledge they’ll be retiring to five-star comfort amongst the palm trees and sparkling blue sea when filming stops.
But when the four celebrities are accidentally left on the wrong South Pacific island – a truly deserted one – no amount of Instagram followers or box office sales will help them.
Forced to swap the spotlight for spearfishing, their Bollinger for beach finds, and with the world’s press clamouring for them to be found, will it be the making or breaking of these washed-up celebrities?
Interview
What was your inspiration for Star Survivor?
Believe it or not, I had a gin and tonic infused dream where I dreamt Simon Cowell told me the plot!! When I woke up i realised it would make an excellent book, so began writing it.
What drew you to writing?
I’m a journalist by trade and have written everything since I was little. I love crafting stories and losing myself in them.
How did you choose which character to centre the story around?
There are four main characters, Zoe, June, Emily and Toby, and for reasons I can’t explain without giving away the plot, I don’t pick one central character until about halfway through – you’ll need to read it to find out why!
What was your process for writing Star Survivor?
I wrote every afternoon for about six months, around my day job and looking after my family. When I was editing it I locked myself away for hours at a time, only to be disturbed with coffee!
What is your approach to world and character building?
I research a lot. Star Survivor is set in the present day, maybe two years from now. So just far enough away for it all to be believable. I had in mind different characters and then I look for people/actors who might have those characteristics. That way they feel real to me. Likewise with the island it’s set on. It’s a real place which, though I haven’t visited, I’ve spent hours looking at online!
How would you describe Star Survivor?
It’s a romcom with a dark heart. It’s adventure meets comedy meets romance. Castaway crossed with I’m a Celebrity.
Did you have a favourite moment in the book to write?
Yes, There’s a point when June really shows up for the group and EVERY time I read it, it made me cry. She’s so gutsy.
What was your favourite book growing up?
Sushi for Beginners by Marian Keyes as a teen The Snow Spider as a kid and everything Ben Elton wrote.
Do you have a favourite genre to read?
I like women’s fiction that has a comedic edge but tackles something a bit dark. Everything Marian Keyes does hits that mark for instance.
Leave a Reply