For those of you who prefer to read books on your computers or mobile devices, a PDF version of my debut novel, "Stars in their Eyes," is now available.  The only difference between the digital version and the hard copy is page count: the borders have been reformatted and the font resized in the digital  copy to keep file size small and page count low, but nothing has been left out, and the story is the exact same.

If you are interested in purchasing a digital copy, please send a message. Payments through Paypal are currently the only accepted ways to buy a digital copy.  Emailed PDFs are instantaneous upon receipt of the paypal transfer.

Today my publicist, Kathryn Dupont, sent out the official press release for "Stars in their Eyes" (better late than never!) to almost 1000 national publications for review.  So please scour your local newspapers, as well as weekly and monthly favorites like Allure, Rolling Stone, In Style, and Entertainment Weekly for blurbs!!  Feel free to forward anything you find to this site and if you haven't already picked up a copy of "Stars in their Eyes," please do so today!

Author Christina Hamlett ("Movie Girl") has said some very nice things about "Stars in their Eyes" in a recent review on www.bookspoke.com.  She has managed to hit on many of the issues I hoped others would about condensing this story for novel format rather than let it play out in full on-screen.  An excerpt is below, or you can check out the full article at http://www.bookspoke.com/books/1419677632

 

"Amidst the bright lights of Tinseltown, the line between fantasy and reality is often a blurry one. Unlike an earlier era when movie stars and TV personalities were accorded a certain measure of privacy whenever they stepped away from the cameras, we've become a society that's obsessed with knowing every intimate detail about those whom we've placed on celebrity pedestals. On any given day in supermarket checkout lines, we're exposed to cheesy tabloids and glossy Hollywood mags that spill the latest scandal about infidelities, pregnancies, arrests, addictions, spiraling out of control, or hovering near death.

In her debut novel – "Stars In Their Eyes" – author Danielle Turchiano paints an accurate picture of the film industry's superficiality and the adage that a star is only as good as his or her most recent production. Her protagonist, Courtney Primm, is a soap opera actress who is desperate in her quest to be taken seriously by making the leap from a small screen to a big silver one. Her assistant and best friend, Leah Conroy, is just as committed to scarfing up La-La land perks, achieving fame-by-attachment, and bedding any available male within a 20' radius. Leah has charmingly mastered the art of the con and, at times, is the more watchable of the pair.

Being seen by the right people who can be instrumental in career advancement finds the two women hitting all manner of swank parties and encountering like-minded souls who recognize how fickle their chosen universe can be. Enter Jay, an AD who not only invites Courtney to think outside the box and entertain thoughts of a "normal" existence as his wife but also threatens to redefine the friendship comfort zone that Leah always believed would last forever. If Courtney thought her stint on "Chateau Pacific" was the stuff of steamy soaps, she soon finds that her new "unscripted" relationship comes with even more trauma and drama..."

Laurel, author of "Following My Toes," says:

"STARS IN THEIR EYES, by Danielle Turchiano, is about two young women who are trying to make it big in Hollywood. Courtney appears on an evening soap-opera, but she is very serious about her work and has aspirations to be a film actress. Soon she leaves the stability of her regular gig to break into movies. The other woman, Leah, is Courtney's friend/manager. She mostly takes care of things like party-planning and social engagements, all the while mooching off Courtney and using her star-power to score Hollywood perks.

It is when Courtney meets and falls in love with assistant director Jay that both women are tested. Courtney finds that nothing is simple when it comes to love, because Jay is at once possessive and jealous, and soon they are having explosive arguments and problems communicating. Leah feels the effects of this as well because they are such good friends.

STAR IN THEIR EYES offers a unique perspective on the superficiality of the entertainment industry and the fickleness of our celebrity-driven culture. Because the author has worked in the industry, she is able to provide all sorts of interesting details about living and working in LA. In addition, the dialogue is brisk and fun to read and the plot is intriguing.

Definitely an enjoyable read – STARS IN THEIR EYES will have you wishing for your own beach vacation in the middle of this cold, long winter!"

Author Geri Ahearn (authorgeriahearnsbookreviews.blogspot.com) has reviewed "Stars in their Eyes" and the prognosis is good!

Geri says:

"Courtney Primm is a young, beautiful and successful soap opera star on the show Chateau Pacific. Leah Conroy is Courtney's personal assistant, and her best friend. Their dream was to move to Los Angeles, where Ms. Primm could move up the ladder to fame and fortune, and Leah could become photographed by Hollywood's rich and famous. Their dreams became reality as they take the reader behind the scenes, while they live the unpredictable fast-paced life as they push and shove their way under the spotlights to reach stardom heaven. The cast and crew of Chateau takes the reader on a tour during onset and offset hours, describing how far a new star will go to get what they want, while climbing the ladder of glitter to fame. Courtney and Leah were introduced to living two different lives. One gorgeous life of glamour, lights, and action. The other life quite ugly, packed with lies, bribes, arrogance and dishonesty. Courtney's top priority is dedication and devotion to her career from soap opera queen to feature film. Leah will do anything in her power to help Courtney move up the ladder from cunning lies to back-stabbing schemes, to eavesdropping and spreading evil gossip. The reader is taken behind closed doors, observing the behavior and distrust among the cast and crew of Chateau. Leah's mission is accomplished as Courtney becomes more successful, but then Courtney meets Jay Barnes at an after party, and falls in love with him. Her life completely changes. She was used to living the fake life onset, and the real life offset. Now, she becomes confused, forced to add the role as a new wife. She realizes her life will never again be as easy and simple as playing Trina on Chateau. Her life is now complicated as she struggles to balance the weights of career and marriage. After Courtney and Jay get married , her decision making changes, and so does her personality.

STARS IN THEIR EYES is a comically dramatic story about the lives of people who had the same dream, which was to become a famous actor or actress. The reader is shown the highs and lows of success, and learns why so many famous movie stars that meet in Hollywood decide to chose another state to live in for their private lives. STARS IN THEIR EYES shows the many reasons why couples are pulled apart from their private lives, while living under the spotlights, destroying their personal lives. This novel is an excellent soap opera in itself, while describing the lives of Courtney and Leah, who are faced with many obstacles as they attempt to climb that ladder. The reader is left with an ending similar to "Gone With The Wind." Courtney will worry about it tomorrow, and tomorrow for her becomes a new year. The talented author takes us through this story as we witness a roller-coaster ride of emotions, while craving for the next "episode." I recommend this novel to all soap opera lovers, men and women as well, and all those who would love to visit the inside scenes of Hollywood's rich and famous."

I am spending the first quarter of the new year sending around free copies of my novel to outlets who can provide reviews and drum up publicity. I already have it out to quite a few individuals who promised to post reviews on their websites as well as amazon.com and barnesandnoble.com, and I plan to take excerpts from said reviews and post them here so you can see what some unbiased people have to say about "Stars in their Eyes" :) If you are someone who would like to review this book, please message me, and I will do my best to get you a copy asap. Thanks!!

Madison, break-out star from "Stars in their Eyes" is also a break-out star on the internet! The video of him opening Christmas presents was featured on YouTube's Pets & Animals front page on Christmas Day, and now it has moved to the homepage of YouTube.com!

It is this video, which is not even the best one, in my opinion:



Maybe he'll get discovered :) Calling Ellen Degeneres....

Thanks to all who have commented, sent messages, and especially those who have picked up copies of my debut novel! I encourage those of you that did to write a quick blurb about the novel on amazon.com :)

In other news, I acquired representation for my second novel, "pseudonym," this past month! I am working with two women at the Writer's Literary Agency right now, and they are working hard to get interest from publishers, as I'm hoping for a more traditional deal with this book and any subsequent ones.

"pseudonym" is a coming-of-age story for a young girl who thinks she has the whole world, and herself, figured out at a very young age. She's in a hurry to grow up, and that is only fueled by her new realization that life, as she knows it, could be over at any given moment.

"pseudonym" is set in fall 2002, and it deals with post-9/11 NYC as seen through a child's eyes. I am currently working on a myspace page for it, and if you're interested in hearing more about updates and progress, please visit that site; it's in my Top Friends.

Hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas! More news to report in 2008!

For happenings in the author's life, including "Stars in their Eyes" updates, subsequent novels' news, and pop culture ramblings.

danielletbd.blogspot.com

Go There. Read. Comment. :)

danielletbd.blogspot.com

Are you an actor/model/singer/sports star? Do you consider yourself recognizable from film, television, radio, myspace, or otherwise? Do you live, or spend a lot of time, in Los Angeles?

If so, please don't be alarmed if you see me stride up to you in a Starbucks or Ralphs or Sherman Oaks Fashion Square with a copy of my debut novel, "Stars in their Eyes." To promote my book, I am looking for celebrities who are willing to pose with it, whether you've read it or not (though I'd prefer that you actually read and enjoyed it so then it's a real endorsement). So if you see me coming at you with a camera or just my iPhone, know I will not be selling the photo to the tabloids but putting it on myspace as part of an on-going series. In return, I will happily help promote whatever projects you have going on, as well.

If you fit the above and have already happened to purchase a copy on amazon.com, please photograph yourself with the book and message me.

PS: You'll be in good company; tonight I put a copy of "Stars in their Eyes" into Mariah Carey's hands. Granted, my second novel, "Pseudonym" would have been a more appropriate fit for her since it is a New York story, taking place exactly one year after September 11th, so "Glitter" and Mariah in general are referenced in the tale, but baby steps, you know?