We've been looking forward to Ella Kingsley's novel Confessions of a Karaoke Queen for quite some time - and now it's here! The book was released last week and follows Maddie Mulhern, who signs up for a reality TV show in order to try and save her parents' struggling karaoke bar. We caught up with Ella to find out more about the book, and of course, her favourite 80s tunes!
Please describe your latest book in 15 words or fewer.
A feel-good karaoke comedy for everyone who knows their Prince from their Pet Shop Boys
What inspired you to write Confessions of a Karaoke Queen?
A love of 80s music. I listen to it way too much, all the songs I adored growing up - Madonna, Cyndi Lauper, OMD, The Cure, Depeche Mode - and it's not just the nostalgia, it's because they're awesome tunes. They're epic. I wanted to write something that took us back to that era, something fun, and the perfect place to set it was a karaoke bar. Where else could I get away with waxing lyrical about my favourite playlists?! Plus karaoke is one of those things that always generates a reaction, love it or hate it. If you're not a mic-wrecker yourself, chances are you'll know someone who is, and I hope the theme will chime with readers. The karaoke booth is an arena (and it can feel gladiatorial) not only for singing but for all those things that help make up a good romcom: friendship, laughter, a sprinkle of eccentric performances, and, of course, a pinch of ritual humiliation - all to a marvellous movie soundtrack!
Where do you do most of your writing?
I wrote Karaoke Queen in the winter so I was hibernating for most of it in the spare room of my flat. It was lovely, plugged into my 80s favourites for inspiration while I tapped away.
What is your favourite book?
Ooh, that's a tough one. I love Sophie Kinsella, she always makes me laugh, as do Jenny Colgan and Bernadette Strachan - warm, funny authors who tell a great story. My favourite book at the moment is Margaret Atwood's The Blind Assassin, because I recently got round to reading it for the first time and I thought it was sensational. My favourite book ever is a different question, something from my past, maybe, like one of the Sweet Valley Highs or a good Jilly Cooper bonkbuster.
Which part of Confessions of a Karaoke Queen was the most enjoyable to write?
The reality TV strand was lots of fun. It's so prolific nowadays, especially in the autumn when you have The X Factor and I'm a Celebrity and all those shows that seem to be absolutely everywhere, and was a perfect marriage to bring the best out of the karaoke: the sense of being up on stage in the glare of the spotlight. I also loved writing the romantic thread between Maddie and Nick. It got me thinking about the tunes that shaped my own first crushes: how Starship serenaded my devotion to Andrew McCarthy in Mannequin; Huey Lewis and the News to Michael J in Back to the Future; INXS to Jason Patric in The Lost Boys . . . Every girl remembers listening to their Walkman before bed, taping the songs off the radio on a Sunday, objects of teenage fantasy postered with Blu-Tack on bedrooms across the land, and I wanted to capture the spirit of this in the novel.
What are you currently reading?
Pigeon English by Stephen Kelman. It was shortlisted for this year's Booker and it's easy to see why.
Who is your favourite heroine?
Lucky Santangelo in the Jackie Collins novels. She's a ball-breaker!
Do you have any tips for readers who are looking to become published authors?
Write something. It seems obvious to say, but before I cracked on getting mine done it was amazing how much time I wasted just thinking about getting it done. Finish it, whatever state it's in, however wracked with insecurities you are, and don't be afraid to show it once you have - it's a vulnerable position to be in, but no published author ever got away with this part! And believe in what you're writing. Write something you would like to read yourself.
Are you working on anything else at the moment and if so, can you tell us?
I think Maddie's got another adventure in her - so watch this space . . .
Thanks, Ella!
