In Rowan’s own words:
‘I wrote Ruby for three reasons. Firstly when I was growing up I desperately wanted to be like Ruby. I dreamt of going to stage school and fame as an actress – preferably a film star and regularly practised my Oscars acceptance speech (I still do this now – ever the optimist)
Secondly it seems to me that every girl and boy these days wants to be famous, as if fame itself can somehow protect you from real life. I wanted to write a book about a girl who despite all the benefits that fame had brought her still had to go through the up and downs of growing up just like the rest of us.
Thirdly I love soap! I am, unfortunately according to my husband, addicted to it and my average day contains at least three. I’m a huge fan of Neighbours, Emmerdale, Coronation Street and Eastenders. I’m also an expert on Hollyoaks, and have long mourned the loss of in my opinion two of the greatest serialised drama’s in history Eldorado (Genius) and Sunset beach. (Hilarious). I have really enjoyed taking inspiration from all of these soaps for some of the story lines that crop up in Kensington Heights.’
Rowan Coleman has been writing books for adults and children since 2002 when she won Company Magazine’s ‘Young Writer of the Year.’ Her books for adults include The Times Bestsellers The Accidental Mother and The Baby Group. Rowan is currently writing the Ruby Parker series for girls, featuring child star Ruby Parker who is just like any other thirteen-year-old girl – except she is famous. Before becoming a writer, Rowan worked in bookselling and publishing for several years. Rowan lives in Hertfordshire with her husband, young daughter and a standard poodle called Polly.
