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| About the Book |
Where The Light is Hottest
Natasha Jones has everything - a successful acting career, an Oscar, a wonderful husband and beautiful kids. But what does she have to go through to get there? From humble beginnings in a small town, Natasha's path to stardom is paved with setbacks, heartaches and moments of doubt.
In the glittering world of fame and fortune, where dreams are spun from starlight and ambition fuels the relentless pursuit of success, one woman's journey stands as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. Beneath the facade of glamour lies a story of unwavering determination and unyielding courage.
Where the Light is the Hottest is a gripping tale of ambition, perseverance and the enduring power of hope. Through Natasha's journey, we are reminded that the road to success is rarely smooth, but for those who dare to chase their dreams, the rewards are beyond measure.
Purchase Link -
Author Bio –
Catherine Yardley is the author of Ember and Where The Light is Hottest. She’s also the editor-in-chief of Frost Magazine and a freelance writer who's featured in The Bookseller, Mslexia, Metro, Huffpost, Writing Magazine and Writers’ and Artists’ amongst others. She lives in London with her husband and children.
Social Media Links –
@catherineby.bsky.social
Website:
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| Read an Excerpt |
Where The light is Hottest is based on my experience working in the film industry as an actor, casting director, producer and director. I had a lot of amazing times, but like all industries, it has its problems. There are many wonderful people that work in it. With a few horrible people who sometimes ruin it. Where The light is Hottest is not just based on me. It is also based on stories I heard and things I saw. Women are vulnerable in the industry. Especially when parts sometimes call for nudity. I never did it myself as I am not that brave. It is an industry which can exploit people badly. There is something magical about the film industry. Making televisions, films or theatre is addictive. There are a lot of highs and lows. Ultimately, I wanted to write a joyful book about a strong woman who goes after her dreams but doesn’t compromise her values. It is scary to see it go out into the world. I hope people love Natasha as much as I do.
Chapter 2
Now
I watch London go by. It is four in the morning and I am being driven to set. As much as I hate the early mornings, I love seeing London like this. There is hardly anyone here. Just delivery drivers and retail workers. It is a snapshot of London life. Of all life. The quietness calms me.
Today will be full on. Some days I just sit in my trailer. Sure, I tend to do fourteen-hour days but most of that is just faffing about while everyone else sets up the shot. I lift my head up and from side to side until I hear a cracking sound. Training for the action scenes I will take part in today has been full on. I am at my peak fitness now. Exercising two hours a day and expensive meal plans delivered straight to your door does that for you.
It is not the stunts or the running that will be hard, but roving Reggie and his wandering hands. Anytime we have a scene together he is all over me. I spoke to some friends about him and, apparently, he does it to everyone. No one ever complains so I was wondering if I should. But I have worked so hard to get where I am today. The film industry is run by a few, very powerful, people. If they blacklist you, it’s all over.
I am not ready for this to be over.
I sip tea that tastes like dishwater as I take in the sights of London at five in the morning. I find the early morning greyness soothing as a new day slowly dawns. London is so calm at this time of day, and yet it never sleeps. I can see a group of Asian tourists taking pictures, as enamoured by the lions of Trafalgar square as I was when I first saw them. I see people in sharp suits on their way to work, and dressed up people who clearly have not been home yet, stumbling around. This city has a buzz that never stops. I do not think I will ever stop loving it. We have filmed most of this movie in New York, but London will always be where my heart it.
The National Portrait Gallery stands in all its greatness. A testament to the creativity of human beings. I wonder if my portrait will be there one day, then I feel embarrassed at my arrogance.
A crowd has gathered as the crew set up the shot, iPhones to the ready. I wonder how many Instagram posts this will equate too. A yawn escapes before I can put my hand to my mouth. I hope no one got a picture of that. There is probably paparazzi nearby too, damn! The tabloids love to print unflattering pictures of actresses, especially ones that are in their thirties and, in their opinion, already ageing.
‘Tash, they’re ready for you.’ The AD assigned to me is a young, attractive brunette called Lara who has the mannerisms of a scared rabbit. She always seems so jumpy. I start to wonder if she is using cocaine to get herself through the long days. Then again, it could be caffeine. I hand her my coat and go hit my mark. The director calls ‘Action!’
I run, fake gun in hand, trying to look like a hero. ‘And cut!’ Uh, oh. That ‘cut’ came too soon. I look over at the director Steph. He has that agitated look on his face that he has down to perfection.
‘Tash, any chance of you running slower while still looking fast? We might get more bounce that way.’
Bounce? What the fuck!
‘Sure thing, boss.’ I do the polite smile I do which is my version of ‘fuck you.’ I am Scottish by birth but I have learnt the ways of the English.
‘Slower but faster, Tash. Honestly, not hard is it?’ Alex says to me, joking.
Alex gives me a wink. He is an incredibly hot Australian actor who is down-to-earth and everything the movie industry needs more of. I try to not drool over him. His hotness reminds me of the icicle at home. The one that told me last weekend he did not love me any more. He said I had changed. I think our problem is that he never did.
Alex’s eyes crinkle and his impossibly blue eyes twinkle.
Jesus Christ. I might faint into his arms.
‘And action!’
Steph, the director, bellows again. I try to go slower while going faster and all the while I try not to think about my breasts bouncing. Sex sells. That is important, nowhere else more so than in the film industry where actors’ headshots are passed around and our attractiveness talked about in meetings. I guess I should be happy I am good-looking enough to be cast and yet, I am not.
‘And cut!’
‘Perfect Tash. You always knock it out of the park. That’s lunch, everyone. We’ll do scene thirty-nine after.’ I hate how happy it makes me that I have pleased him.
I look over at Alex. He is not even slightly sweaty and gives me a sexy eyebrow raise.
‘Looks like you bounce right after all.’
We both laugh and head for lunch.
We all have lunch together in a private room in a nearby restaurant. The food is good and I pile up my plate. I get looks from people around me. The woman who plays my mother comes up to me.
‘You are never going to eat that. Look at the size of you. You won’t manage it.’
I feel anger rise in me. My entire life I have had people make negative comments about my weight. Either I am too fat and I need to lose weight or I am too thin and I am starving myself. I can’t win. Why do people always think a woman’s body is up for public discussion?
(note: Helen might not have read the featured title yet)
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