I was first introduced to Eileen Sharpiro in 2013 while stumbling through the jungles of the gay press for my first music video. She was kind, honest, and an incredible writer. She gave me one of my most favorite reviews of all time and when I found out she had written a novel, I immediatly wanted to get my hands on it. It was called "Precious Little Devils" and it did not disappoint.
Set against a backdrop of an "American Idol" meets "The Voice" style reality series the show follows the rise of a band, the Precious Little Devils as they're chosen to compete in "So You Wanna Be a Rock Star?" Comprised of four handsome and fun gay boys, the devils are Dazzle (a handsome boy but gorgeous Drag Queen), Damien (the Broadway loving ginger), Collin (the groups eldest and most logical minded) and Garrett (the cute twink). The band of handsome misfits is led by their lead singer, Brooklyn, the bands only straight member and cis-gender female.
The group is mentored by Tristan, a former idol from music's post-punk era, who's struggling. I will not give away to much of the plot, but the book is a cleverly worded, well crafted journey through the lives of these characters in a scene Eileen, as a music journalist, is all too familiar with. It's got everything, romance, drag queens, drama, and even a few fun songs - it's easy to get lost in. For once, I was able to turn the tables on Eileen and interview her about her the book, it's characters, and what was next.
Eileen at a party for the book.
Where did you get the inspiration for "Precious Little Devils"?
The inspiration came from life's fantasy....because of the writing that I do, I've come across many very inspiring artists in the music business like yourself. I thought it would be cool to have a reality show for rock bands. I still do! I also love the 80's and everything about the 80's. I also played guitar and sung lead in a band growing up....so I just put that altogether and came up with "Precious Little Devils".
Are the characters based off anyone you know, or any contemporary artist?
They certainly are...I'll never tell...I might have to interview them some day....however the reader can use their own imagination and come up with whomever they would wish the characters to be!
Do you see yourself as any of the characters or did you base any of the characters off you?
As I said, I was in a band, perhaps I wish I was one.....
What about the books sits with you as your favorite part?
Dazzel's humor...she is actually based upon a very good drag queen friend of mine. I love the romance between the two main characters as well....I need a man like Tristan...maybe we all do!
If they were to turn the book into a film, any casting choices you'd hope for?
Yep! Already have them in mind. The book does have a screenplay which I actually wrote before the book.
Will you be writing another book?
The sequel is just about completed. Should be out before next summer. I'm also working on a looses autobiography based upon my straight life in a gay world....all of you will be mentioned....even you!
Will there be an audio version?
I might do an audio version, but I want a man to speak it...any volunteers?
Released through Page Publishing, the book can be purchased at all the normal online stores, including amazing. Priced at just $16.95 it's the perfect for yourself, a friend, or anyone who's a fan of music, reality television, and just good writing in general.