EuroReviews

I feel more than honored to have the opportunity to interview actress, producer and author Riley Weston. As a multi-talented woman she has written the script behind the popular TV series Felicity and produced and written scripts for several movies. Besides her Hollywood life she has now taken her first steps into the world of books. I had the chance to read her debut novel Before I Go and I can only say that I was very surprised by her writing talent as well as the touching story she penned down that will stay with me for a long time.

You can read my review of Before I Go here.

- Eveline

About Before I Go

Where did you get the idea for your novel Before I Go? Do you have a special interest in ice skating?

- I got the idea from a dream! I dreamt the entire story one night. I wrote a feature film script first and then the novel came after. I have always loved ice skating.

Did you actually speak with ice skaters to sort of get into that world?

- I didn't speak with any skaters but I did talk to a skating professional about the correct wording and went over the jumps.

How long did it take you to finish this novel? Was it a lot harder than writing a script for a TV series or movie?

- The thing with me is I'm not a “trained” writer. Which I used to think was a bad thing, but now I am so grateful! No one ever told me that writing a book should take months and months, or even years. So, when I had the idea to write the novel I just sat down and wrote it out in less than three months. As far as it being harder or easier, I kind of felt like it was easier in a way. There were no rules to follow or pages to count!

Were you scared, awaiting those very first reviews on your novel? How did you react or celebrate the first review?

- I was a walking panic attack as soon as my publisher sent the advance review copies were sent. I was so very grateful when the first review came in so great. I try not to celebrate the good ones. Then that would mean I'd have to give as much energy to the bad if they come in.

Being also a producer/writer will there be a chance that your novel Before I Go will be adapted for a movie? I certainly would love to see it put on screen.

- Absolutely there is that chance, and it's exactly what I'm working towards. Thanks for that thought! My goal is to get the book out there world-wide and then the right person will read and see my same vision.

About Riley Weston

I read somewhere that people you know say there's some Madison in you (or some you in Madison ), the main character from Before I Go. So may I conclude you are a very optimistic, funny yet stubborn woman with a lot of appreciation for family? How would you describe your own personality?

- I am a very optimistic, funny yet stubborn woman with a lot of appreciation for family! Tons of appreciation. I am also driven, hardworking, goofy, and determined.

Besides doing your job, which I think is also your hobby, do you have other hobbies?

- You're right! My jobs are also very much my hobbies! I LOVE all the things I do! I also love to watch television and movies, read, and hang out with my festively plump dog, Cleatus.

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About Riley's career

If you look back on your career so far what are you the most proud of?

- I'm proud of everything I've done. Even the things that weren't so great! Because I am a true believer that everything happens for a reason. So, without those things I've experienced, I wouldn't be here today, getting to do the things I so love doing.

If you'd had to redo your career is there anything you'd do in another order?

- No. For the same reason…I think there's a much bigger picture working in or best interest. We somehow have to find the way to trust in that and know everything is happening as it's supposed to. Precisely at the right time, but only when we're ready.

About Riley's future

Are you sticking to drama in the future or are you planning to write some chick lit, which is very popular right now to teens, as well?

- I have a little of both coming up! There's another women/YA fiction book called “Going Nowhere” I'm really excited about.
- The chick-lit one is called “ New York in Love.”

Is there already something you can give away about your upcoming novels?

- “Going Nowhere” centers on a girl Lillie Mae (nicknamed ‘Bean') and her courageous and sometimes very difficult but ultimately rewarding journey growing up and eventually finding success in the music industry.
- “ New York in Love” is wildly funny and heartwarming story about a young woman finding out about love and discovering herself in New York City .

Besides your new writing career, is there a chance we might see you acting on the screen in the near future?

- I sure hope so, Eveline! My goal is that you do see me as Madison in the movie version of “before i go”! That's the plan.

Is it true that you might also start your way in the music industry, not only by writing the lyrics?

- I have always been a singer but that's taken a backseat recently to the writing and acting. Now I'm working on lyrics…I've got about 15 songs written…and also working on the music to them. It's really exciting. I've got a producer I really work well with and he understands my crazy schedule.

I had a lot of fun letting my curiosity run free by asking all these questions! Thank you so much for letting me interview you and for spending some time of your busy schedule on this.

It has been my sincerest pleasure. I had so much fun answering these! It allowed my curiosity to run wild as well. I thank you for reading my first book. I really appreciate it.

Love,

Riley