Lights, Camera, Kiss Me

Chapter 1: You're Way Hotter

Introduction 

Dear Readers,

Lights, Camera, Kiss Me began as a NaNoWriMo challenge in 2010. The thrill of writing a novel in just one month was an adventure that laid the groundwork for this story. The rewrite then climbed the charts here on Wattpad, was featured in the Wattpad on Cosmo section of Cosmopolitan's digital magazine, and marked a defining moment in my writing career.

First published on Wattpad in 2012, it has now amassed over 8 million reads. While this may seem modest compared to the virality of some stories on this platforms today, it remains a proud achievement for me from those earlier days. This book is not only the product of that intense month of writing but also a turning point that boosted my confidence, encouraging me to step out of fan fiction and give life to my own original characters.

This manuscript feels like a time capsule capturing my early days as a writer. Take Mac's character, for example. She's a reflection of my first forays into the intricate world of character development. Sure, she might seem easily influenced by her feelings for Ryan, but that's a true representation of her emotional journey. This story is a snapshot of my beginnings, a testament to the simplicity and sincerity of my early writing style.

I want to make it clear that Lights, Camera, Kiss Me is purely a work of fiction. It's an imaginative journey that mixes the mundane with the extraordinary, not a portrayal of real on-set experiences or an endorsement of any now-outdated viewpoints.

Set in the unassuming cityscape of Melbourne, this uniquely Australian book offers a change from the typical glitz of Los Angeles. The depiction of the shooting schedule and life on set is inspired by what I imagined for a show that would blend elements of iconic Aussie series like Blue Heelers, Home and Away, and Neighbours.

In this story, the characters and their actions reflect the cultural and social vibes of the 2010-2012 era. It's like a snapshot of the feelings and norms prevalent in fiction at that time, which might be different from how we see things now. While you're reading, think of these parts as a real slice of that period, not as me saying those old views are still cool.

Between 2018 and 2020, I thought about giving Lights, Camera, Kiss Me a modern makeover. But then it hit me that the charm of this book is its realness, like a perfect snapshot of those days, when fandoms ruled and the platform formerly known as Twitter was the place to be. It's full of the excitement of fan culture and the early days of social media. It shows how much my writing has grown and how the world has changed.

Celebrating the eleventh anniversary of this story on Wattpad, and launching Pretend to Love Me (the standalone sequel), made me super excited to dive back into this universe. I've updated this edition to make it easier to read, but I've kept all the bits that made readers fall in love with it in the first place.

This new version isn't about fixing the past; it's about celebrating it. It's about embracing those rough, genuine moments that make our stories unique. I invite you to jump into this book, not just as a tale, but as a part of my own heart and history.

Thank you for being a part of this adventure with me.

Warmest regards,

Elle

                                                                ___________________

❤️Mac❤️

"This morning we're lucky enough to have two of Australia's hottest stars with us. Please put your hands together for Mackenzie Lauren and Ryan Moore."