Holy s**t, I've got a book out...
My biography of Robert Downey Jr. came out today.
Officially. Thanks to the volcano it has been delayed – my publishers tell me
printers vie to provide the most competitive price up until the last moment and
as such my 300-odd page tome had to wend its merry way from Finland.
But it’s here. And it looks great, even if I do say so
myself. It’s been a hell of a journey too, albeit a relatively brief one. No
languid Hilary Mantel ten year research periods for me. No, it was commissioned
last July and in at the beginning of December, though inevitably there were
last-minute corrections and addendums in a bid to keep it as up-to-date as
possible. Seeing as the subject is a living human being, that can be tricky.
It is unauthorised and that’s something I’ve battled with
the whole way through. Downey was commissioned to write his autobiography in
2006, but returned the advance in 2008 (interviewers who read brief early
passages thought he was a bit reticent), inevitable really when Iron Man hit it
so big. Why would the great man want his new teen fans to know he was in
prison, or an ex-heroin addict? Because his last indiscretions were around
2001, before tabloid blogs REALLY took off, the actor managed to avoid a lot of
the trauma of modern celebrity addiction, even if he was the Britney or Lohan
of his era.
But being unauthorised meant I wouldn’t get to talk with him
directly and also meant avenues would be blocked. I held off as long as I could
when it came to contacting him, so I was able to accumulate as much independent
information as I could, carrying out dozens of new interviews with friends and associates
and building up a library of available material (with the help of several
regional journalists for which thank you!). I finally did email his “people”,
but heard nothing. Not sure whether that’s a good or bad sign, but there we go.
I have tried to be objective and fair in my appraisal of his life. And while it
is warts-and-all, he has never shied away from talking about his flaws.
It’s brilliant (and not entirely arbitrary obviously) timing
that the book co-incides with Iron Man 2’s cinema release, with Sherlock Holmes
set to appear on DVD in three weeks or so. Now all that’s left is the
promotional side of things. Again, I have tapped into the regional market,
utilising contacts and friendships – and even going back to the scene of old
work experience placements!
One thing I have so far found of paramount importance is
interaction with the fan communities. There are several vociferous Downey fan
websites, which were crucial during my research and I am now finding vital when
it comes to pushing for sales. I spent all yesterday on a forum, chatting,
arguing and even being praised by the (mostly female) fans.
Apart from them all being very nice and enthusiastic, I
believe I have sold a few more books, as least that’s what they told me. It’s a
market a lot of people don’t think about – preferring to try and grab headlines
in The Times or what have you. Those kinds of things have their place. But
while it’s hard to please a jaded critic, especially with an unauthorised
“celebrity” biography, there’s nothing better than impressing someone who
follows and enjoys Robert’s every move. Believe me, they can be a tough crowd.
OTHER BLOGS YOU SHOULD CHECK OUT:
This is by a single girl in Los Angeles. It's funny and rather eye-opening! - http://40firstdates.wordpress.com/
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