The Devil Wears Prada meets Postcards from the Edge in A Star Is Bored, a hilariously heartfelt novel influenced in part by the author’s time assisting Carrie Fisher. We spoke with author Byron Lane about the star who inspired him, booking his top choice for the audiobook’s narration, and more.
Please tell us a little bit about what inspired you to write this book and how this story took shape for you.
I worked for three years as assistant to Princess Leia—the late, brilliant actress and writer Carrie Fisher. It was one of the most meaningful times of my life, full of wild adventures and a redefining of what friendship means to me. When she died, I was inspired to write a novel based on our experiences because of advice she used to give: “Take your broken heart and go make art.” And that’s what I tried to do. I think she’d be proud of me.
“Take your broken heart and go make art.”
Carrie Fisher
In two sentences or less, what’s something that might surprise Libro.fm listeners about your audiobook?
I feel like the luckiest author in the world because I had a role in choosing the narrator for my book. I had a small wish list with actor Noah Galvin at the very top and he said yes! I’m not sure if that happens very often but it’s a dream come true for me.
Have you listened to your own audiobook? If so, what struck you about the narration?
I’ve heard the first five minutes so far and it’s enchanting and engrossing! Actor Noah Galvin did the narration and the material couldn’t be in better hands. He’s a genius and has a sincerity and richness of delivery that brings all the characters to life in a way I could never have imagined.
Are you an audiobook listener? If so, what are some of your favorite audiobooks?
I’m a huge audiobook listener! My library is packed with a variety of favorites including The Princess Diarist by Carrie Fisher, French Exit by Patrick deWitt, You’re on an Airplane by Parker Posey, Call Me by Your Name by André Aciman, All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr, Mindhunter by John E. Douglas and Mark Olshaker, and A Thousand Names for Joy by Byron Katie and Stephen Mitchell.
What have independent bookstores and/or booksellers meant to you personally and professionally?
Independent bookstores and booksellers mean the world to me. Going to indie bookstores and wandering the aisles and getting recommendations has been an essential pastime of mine for years. And then when I became a published author, connecting with amazing independent booksellers in my hometown and all over the country has been an absolute joy. Cheers to indie booksellers the world over!
Is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
Since my book was inspired in part by my time working for Carrie Fisher, I’d like to take a moment and celebrate her many brilliant works, many of which are available as audiobooks. My favorite is Surrender the Pink. When I worked for her, she was considering adapting it into a film, so I listened to the audiobook while transcribing the whole novel into screenwriting software. She narrates it and it’s just genius writing. Wishful Drinking is also wonderful and, of course, classic Carrie: Postcards from the Edge.
