Josh Sabarra is a bestselling Author, television producer, and marketing executive who worked on "The New Ricki Lake Show" where he also served as a producer. A contributor to CNN Headline News and executive producer of the "Hailey Dean Mysteries" series on Hallmark, Josh is very experienced in the realm of entertainment and he has just branched out to his latest project, a novel titled "Enemies Closer."
His debut novel follows the adventures of Marcee Brookes; a full-figured lady in her forties who is stuck in a dead-end job and yearning for excitement and love.
When Marcee meets Claire, the wife of an actor, they become friends and Marcee finds herself within the glamorous lifestyle of the rich and famous in Hollywood. Yet she soon learns that things are not always what they seem.
Josh recently discussed this Book and his other projects via an exclusive interview.
Books, television, and entertainment
Meagan Meehan (MM): When did you know that you were destined to work in the entertainment industry?
Josh Sabarra (JS): I was interested in all things entertainment – movies, television, music, theater and books – as early as I can remember. During my grade school years, I would dream at night about working on a movie set or writing a book. And, as time went on, I just couldn’t imagine having a career in any other industry – so I made it happen!
MM: How did you get into producing for television?
JS: I have worked with TV legal analyst Nancy Grace for years, and I had the idea to turn her bestselling novels into TV programming. We’re now on our third movie for Hallmark Movies & Mysteries – “Hailey Dean Mystery: Dating is Murder” which is premiering on October 15, 2017.
MM: You've worked with some really big-name companies, so how did you break into the industry and land these gigs?
JS: When I was starting out, there was no such thing as emailing resumes or LinkedIn. I wrote letters and blindly sent hard copies of my resume – which included a college degree in communications and some television internships – to every name and address I could find in Hollywood.
Eventually, I got a few bites and started my career with the Walt Disney Company. Once I proved myself to be a hard worker, the other jobs presented themselves, and my career as a marketing executive took off.
MM: When did you decide to write a novel and what inspired "Enemies Closer"?
JS: I had the idea to write a fun, dishy Hollywood novel that takes readers further behind the scenes than ever before. “Enemies Closer” has bite and heart, and that’s just the kind of book I like to read.
MM: What is your overall favorite thing about the story?
JS: I love my heroine, Marcee Brookes. She’s a solid, stand-up person who has found a way to function inside the Hollywood machine without compromising her integrity or values.
That’s no small feat in show business, especially when there are vampires around every corner. You’ll meet some real monsters in “Enemies Closer”– and Marcee has some drag-out battles to fight, for sure!
Characters, writing, and current projects
MM: Are any of the characters in “Enemies Closer” inspired by real people?
JS: Why of course not! It’s all fiction. WINK, WINK.
MM: How long did it take you to complete the novel in full?
JS: From start to finish, I completed writing and editing “Enemies Closer” in about a year and a half. I had such an amazing time writing it; it was a true labor of love.
MM: What were some of the challenges you faced while writing “Enemies Closer”?
JS: Following years in the entertainment business, I had so much ripe material – it was hard to decide what exactly to fold into the fictional story.
Ultimately, I think, I gave readers the most interesting tidbits I could mine from my Hollywood tour of duty.
MM: Do you think you might write more books in the future and what exciting new projects are you working on at present?
JS: I will definitely be writing more books! I am working on a psychological thriller at the moment and also have plans for another non-fiction book that will include a collection of humorous, observational essays. I am also working on a new slate of “Hailey Dean Mystery” films for Hallmark Movies & Mysteries' 2018 schedule as well as getting my third book written. Between those two projects, there’s very little leftover time. I feel like I need a nap just thinking about it!
