Book Title: NOT TO SCALE
Character Name: Elodie Pettipas
How would you describe your family or your childhood?
I had an unconventional childhood, growing up on a movie ranch in Wyoming where my mother moved us to live out her romantic cowboy fantasies. I was mentored by an art director on a series that shot there annually. It’s thanks to him I started on my career path in film/TV production design.
What was your greatest talent?
I have a passion for bringing history to life onscreen. Research is my jam. My version of time travel is visually resurrecting the past through my designs.
Significant other?
No one serious in the past, but I’ve got a lot of hope that Bobby Provost, the showrunner of The Chieftain’s Son, and I may have a shot at something important.
Biggest challenge in relationships?
It may be cliché, but trust with a capital T. I’m tentative to let someone close to the inner me. I live with the daily challenges of bipolar disorder. It’s not a truth I readily share because in the past, I’ve had potential romantic partners make unwanted generalizations about my mental illness. I look forward to the day I feel comfortable enough with someone to open up and not be afraid they’ll sprint for the door.
Where do you live?
I’ve been a vagabond for the last few years, living wherever the job takes me. While I love a good adventure, I’m eager to give staying put and maybe growing a few roots a go. My home for the next seven seasons of the TV show, The Chieftain’s Son, will be County Kerry, Ireland.
Do you have any enemies?
Besides anxiety, self-doubt, and imposter syndrome, I’d have to say constant deadlines are my nemesis. Our show has an insane production schedule, so it feels like slaying a dragon every time I manage to deliver a set camera-ready on time.
How do you feel about the place where you are now? Is there something you are particularly attached to, or particularly repelled by, in this place?
I am in love with the magic, mystery, and inspiration of Ireland. I knew working on this TV show would be the chance of a lifetime, but I never expected the wonderful depth of feeling and belonging the country would provide.
Do you have children, pets, both, or neither?
Neither at the moment, but I’d love to have an Irish horse. Kids are a definite wish for my future, and how cute would it be to have little ones with Irish accents?
What do you do for a living?
I am a film/TV production designer. I’m drawn to historic, epic bigger than life stories, especially if there are castles involved. Building the visual world of a show is my favorite brand of magic. I’m always content with a sketchbook in my hands.
Greatest disappointment?
The “if I could go back and change it” in my life would be for my mom to have stayed with my dad. Sadly, he was not “cowboy” enough for her. Still, growing up on the movie ranch did give me an enchanting childhood and decent horse-riding skills.
Greatest source of joy?
Nothing compares to making art and losing myself in a design. Full disclosure: Kissing etc., emphasis on the etc., with Bobby is quickly moving into first place.
What do you do to entertain yourself or have fun?
I love to explore beyond the touristy lure of the places my work takes me. I’ll pack a sketchbook and watercolors to capture hidden treasures. I do so much of my design work digitally these days, it’s a rush to create something completely hands on.
What is your greatest personal failing, in your view?
According to me or my therapist? What we both agree on is that I need to improve at trusting myself and believing in my abilities. Even though I have a satisfying track record with success in my field, each new job sets off my self-doubt trigger. The ongoing battle between my rational and emotional minds keeps me awake at night.
What is the most pressing problem you have at the moment?
My art department crew is being prickly and skeptical. They’re not accepting me as their new lady boss. I’ve tried to be flexible and patient, but it’s time to play hardball to gain their respect.
Is there something that you need or want that you don’t have?
For yourself or for someone important to you? I’m falling for Bobby Provost, the showrunner of The Chieftain’s Son. We got to know each other over months of virtual meetings before I arrived in Ireland. He’s as wonderful in person as he’s been online. I never factored in a relationship with this new job, but Bobby could very well be “the one.”
Why don’t you have it? What is in the way?
I’m worried starting up something with “the big boss” may shake my credibility with my art department crew even more. Why does love have to come with so many complications?
NOT TO SCALE by Leslie O’Sullivan
Elodie Pettipas is reeling from landing her dream job, the coveted production designer position on the hit Irish TV show, The Chieftain’s Son. Even though her talent and excellent track record of bringing history to life on screen has allowed her to soar past much more experienced competitors, Elodie battles with anxiety and the self-doubt of being able to handle the demands of the mega-show.
After months of virtual meetings, Elodie arrives on set in Ireland finally meeting cinnamon roll showrunner, Bobby Provost, face-to-face. As Elodie struggles to win over her new crew, Bobby’s generous support and belief in her talents boost her confidence. What began as an easy online friendship in virtual meetings deepens into a steamier collaboration.
Just as Elodie succeeds in winning over her team and allows herself to embrace the budding romance with Bobby, a career-making offer from Hollywood intrudes on her idyllic vision of the future.
Will the lure to rise in the Hollywood hierarchy destroy Elodie’s path to happiness?
Romance Comedy [City Owl Press, On Sale: November 21, 2023, Paperback / e-Book, ISBN: 9781648984235 / eISBN: 9781648984228]
Buy NOT TO SCALE: Amazon.com | Kindle | BN.com | Apple Books | Kobo | Google Play | Powell’s Books | Books-A-Million | Indie BookShops | Ripped Bodice | Love’s Sweet Arrow | Walmart.com | Target.com | Amazon CA | Amazon UK | Amazon DE | Amazon FR
About Leslie O’Sullivan
Leslie O’Sullivan is the author of Rockin’ Fairy Tales, an adult romance series of Shakespeare/fairy tale mash ups set against the backdrop of Hollywood’s music scene. Coming soon is her Behind the Scenes contemporary romance series that peeks into the off-camera secrets of a wildly popular television drama. She’s a UCLA Bruin with a BA and MFA from their Department of Theater where she also taught for years on the design faculty. Her tenure in the world of television was as the assistant art director on “It’s Garry Shandling’s Show.” Leslie loves to indulge her fangirl side each year at San Diego Comic Con.
No Comments
Comments are closed.