Nancy Jo Sales
Author of the Bling Ring
You mention in the preface of your book how the themes of “…obsession with celebrity, entitlement of rich kids and the emptiness of fame as an aspiration” were actually the same themes that Sofia Coppola had been exploring in her films.
So diving right in here…
Q- Do you feel the message you sent your readers was kept intact with the movie version of it?
I feel like the themes in the movie and book are very much the same: celebrity obsession, conspicuous consumption, the changing nature of fame in an age of reality TV.... Many of the lines in the movie come straight from the real dialogue of the kids—which I think was a great decision on Sofia Coppola’s part; she recognized how funny and crazy a lot of the actual lines were, and how telling. Like Nick Prugo (Marc in the film) saying, “We just wanted to be a part of the lifestyle—the lifestyle that everybody kind of wants.” Questioning “the lifestyle” itself and the assumption that “we all want it” is probably the biggest theme in my book and in the film.
Q- Would you change anything about the Bling Ring if you were to start all over?
I’d make Rachel Lee give me an interview. She was the alleged ringleader, but her lawyer refused everyone access to her. I’d also give myself a year, at least, to write the book instead of six months.
Q- Given all of the incredible authors out there… whom do you consider a mentor?
I’ve been lucky to work with a lot of journalists I admire very much, including Kurt Andersen and Graydon Carter, my bosses at New York magazine and Vanity Fair. But I’ve never really had a mentor per se… I find myself reading and re-reading Truman Capote’s In Cold Blood, which for me is the best master class on journalistic non-fiction.
Q- What was the most difficult thing about writing the Bling Ring and what was your take away?
The most difficult thing was the deadline. Six months—two of which were spent doing follow-up reporting, so really four months to write a 288-page book… It was hard. But so worth it. When I see Instagram pictures by kids in Brazil, where it’s now a best-seller, holding my book, it feels so great. And kids here sending me emails saying things like, “Thanks, I’m so glad someone said these things.” My take-away is that young people are really ready to talk about how fame culture and conspicuous consumption are out of control, and they want to focus their attention on more important and meaningful things.
Q- What puts you in a creative mood?
When I’m reporting a great story it’s always really inspiring.
Q- Tell us something about Nancy Jo Sales that nobody would guess.
I can make the most delicious Thanksgiving turkey you’ve ever eaten. People’s eyes roll back in their heads.
Q- What is your proudest achievement?
Having a daughter on my own, especially one who’s turning out to be such a great person; I’m not sure I can really take a lot credit for that, though. She's been great since day one.
Q- Your most annoying habit?
I try not to be annoying! But probably the way I argue, when I feel passionate about something. I don’t back down, and I do insist.
Q- Your favorite indulgence?
I love to watch classic film noir movies on my computer, way past my bedtime, or stay up reading noir novels and thrillers.
The Bling Ring.
“ To se someone really getting to know who they are is a beautiful, beautiful thing.”
Thank you, Nancy Jo Sales, for letting us get to know you.