Scared Scriptless: A Novel Paperback – June 3, 2014

Ali Sweeney has really taken to writing like a fish to water it would seem. I absolutely loved this 2nd novel! In a very fun twist, she's introduced completely new characters and opened up a whole new world to explore, while also bringing back two lovable characters from her first novel, The Star Attraction -- which is great because people who read the first book get a little extra insider feeling, but people who haven't read the first book yet won't feel like they're missing anything.The novel revolves around a few months in the life of Maddy Carson -- script supervisor for a major, primetime drama. The first few chapters have a little bit of a slow, but educational, start as we learn all about the different jobs on set - who's who and what they do. Some other reviewers felt like this was too much, but I have to say I really liked learning all the ins and outs of show production. Later in the story, Maddy works on developing a new show concept and pitching it to the network execs - again, I thought all the Hollywood insider bits were fascinating. It's a lot to cover to make sure that readers aren't lost by the industry jargon - and I think it was better to cover it all rather than leave any readers confused. So I give a thumbs up to that where others might just find it tedious.Other than the behind-the-scenes tidbits, you've got this completely relatable main character, Maddy. She's detail-oriented and ultra-organized. She's from a small town but totally settled (at least physically) in Hollywood now - so you get to see both of these worlds and how they mix (or don't mix). You've got the personal journey that she goes on throughout the novel. And you've got the romances - which I won't say anything about so as not to spoil anything! Oh, and there's a genuine, feel-good family side story too - loved that!I found myself wishing that this had been a much longer book because I sort of thought it ended too soon - so many more moments that could have been written about. Not that it ended abruptly, just that I had come to know these characters and wished I could stay in their world a little longer. Perhaps in book #3...Oh - and any Days of Our Lives or Ali Sweeney fans will love the little Easter eggs she throws in - just for fun!

Madelyn (Maddy) Carson had some very strict rules for her personal life. As a script supervisor for The Wrong Doctor, a soap, she definitely chose not to date actors.So when she begins dating one of the show's executives, Craig Williams, she tells herself she is not technically breaking her own rules.When she gets an idea for a reality show based on her hometown in Wolf County, and collaborates a bit with Craig before presenting the idea to their boss, she is totally unprepared for Craig's betrayal, which definitely makes her question her own rules.Then when Adam, one of the actors on the show, asks her out and pursues a relationship with her, she begins to wonder if she needs that rule book. Scared Scriptless: A Novel  was a delightful story about life behind the scenes in Hollywood, and the author definitely knows her material, as she starred in Days of Our Lives for several years, and has been on other TV shows as well.The story is narrated in the first person voice of Maddy, a character I could not help but root for. I recommend this book for all who love stories about Hollywood, and those who have read any of Sweeney's books. 4.5 stars.

Alison Sweeney has been one of my favorite actresses. Exciting to see she's now an author too. Can't wait to read her next book.

Alison Sweeney offers the reader a fly on the wall look at the nuts & bolts of Hollywood through the eyes of employee Maddy Rose Carson as she goes about her daily work on a popular TV show as a script supervisor. How Maddy navigates the pitfulls & positives of her work & personal life. The author has interweaved a system of support for Maddy to draw on.Maddy gets to meet Sophie Atwater a publicist through her work colleague / friend Billy Fox both from The Star Attraction and Adam Devine a new character.The novel has a genuine feel good vibe about standing up for what you believe even if it leaves you a little shaken. Rule driven by nature Maddy learns that you never now what’s waiting for you around the corner.Maddy the main character deals with the pressures associated with bringing her ideas to fruition, actor fan reaction, those that will do anything just to get noticed, trusting your self in matters of the heart, being true & respectful to your family & friends.Scared Scriptless is an engaging feel good read that has the reader experience many emotions and leaves you smiling with delight as you turn the last page.I've heard it said that finishing a good book is like leaving a good friend. I look forward to revisiting these characters in Alison's next novel.

Easy and enjoyable to read. Gives us a glimpse of the television industry and how a show is developed and managed through the story form of a small town girl who makes it big and with her work saves her home town, with the usual love twists and turns and drama along the way. I read it because I have watched Alison Sweeney grow up through the years with her role as Samantha Brady on Days of our Lives, then go on to several other TV shows and Hallmark movies. I was curious about her writing ability and she didn't disappoint me.

A fun behind the scenes look at Hollywood from an actress who definitely has first hand experience working for so many years on Days of Our Lives and The Biggest Loser amongst other things. Maddy enjoys her job as a scriptwriter but she also has other ideas about a reality show set in her hometown. Will her relationship with one of her coworkers help propel her to new heights or will it place her future in jeopardy? As a long time fan of Days Of Our Lives I loved seeing the references to that soap. I bought the book because it was at a good price and I love the show and I'm glad I did as I enjoyed this book even more then I could have hoped.

Easy Read/ No Brainer. Im a Script Supervisor and I wish the job sounded that easy! Okay its fiction.

Ilove Alison Sweeney so thought I would enjoy her book. Unfortunately, it didn't hold my interest ....

Haven't finished reading it yet

I love Alison and her Days inclusion in this book. It was entertaining and helped me escape the real world for a bit.

Great book. Hard to set it down.