Has Been

From the author of "Just Talking", "The Pink Reich", "Transgressive Murder" and several other titles --- For young Hollywood actors in a mid-century era, the studio system is well-oiled but unapologetically cruel to those who lack talent. The list of hopefuls includes three rising stars whose careers overlap but never share a parallel destiny. One is resting on innate talent, while another does whatever it takes to claw her way to the top. Among this trio is a licentious heartthrob harboring a career-killing secret. --- Ana was discovered at a summer acting camp by a studio talent scout who took notice of her innate believability. Her skills at delivering lines were equal to that of the very best of A-list actresses, all without the benefit of training. She was an obvious star in the making in need of an opportunity to showcase her talent when offered a contract. --- Upon her first day at the studio, Ana was greeted by two other young actors, Tate and Lola. Lola was a buxom, raven-haired beauty who had talent but relied more on her ability to manipulate than on her acting skills. As such, she took advantage of every opportunity to be the next big star but not always for the right reasons. Her way was cold, calculating and would drive one person to end his life. Tate was a paradigm of masculinity. His classically-handsome good looks drove the ladies wild and to the theaters to see every angle of his chiseled frame. His talent was minimal at best but he got by on his looks. Women everywhere would sell their soul for the chance to be this movie star's leading lady. He loved the attention and knew how to work it but, if truth be told, he was never the ladies' man type.