May Sparkes is a social media manager who tweets on behalf of C-list celebrities, including former Big Brother star Damian, ageing TV presenter Bernard; X-Factor singer Angel and boy band member Thiljs. She doesn't feel comfortable deceiving their fans - and in Bernard's case, his wife - but her boss keeps promising her a big raise and she desperately wants to become financially secure. But as things spiral out of her control, May wonders if this digital double life is totally wrecking her real life, especially as the 24/7 nature of her job irritates her friends who think she can't exist without a phone in hand. This story narrows in on the superficiality of the social-media world, where you can't eat a meal without framing it for an Instagram pic or make it through a conversation without wanting to check your notifications. I am not really sure why May had such a moral crisis about being the person who makes up the tweets, considering it's not exactly a state secret that celebrities do indeed hire people to run their online presence. Nonetheless, this is a humorous and enjoyable read for anyone looking to take a quick break from their Facebook newsfeed.
Amber works as a temp and frequents art gallery events with her best friend, writer Farrell, purely for the free booze. Seeing the conceptual art on display, she ponders that there's really no reason she couldn't produce something similar and make a name for herself. When Amber comes across a discarded sack of bananas at the catering company she's working at, she may have just found her vehicle. Using guerrilla tactics across London establishments, soon her pretentious art instalments are fast gaining her attention while she's out to impress art patron Elliot. This was originally published on Wattpad as Spray Painted Bananas - a name which suits the story a lot more than its published title. Amber's temping work doesn't really feature at all - apart from giving her the impetus and time to work on becoming a conceptual artist. Overall, this had a great concept and it sort of works - and it sort of doesn't. Like art, it will all come down to the eye of the beholder. The love interest, Eliot, was horrid right from the word go - and there wasn't a lot of convincing chemistry between Amber and her other choice either. Have to file this one under great premise, not quite sold on the finished product.
