Simon Cowell: The Unauthorized Biography - Chas Newkey-Burden

(Note to reader: I’ve a SIGNED copy of ‘Simon Cowell: The Unauthorized Biography’ to giveaway and all details can be found at the end of this rather post)

There is no doubt that Simon Cowell’s trademark blunt honesty coupled with his extraordinary business savvy has made him a household name - but what do we really know about this charismatic and sharp-tongued man? In ‘Simon Cowell: The Unauthorized Biography’ Chas Newkey-Burden finds out, interviewing those who know him, and lifting the lid on the life of one of Britain’s most eligible bachelors.

It’s no secret (to my dearest blog friends) that I’m a fan of Mr Cowell’s work and that I’m also a lover of books. So, it may come as a shock to some of you to learn that I’d never combined my two likes and indulged in reading about Simon Cowell’s life.

What I love about this book is that Chas Newkey-Burden explores and weaves together two strands: the personal and the professional Simon Cowell. My view of Simon has always been that he’s clever, that he performs a role, but that behind any outward nastiness he is a gentleman, a strong and driven individual. In reading this book, my views on Simon have been strengthened and reading the words, ‘I’ve never believed this is going to last forever’ have made me like Mr Cowell even more.

Within ‘Simon Cowell: The Unauthorized Biography’, there is the exploring of Simon’s childhood and his forming as a strong minded individual. Chas Newkey-Burden looks at Simon’s life growing up near Elstree Studios, describing Simon’s first ever business, his first ever kiss, his being expelled from school and how he became a runner for Stanley Kubbrick (after Kubbrick bought the Cowell family home). This book shows Simon’s strong family roots, his love of the finer things, his intimate relationships and his overcoming of personal trauma.

The other strand looks at Simon Cowell’s professional growth. After a humble start in the post room at EMI, there is no doubt that Mr Cowell has experienced a spectacular rise into stardom. This unauthorized biography tracks it all, from Pop Stars to X Factor and not forgetting just how Simon Cowell managed to crack America. His success and reputation is global, undisputable. Love him or loathe him, Simon Cowell is arguably the most influential player in the British entertainment industry and he is one of Britain’s most successful exports.

This unauthorized biography has given me a renewed admiration for Simon Cowell. Chas Newkey-Burden joins Simon’s words with interviews given by the people who know Mr Cowell best. I found it compelling and devoured the book within hours. A must-read for anyone interested in the man behind the persona.

Asking Chas Newkey-Burden:

So, spill, what’s your secret? How did you come to be published? I’ve been a journalist since the mid-1990s. In 2004 I was asked to write the Official Arsenal Annual for Carlton Books. Then I wrote some short humour books for them, including The Reduced History Of Dogs. I found writing books far more fun than working for magazines, so in 2006 I wrote to every publisher in existence telling them what I’d done so far and asking if they had books I could write for them. Naturally, most ignored me or said ‘no’. But enough said ‘yes’ to allow me to leave my job and become a full-time author, working from home. It’s been onwards and upwards ever since. I love it.

Tell me about a typical writing day for Chas N-B. The fact there isn’t a typical day is what I enjoy about it. Love, health and money are all important, but so is freedom. So I work when I want to. Sometimes I work non-stop for a day and night, other times I spontaneously take a week off. That said, I am rather partial to rising at 5am, going for a quick run around Windsor and then working solidly until around 11.30am. I love nearing the end of my day’s work as office types are arriving at their desks.

You’re one of the most prolific authors I know. How do you do it? Not sure, I certainly keep busy! I guess because I love my work and everything else in my life. When you’re enthusiastic about what you do it is never anything but a breeze!

Writers often find redrafting and self-editing difficult. Can you offer any words of wisdom? I’ve never found either hard. I guess avoiding preciousness is key. It’s a business after all. I don’t believe in writers’ block either. Do nurses talk about nurses’ block? Or teachers? Or miners? I just get over it and get on with it!

You wrote a book with the notorious Julie Burchill. Is she as mad as everyone thinks? No, she’s far, far madder than that. Joking! She’s actually a rather cute person who – like me - really appreciates the cuteness in other people. Yes, she can be wild and feisty but working with her was great. Her mind really is amazing and she’s frighteningly clever. – a national treasure for sure.

What are you currently reading? I am just finishing The Rebbe’s Army by Sue Fishkoff, which is amazing. As soon as I get my hands on a copy of Sean Smith’s biog of Cheryl Cole I will be devouring that.

If you weren’t a (fabulous) writer, what would you like to be (when you grow up)? I’d quite like to run a Starbucks or McDonalds actually, though I expect I’d be in for a rude awakening if I did! I’d really love to be a Mossad agent if I wasn’t a) such a wimp and b) a Gentile.

Who is the most loveliest - Piers or Simon? Oh Simon – 100 per cent! But I do rather like Piers, and Simon turning him of all people into a television star in America is his most surprising achievement. I didn’t see that one coming at all!

And, finally, (because I can’t resist and because I ask everyone who I interview) do you in any way know Simon Cowell? It’s unauthorized so he wasn’t directly involved in the book but after all that research I think I know him pretty well! If I ever get the chance to meet him, Caroline, I’ll let you know!

About Chas Newkey-Burden: Chas is the author of acclaimed biographies including the internationally-bestselling ‘Amy Winehouse: The Biography’ and ‘Michael Jackson: Legend’. He also wrote the humour books ‘Great Email Disasters’ and ‘Help! I’m Turning Into My Dad!’ He’s penned 10 official books and annuals for Arsenal FC, including the forthcoming Gunners Lists. His work has been translated into nine languages. He is the co-author – with Julie Burchill – of ‘Not In My Name: A Compendium Of Modern Hypocrisy’. His latest book is ‘Simon Cowell: The Unauthorized Biography’, which was praised by the News Of The World this weekend. He blogs here.

You can read the prologue here and you can buy Simon Cowell: The Unauthorized Biography (Hardcover) by Chas Newkey-Burden HERE.

And, the rather lovely Chas Newkey-Burden has agreed that I can give away a SIGNED copy of ‘Simon Cowell: The Unauthorized Biography’. All you have to do is leave a ‘please pick me’ comment by 3pm (GMT) September 4, then I’ll pop all names in a mug and ask a small child to select a winner. This competition is open to all.