In this affecting debut novel, Joss Byrd struggles to find herself on a film set where all that matters is getting the shot.

Joss Byrd is America's most celebrated young actress, and her next project is a hot new indie film helmed by a renowned, charismatic director. But on the set of The Locals, Joss's life is far from glamorous. Her mother is domineering and relentless, Joss' dyslexia makes it difficult to keep up with the constantly changing script, the boy playing her older brother doesn't seem to reciprocate Joss's crush, and the film's gritty subject matter terrifies her. Yet the only thing that matters to Joss's agent, director, and even her mother is getting the perfect shot. Now Joss will have to go off-script to get what she wants and remain true to herself.