By Stefanie Newell
A Scandal. A Lie. A Whole Lotta Buzz.
A Novel
Ebony Jenkins thought she had it all — a booming salon, a beautiful daughter, and a rising-star rapper boyfriend named Buzz. But when she suspects Buzz is getting too close to the industry’s newest R&B star, Ebony’s jealousy turns into something darker.
What begins as suspicion explodes into obsession, scandal, and a messy social media showdown that could destroy her career, her relationships, and the secret she’s been keeping.
Set in the heart of Chicago’s music scene, The Buzz is a fiery, fast-paced drama about fame, betrayal, and the price of playing dirty.
Author
Stefanie Newell
Stefanie Newell is an author and writing coach with a passion for bold women, scandalous twists, and stories that hit close to home. Born and raised in Chicago and now based in Georgia, she writes contemporary fiction that blends messy relationships, emotional truths, and pop culture drama. The Buzz is her debut novel.
Why I Wrote The Buzz?
I’ve always had a passion for music, writing, and the entertainment industry. That passion led me to a freelance opportunity with UnRated Magazine, where I interviewed artists like Drew Sidora (Real Housewives of Atlanta), Brian White (Stomp the Yard), and R&B legends K-Ci and JoJo. I covered red carpet events like the BET Hip Hop Awards and found myself immersed in a world that felt both electric and chaotic.
Around that time, I was also reading celebrity gossip blogs and internet forums, watching how rumors could spiral and affect real lives. That’s when the idea for The Buzz was born! And with it, Ebony Jenkins, a character who embodies the ambition, messiness, and moral ambiguity of that world.
Breakout author Stefanie Newell serves up The Buzz on a hot platter for all who love gossip, Internet forums and spicy story lines. Newell’s novel is an interesting, thrilling, humorous experience that will have readers loving the story and hating the hell out of the main protagonist. The perfect anti-hero, Ebony’s a refreshing break from the normal sweet character. Her persona reeks of the all too familiar stank, hate filled online personalities seen on many well known gossip sites. This book is a definite must read for anyone who loves or hates the gossip circuit.
– J’Adore Magazine
From Book To Screen
When I first wrote The Buzz, I never imagined it as a film. But after the book came out, readers kept saying it felt like a movie. That stuck with me.
Years later, with encouragement from my mentor, Suzanne de Passe (Sister, Sister, Smart Guy), I decided to adapt it into a screenplay. The film version stays true to the heart of the story of fame, betrayal, internet clout, and redemption, while expanding the world for the screen.
If you’re interested in discussing creative development or adaptation opportunities for The Buzz, get in touch.
Upcoming Events
To Be Announced
Book Signing • Atlanta, GA
To be determined. Stay tuned for updates.
To be announced
Book Signing • Chicago, IL
To be determined. Stay tuned for updates.
Coming Soon!
Available january 27, 2026
Rules of the Game
Contemporary Women’s Fiction
If you love bold characters, juicy twists, and drama that keeps you turning the page, stay close because this next story delivers all that and more. Stefanie’s signature storytelling is back with a brand-new cast, a brand-new scandal, and a plot that proves messy never looked so good.
Coming 2026.
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