Lauren Conrad Now A Novelist, Too

(CBS)  You know her as "Lauren Conrad, reality TV superstar," but how well do you really know her? Well, Conrad is turning the page from reality TV to reality fiction.

Conrad, who was the star of the reality show, "The Hills," for the past five years, sat down with Early Show co-anchor Maggie Rodriguez Thursday to discuss her entry into the world of literature with her book, "L.A. Candy."

"It's a novel, but it's about two best friends who get picked to be on a reality show," Conrad said.

Although the book may be perceived as an autobiography, Conrad insists it's not.

"It's (fiction), and it's made up stories. It's just inspired by (real-life). You write what you know," she explained.

And Conrad really knows reality TV.

She was just 18 when the cameras first showed up at her high school. Looking back now, Conrad sees the pros and cons of being a reality TV show star.

"I think, especially at that age when you're still growing up, it's a lot of pressure," she admits. "There's a lot of criticism and things you have to deal with. There's a lot of really great things you get to do, too. It's good and bad."

Conrad went on to discuss her book, the impact of reality TV, her former nemesis-turned friend and "I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here" star, Hedi Spencer, and the state of reality TV today.

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To read an excerpt from "L.A. Candy," click here.

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[leogorky]

I am always disgusted when I hear of "celebrities" writing books. I'm sure there are many very talented young authors out there who can't get a foot in the door, but someone like this woman gets to publish a novel just because she's famous. What a whacky society.