The GCC Presents Melissa Walker author of Violet in Private

What a GORGEOUS cover and intriguing premise. This series has been getting the kudos from NPR, Glamour, Family Circle and OK magazine.

Is there life off the runway? VIOLET IN PRIVATE is the third novel in the series by former magazine editor Melissa Walker about Violet— the wallflower who blooms into an international modeling star—until she realizes there may be more to life than the runway…

Everyone knows her as Violet Greenfield, the supposedly cultured and worldly nineteen-year-old with sky-high confidence because she’s done fashion weeks internationally. But the truth is, modeling has done little for Violet’s self-esteem. And now that she’s finally headed to college, she’s terrified that she’ll turn back into that girl who blended into the walls all throughout high school…

Violet’s friends in fashion are only a two-hour train ride away in New York City, and they all think she’s crazy to stop modeling. But her best friend Roger hopes she’ll go back to being the girl next door. Of course, things have been weird between them ever since they kissed—and now he’s got a girlfriend. So the question is: if she’s not “Violet on the Runway” anymore, who exactly is she?



How much do you get involved with promotion? Are you doing anything special with your latest release?

I get REALLY involved, and luckily I have a great publicist--Caitlin Brown with Berkley JAM. I'm doing a few readings, and I had a fabulous book party through mediabistro.com, complete with insanely full gift bags. Now there's a contest to win the gift bag through my blog! Rules here: http://www.melissacwalker.com/blog/2008/08/rule_book_the_august_violet_in.html.

What books are on your bedside table right now?

New Moon, by Stephenie Meyer. I must complete the series so I can be in on the buzz! Frenemies by Alexa Young (fantastic writing, fun story). On Account of Conspicuous Women by Dawn Shamp (a fellow Carolina writer with a GREAT cover!).

What are the three most important pieces of advice you’d give an aspiring writer?

a. Always make time to read, read, read! You learn so much from others' words, structure and characters.
b. Get feedback from people you admire, and let them tell you the truth. Thick skin helps.
c. Never doubt that writing is a real career. It most certainly is! And a fun one, too.

What’s been the most exciting thing that’s happened to you since you’ve been published?

When Violet on the Runway was featured on NPR as a great book for reluctant readers, I screamed. NPR = dream venue for me.
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=91491884

What’s next for you?I

just finished a book called LOVESTRUCK SUMMER that will be out next summer from HarperCollins. It's the story of an indie-rock girl who, to her surprise, falls for a fratty cowboy in Austin, Texas. So much fun to write!