21 Questions with... Melissa Walker

Melissa Walker
Author of the Violet series and Lovestruck Summer.



I like to start out my days with a laugh. Soo… What makes you literally LOL?
Surprised Kitty on youtube. Works EVERY time. LINK

Has anything AMAZING happened to you as a writer? (Other than getting published?)
I once shared the cover of a magazine with Sarah Dessen (our hometown magazine, CHAPEL HILL). That amazed me! LINK

that is pretty much amazing!

How about something EMBARASSING?
This list could go on and on, but let’s just go with the time I got asked to leave a bookstore for photographing the shelves (I like to send “Shelf Shots” of my author friends’ books to them!). Weird?

What/Who inspired you to become a writer?
My parents—so supportive, so encouraging. The wanting to write came naturally. The taking it seriously came from Mom and Dad.

If not an author, what would you have been?
A magazine editor/writer, which I still am too! I love publishing. If you mean outside of that realm entirely, I’d run a movie theater. I’m a big popcorn girl.

How do you associate with your fans? Are there any who’ve made a strong impression on you that you can’t forget?
I mostly interact through twitter.com/melissacwalker and my blog at melissacwalker.com. There are lots of names who stick out to me for their continued enthusiasm and kindness in comments and emails. The list would be way long!

Can you in any way relate your life to your book title, Lovestruck Summer?
I ended up marrying the unexpected guy—the one who wasn’t quite my type at first glance—so I can relate to Quinn in that way.

Was it harder to write the Violet series or Lovestruck Summer? Why?
Both were really fun. Violet was probably easier because her character really did have my personality—Quinn was her own person and I had to think differently to write her.

If the Violet series was to become a motion picture, who would play the main characters?
I have no idea! I’d have to go with unknowns—real models maybe—so they wouldn’t come to the roles with baggage.

When writing Quinn from Lovestruck Summer, did Violet keep interrupting?
Ha! Great question. I did have to edit a bit for “Oops! That was more Violet’s voice than Quinn’s.” But I got the swing of it after the first few chapters.

What's your guilty pleasure?
Hoarders, the A&E show. So crazy, so good.

What is your favorite piece of clothing in your closet right now?
I have a Luella Bartley (for Target!) strapless dress that I wore into a pool and it still fits/looks cute. That wins big points. (See attached photo.)

What could you eat all day long and never grow tired of?
Salt and vinegar chips!

What’s your favorite fairytale? Have you ever thought of re-doing it?
I’m gonna be generic and say Cinderella. I’ve never thought of redoing it exactly, but Violet is kind of a Cinderella story.

When you get stuck writing, how do you unglue yourself?
I go to yoga, go for a walk, take a nap, discuss the issue with my cats.

What’s something you can’t live without?
My friends. Love them!

Is there any moment in your life you’d like to relive?
Ooh, many! I’ll go with my wedding day—it was awesome.

What’s a random fact about you?
I like to eat bad foods while watching THE BIGGEST LOSER. It’s a sickness.

ironic maybe? lol

Do you have any words of wisdom on life?
Not my words, but certainly something I try to remember when I feel jealous of someone: “A rising tide lifts all boats.” So I celebrate everyone’s successes—they just make my own more likely! Plus, you’re more fun at parties if you’re cheering too.

What’s on your mind right now? =)
I really want to change into pajamas, but it’s only 8pm. Too early?

it's never to early. I always change hours before bedtime. it's soo much more comfy.

Now it’s time we put things in reverse. Do you have any questions for me?
Yes! What’s your current six-word memoir?
I enjoy learning, especially street smarts.

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Thanks Melissa for joining us today.

Visit Melissa on her webpage. I'm sure she'd be glad to hear from you. LINK