Interview: Danielle Joseph + Contest!!

Posted February 5, 2009 by shooting in Uncategorized / 45 Comments


Interview with Danielle Joseph
Questions by: Lauren
If you click the picture, it should take you to Danielle’s website!

Shrinking Violet is the story of a high school girl who is very shy. However, she soons finds herself working at a radio station and must overcome this. As a pretty shy person, as well as a huge lover of music, this book definitely jumped out to me and I really wanted to help Danielle spread the word. Here is the following interview, as well as a fun little contest. Shrinking Violet is due out on May 5, exactly 3 months from now.

1. I’m always curious about the story behind books’ titles. Is there a particular story behind the decision to use Shrinking Violet?

The original title for the book was Dead Air, which comes from the radio term meaning unintended complete silence during a broadcast. My editor asked me to change the title because it sounded too much like a murder mystery and I agreed. We went through a bunch of titles and she eventually came up with Shrinking Violet. I immediately fell in love with the title because Tere is a shy, modest person–a shrinking violet.

2. Since the book is about a shy girl getting a job at a radio station,
what is some of your favorite music?

I love a wide range of music, everything from alternative rock, hip hop, reggae, jazz, world music to pop. One of my all time favorite artists is Bob Marley. And of course if you check out the playlist on my web site, you can hear some of the songs I listened to while writing Shrinking Violet.

3. Were you as shy as your character in High School?

I was shy growing up but not as shy as Tere. I had a great bunch of friends that I could really be myself around. But it wasn’t until I went to college that I was more comfortable speaking in big groups.

4. I love the cover of your book. Did you have any input on this? What are
your final thoughts about it?

Thanks! I was really happy when I saw the cover, but I did not have any input in the process. Luckily MTV has a great group of people that chose to use the girl on the cover and the fact that she is peeking out from her sweater is perfect representation of Tere.

5. Personally, how will you celebrate the release of your book on May
5?

I will probably celebrate with chocolate because there is always an occasion for chocolate:)! Then I am having a big book signing party at Books & Books in Miami, FL on May 9 and another book signing party at the Wellesley Booksmith in Wellesley, MA on May 14. Those are two of my favorite independent bookstores. For those in the area of Miami or Boston, I will post the information on my web site so you can come and join me.

Contest:

Details: To enter this contest, you must comment on this interview. If you would like another entry, please post about the contest/Danielle/the book/etc somewhere on your blog or myspace and leave a link in ANOTHER comment!

Eligibile: Everyone. I want to promote this book as much as I can, so I’m going to open it up to International readers as well.

Winners: There will be two winners!!

Prize: Two small prize packs that suit the books’ title, Shrinking Violet. Each pack will have small (shrinking) purple (violet) items. Each bag might not exactly match, but that’s okay. I’ll try and post the full list of prizes once I completely collect Danielle’s and my contributions. Keep a look out!

Deadline: Saturday, February 14 (Valentine’s Day!)

45 responses to “Interview: Danielle Joseph + Contest!!”

  12. robin_titan

    I’m definitely interested!

    I am also really shy and often I have to get over that which can actually be not too hard, it all depends on the situation really, either way I think I’ll be able to relate. 😀

    Reply
  17. Shooting Stars Mag

    Steph Su: Thanks for posting about it and I love the title as well. 🙂

    Donnas: Oh, yes, me too…as I said. I can’t wait for the book to come out.

    Sharon: Thank you and I’m really glad!!

    Katie: You’re welcome. Definitely, mark it on your calendar! 😉

    Lenore: Oh yes…chocolate will always be the love of my life!

    Deltay: Will do!

    Polo.Pony: Welcome!

    Livinia: Me too. It just merges my two loves.

    Word Freak: You’re welcome!

    xollin: You’re in!

    Robin: Agreed. Some situations are better then others…but I’m still a very shy person.

    Erika: Well, I’m glad. 🙂

    Bookworm: Oh, me too!

    TruBlu: It takes time, but I’ve gotten better, so I’m sure you will too!! I’m glad you liked the interview.

    -Lauren

    Reply
  18. the epic rat

    I’m glad you chose Shrinking Violet over Dead Air. We used to have a radio show at my grade school, but it didn’t last very long. I always thought it seemed like fun, though I don’t think I have a radio personality!

    cecilia // cecpham(at)gmail.com

    Reply
  19. the epic rat

    I posted it on the sidebar of my blog under The Grapevine at the end.

    P.S. I really like the mic on the Danielle’s banner – it would’ve been neat if they could’ve put it somewhere on the cover…is it on the back? We should start showing the backs of books and see if they’re appealing to look at! 😀

    cecilia // cecpham(at)gmail.com

    Reply
  20. Shooting Stars Mag

    Cecilia: I could never talk on the radio, but I do agree that it sounds like a lot of fun. I’d definitely enjoy it. 🙂

    You know, that IS a good idea about showing the backs of books. Some of them really are cool. I like the mic as well.

    -Lauren

    Reply
  25. danie88

    I’m a shy person as well and LOVE music… I heard about this book a few weeks ago and added it to my wishlist… it sounds like such a great read! 😀

    Reply
  28. Shooting Stars Mag

    Dani: I know!! That’s awesome it’s on your wishlist. You must get it when it comes out!

    Megan: Sure thing, and I’m glad you think so!
    I think a lot of people could relate too it…most of us are shy in some way, I think.

    -Lauren

    Reply
  36. Danielle Joseph

    I am enjoying reading everyone’s interesting comments here and thank Lauren for running the contest. I hope everyone can relate to Tere from Shrinking Violet in some way, whether you are shy or are a music lover! Good luck to everyone who has entered the contest:)!

    Reply
  45. windycindy

    Greetings! What a wonderful cover your book has. I love how the music gives her solace. When I was a young teen and my friends were out on dates on Saturday night and I was home-I sang to almost every album I played. Mostly show tunes and Barbra Streisand. Pleas enter me in your drawing. Many thanks, Cindi
    jchoppes[at]hotmail[dot]com

    Reply

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