Author Interview: Danielle Joseph

Danielle Joseph is the amazing author of the fabulous YA novel Shrinking Violet, a brand new ya novel wich I can truly recommend and wich I have reviewed previously here.
And today I am thrilled to welcome her for a interview, WELCOME DANIELLE!
First, can you tell me and the readers something about yourself and about your book?
I am a lover of books, travelling, chocolate, music, day dreaming and nice people. My book, Shrinking Violet, is about finding your voice and reaching your dreams, not matter what obstacles you face.
When did you start writing?
I started writing in the first grade when my teacher said we were going to be the author/illustrator of our own books. My story was called, "Mommy, Can I go to the Zoo?" I was hooked after that.
What do you like most about writing for young adults?
I feel like I can really relate to teens. I have not forgotten the good and bad times of growing up. Sometimes my parents still embarrass me and sometimes I also want to lock my bedroom door and blast my radio!
If you could be a character from your books for one day, who would it be?
That is a tough one but I wouldn't mind being Gavin from Shrinking Violet. It would be cool to play the guitar and learn more about Tere.
Where did you get the inspiration for the main character, Tere?
I was shy growing up, although not nearly as shy as Tere, so I drew from that. I also wanted to write about someone that did not let their own insecurities stop them from fufilling their goals. And from these characteristics, Tere was born.
Since you are a YA writer can you tell us what you were like as a teen? Does that influence your characters? How?
Besides being shy as a teen, I was easy going, sarcastic and silly. Often I flew under the radar but loved setting up harmless practical jokes with my friends. It definitely influences what I write. I guess my own personality is my starting place. Sometimes I might be writing about my polar opposite and other times I'll drawn traits from my own teen self to mold my main characters.
What where your favorite books as a young adult?
Too many to name but I was a big fan of Judy Blume, Stephen King, Ayn Rand (as an older teen) and Ernest Hemingway.
Where do you get inspiration for your books and characters?
My inspiration comes from all over. I pull from pop culture, my own personal experiences and from the world around me. I love the fact that I might learn something from going to the movies, mall or local high school. The world is my tool box.
What's your favorite and least favorite part of being a writer?
My favorite part is getting up every day and knowing that I get the chance to write, to make up stories. My least favorite thing is not having enough time to write. Seriously, I get cranky if I don't get enough time to work on my manuscripts!
Do you have a dream for the future of your writing, something you love the accomplish?
I would love to be able to make a living from my writing. That would be truly wonderful. Otherwise, I'm just happy being able to tell my stories and have people out there read them. One of the best things about being a writer is hearing from my readers. I write back to everyone that I hear from. SAVE SHRINKING VIOLET! Don't let this amazing new ya novel go out of print!! Visit Danielle's official blog here and read how you can help, Danielle has created an amazing contest for this, but the main reason is, that this book has to stay!