Spotlighting Danielle Joseph's SHRINKING VIOLET

I had a chance to read Danielle's novel in ARC form and it was so fun! I totally related to the main character's struggles with self acceptance and even more intense, her struggle to express herself.

In SHRINKING VIOLET, high school senior Teresa Adams is so painfully shy that she lives in dread of having to speak to anyone in the hallways or answer questions in class. But after school, in the privacy of her bedroom with her iPod in hand, she rocks—doing mock broadcasts for Miami’s hottest FM radio station, which happens to be owned by her stepfather. When a slot opens up, Tere surprises herself by working up the nerve to ask her stepfather to give her a chance—and finds herself The SLAM’s newest intern on one of the station’s most popular shows. Behind the mike she’s Sweet T, her sexy, confident on-air persona. To everyone’s shock—especially her mother’s—Sweet T is a hit. Even Gavin, the only guy in school who she dares to talk to, raves about the mysterious DJ’s awesome taste in music, making Tere wonder if it’s possible to be jealous of yourself. But when The SLAM announces a songwriting contest—and a prom date with “Sweet T” is the grand prize--Sweet T’s dream could turn into Tere’s worst nightmare. . . .

Danielle Joseph was a college DJ for five years on the Gyroscope, a world music show. She also interned at several top Boston radio stations while earning her BFA in Creative Writing and an MA in Marketing Communications and Advertising from Emerson College. She has taught Creative Writing and English to Middle school students.

Originally from Cape Town, South Africa, Danielle now lives in Miami, Florida with her husband and two young sons. These days you can find her cruising around with the tunes blaring and her internal DJ hard at work.

And not only that, she is incredibly warm and fun -- I know because I had the pleasure of having dinner with her while she was in NY :).

Here are Danielle's answers to the Thorough Three:

NM: What is the age of your protagonist/s?

DJ: Tere is eighteen.

NM: What is the single, most important bit of advice you'd give to the You that was the same age as your protagonist/s?

DJ: Never give up!

NM: Definitely! Now, complete the following sentences:

Everyone should definitely, for sure _____________.

You should NEVER, EVER ___________. But if you absolutely must, make sure to ____________.

DJ: Everyone should definitely, for sure be themselves.

You should NEVER, EVER mess with a bully. But if you absolutely must, make sure to make it worth it.

Good words. Thanks so much for stopping by, Danielle!

To find out more about Danielle and her work, visit her site; and to buy a copy of SHRINKING VIOLET, click here.