mel_cover.jpgWe L-O-V-E Melissa Walker.

She used to work for US Ellegirl, she writes books about the modelling industry - think America’s Next Top Model and she lives in NYC. Oh, and she eats cupcakes. Not all the time, but she does get to eat ‘em. In New York.

I know.

She’s got a new book out too, which is the really important thing that I should be telling you about.

So, the book. It’s called Violet by Design. Here’s the blurb:

“…I was going to get out of the modeling business for good.

But now I’m having trouble sticking with my decision. After all, if it weren’t for modeling, I might still be the invisible wallflower. Hot guys like Paulo wouldn’t be interested in me. And I’d never have seen Brazil or Spain-and now France! On the other hand…

I also wouldn’t have to choose between my best friend from home and my agent’s shrill demands. Or anguish over my body the way only runway models do. Not to mention all this trouble I’m getting into for speaking out in the press about eating disorders.

Maybe the life of an international model isn’t for me. But if I quit for good, I might always wonder… What if?...”

Violet by Design is just as fun-filled and action-packed as Violet on the Runway and will have you thinking your walk to school is one long killah catwalk!

We asked Melissa if she’d take our mini-questionnaire, she said “I love mini everythings–mini M&Ms, miniskirts, Minnie Mouse, and mini questionnaires!”

We love Melissa. But I’ve said that already, here’s her answers.

Tell us about the new book, Miss Melissa…
In Violet by Design, a chance to travel internationally lures Violet back into the fashion fray, despite the hesitations she had last year. She falls in love, gets criticized for gaining 5 pounds, speaks out to the press (much to the dismay of her agent) and has to decide once again if this shallow but beautiful world is really right for her.

Some readers have told me they’re not really into fashion, but they still love Violet. That’s because I want the books to be about more than stacked heels and It bags (although those are always fun to throw in the mix). The fashion world has serious sides—the weight issue, the competition among girls, the sometimes over-the-top party scene—and I hope that watching Violet struggle with navigating those things will resonate with readers.

Imagine you’re Tyra - what’s your fave model pose - smile with your eyes, fierce, or pout - and why?
I am known amongst my college friends as a pouty poser. I love, love, love big read lips, and a pout is both playful and moody. It’s gorgeously pinup girlish.

What tunes would a Violet by Design soundtrack have on it?
Ooh, I’ve got that soundtrack up on my site right now, on the “about me” page. Feel free to scroll through the mix tape for a few key tunes here: http://www.melissacwalker.com/about.html
(If you’re in a place where you can’t play it out loud, just imagine these fine songs:
No One’s Gonna Love You-Band of Horses
Ziggy Stardust-David Bowie
I’m Only Me When I’m With You-Taylor Swift
Mr. Brightside-The Killers
Fight Test-Flaming Lips
The Way You Move-Lucinda Williams
Somewhere Only We Know-Keane
Don’t Stop Believin’-Journey
Ghost-Indigo Girls

Go visit her at: http://www.melissacwalker.com