Interview with Danielle Joseph (Part 1)
1.) How did you get the idea for Pure Red?
I really enjoy art and started to wonder what it would be like to be the daughter of a successful artist. Then I started thinking about how hard it could be to find your own passion when you have a parent that is so talented. From there Cassia was born and of course there had to be a love interest to throw her off from her goal of finding her passion.
2.) Did you always know you wanted to be an author? If not, how did you come to chose the occupation? Yes, I always wanted to be an author ever since I wrote my first book in first grade. I had many other interests growing up but I never lost sight of my writing.
3.) What main message or theme do you want readers to take away from Pure Red?? I want readers to know that it’s okay to follow your heart and go after your passion. Life is a kaleidoscope. There are so many colors to see.
4.) Which of the characters in Pure Red were you able to most relate to and why? I think I am a combo of Cassia and Graham. I have Cassia’s interest in trying different things and I see things in a positive light like Graham.
5.) Your protagonist, Cassia, refers to her object of affection (Graham) with the flattering nickname, "Cutebutt". When you were her age, did you also give your crushes nicknames of the same nature? Yes, I loved giving people secret nicknames, crushes or not. Actually, I don’t think I’ve ever grown out of that stage! I still give people nicknames!
6.) Your first book is called Shrinking Violet, the second Indigo Blues, and the 3rd Pure Red. You know I have to ask now....what's your favorite color? And why did you decide to have all three books named after a color?
My favorite color fluctuates. I’m partial to purple but am sporting a red pedicure now for Pure Red’s release! The color names for the books actually happened by accident. Even though I wrote Pure Red first, I sold it last. Shrinking Violet was actually originally called Dead Air but Indigo Blues was always, Indigo Blues. And now that I have three color books, I’m working on a fourth!
7.) What for you is the most exciting part of the book process? Starting the book, finishing the book, the editing, getting the cover, the release day, etc.? Why?
I really enjoy the whole process but selling the book is definitely a highlight!
8.) How often did you encounter writer's block while writing? And how did you deal with it?
I sometimes encounter writer’s block but mostly I face I don’t-have-enough-time block. When I get writer’s block, I take a break, consult critique partners or just try to write through it, get the words on the page.
