GCC Presents . . . Melissa Walker!!

This week on the Girlfriend's Cyber Circuit I'm thrilled to host amazing author, founder of the awesome newsletter, I Heart Daily, and fellow Teen Fiction Cafe Patron, Melissa Walker, who's latest novel, LOVESTRUCK SUMMER, was released by HarperTeen on May 5!!

Melissa was kind enough to take time out 

of her busy schedule to answer a few 

questions, but first, The Story:

LOVESTRUCK SUMMER is the story of Quinn, an indie rock girl who came out 

to Austin, Texas for a music internship. She also plans to spend long, lazy days in the sun at outdoor concerts--and to meet a hot musician or two. Instead, she’s stuck rooming with her sorority brainwashed cousin, who now willingly goes by the name “Party Penny.” Their personalities clash, big time.
But Sebastian, a gorgeous DJ, definitely makes up for it. Sebastian has it all: looks, charm, and great taste in music. So why can’t Quinn keep her mind off Penny’s friend cute, All-American Russ and his Texas twang?

Sebastian is the kind of guy Quinn wants, but is Russ the guy Quinn needs? One thing’s certain: Quinn’s in for a summer she’ll never forget!

The Same 5 Questions I Always Ask:

1. Every story has a backstory, what's the backstory for your book?

I took a trip to Austin in the summer, and I was so inspired by everything there--the live music! 

the sweltering heat and the cool water spots! the BATS! I just had to set a book there, and a summer romance seemed perfect.

2. What's your work environment like? Any rituals, totems, or must haves?

Just my big pink flowered chair. Oh, and iced coffee that has enough cream and sugar in it to taste like ice cream. I must have that by my side as I write.

3. If you could live inside any book-- which would it be?

Maybe a Sarah Dessen book, because they're like real life. And I'm into real life. My favorite one, so far, is THE TRUTH ABOUT FOREVER.

4. What book rocked your world growing up?

I re-read Franny and Zooey by JD Salinger 3 times in one day just so I wouldn't have to leave their world behind. That's pretty world-rocking. (Alyson note- OMG, I did the same thing!!! LOVE that book!)

5. If you could visit any time, place, or person- what, where, or who would it be?

I'd go back a few years and have one more good, long talk with my dad. Preferably on his sailboat, under the stars.

Melissa's Story:

A former editor at ELLEgirl and Seventeen magazines, Melissa Walker knows her indie rock. She hails from Chapel Hill, North Carolina, and currently resides in Brooklyn, New York. She loves talking about books, fashion, magazines and all kinds of pop culture. Visit her at melissacwalker.com or on iheartdaily.com.