Could you imagine yourself at 15, having not only written but had published two novels and about to start your third? Alexandra Adornetto is the author of The Lampo Circus, being released this month. Bellaboo had the chance to chat to Alex about her success and life in general.

The Lampo Circus is the sequel to your last success, The Shadow Thief. What was your motivation to complete this novel?
When I first signed with Harper Collins Publishing we had every intention to turn the original book, The Shadow Thief into a trilogy. There were hints in the first book that the 'villain' would return; I couldn't wait for the story to unravel for the readers.

You based two of the characters on yourself and your cousin. How else can you relate to the story?
That's right I did! A lot of people wouldn't know this, but there are a lot of examples of everyday life in my book. Whether it be characteristics of my friends that have egged me on, jokes that people have told me that made me laugh, or even my own emotions. It really just involves a variety of stuff that has inspired me in the past and that I've thrown into different parts of the book.

Being a senior at school and keeping up with your writing must be tough, how do you cope?
It's getting a lot harder! Now that I am in year 11, I'm doing a VCE subject. When I come home from school, I basically have to get to work right away on my homework followed by the manuscripts that need editing. It's really just a matter of finding a balance. Most of my subjects at school are humanity subjects so I do get a lot of help from the writing aspect of the books to keep my imagination flowing. And on the flip-side English helps my writing as I am always having to make sure I get all the grammar right.

What about your books is of benefit to the readers?
Well, what I hope people get out of my book is a renewed sense of childhood. My main objective was to recreate the fun, excitement and magic of what it was like growing up. Passing childhood you lose that sense of imagination, so that was my main point. I hope people can recognise themselves as children in the book.

What aspects of your personality has lead to your success?
I think I am very outgoing and I'm pretty determined. I also think I'm just a very stubborn sort of person. When I want to do something I focus a lot of time on it and see it through. I believe it's a big plus, because it allows me to have that uninterrupted concentration and drive!

What do you get up to in your spare time?
I love performing. Especially classical singing, which I have done for a long time. I love to get involved as much as I can in amateur theatre, productions and choirs, even though there hasn't been a huge amount of time. I look forward to those projects in the future.

Who supports you?
My mum! She is my savior! She is so organised for me. I'm the type of person that always misplaces things and mum is always one step behind me to help. My Aunt and my cousin inspire me a lot. I love spending time with them because they are a little bit crazy.

My closest friends are very supportive with the commitments I have that go with writing. They are very understanding when I can't go places or do things, because I find a lot of other people don't realise how important writing is to me. The biggest pressure for me would be to do everything to the best of my ability in such a short time - not doing anything half-heartedly.

What is your weakness, sweet or savory?
Savory!!! I love anything salty. It is really is bad but I would just eat salt.

Coming into the cooler months, what are you on the hunt for?
I love long knitted cardigans for winter. I've always loved teaming them with skinny-leg jeans and winter boots, which always looks really cute.

Who is the hottest guy right now?
I've always had a crush on Alan Rickman (professor Snape from Harry Potter), which all my friends can't figure out. I think he's just so sexy! With his long sleek black hair!

What is the hardest thing teenager's face?
Teenagers feel pressure to fit in and be a certain way in order to be accepted. Obviously when growing up, self discovery is a big issue. People feel they have to be a part of the party scene; drink, smoke and all that. I think the magazines that constantly write about Paris Hilton "goes to jail" and Lindsay Lohan "caught on drugs", unfortunately influence a lot of people, So teenagers tend to lead by their examples; which I think is pretty sad.

What kind of person do you consider a role model?
I think that a role model is a type of person that is successful in what they do. To me a role model is a person that doesn't let success go to their heads and someone who doesn't put on such a pretense.

So, who do you look up too?
I love actors like Cate Blanchett and Keira Knightley, who are so calm and collected. They do their jobs responsibly and professionally, that's what makes them so brilliant!

What is your fave message to live by?
This is going to sound very silly but the message from Peter Pan "I do believe in fairies". It shows me that no matter what you're doing, no matter how stressful your job is or position you are in, it's important to keep a sense of light-heartedness. Life is full of problems and negativity so the worst thing is to lose hope and faith in trying situations.

What advice could you lend to girls?
Don't give into the stereotypes!! Don't make yourself into something you're not just because other people think it's cool. Don't be intimidated or influenced by overbearing people, especially at school by "the popular group". Don't let yourself be intimidated by those sorts of people. My main advice would be to stand up to any injustice around you, no matter how big or small it is and never lose yourself along the way.