Today’s contestant comes from Neesha Meminger’s debut Shine, Coconut Moon, which has been receiving rave reviews.

And now, on to the pageant . . .

Character Name: Sam Ahluwahlia
Age: 17
Biography: Sam is an Indian-American “coconut.” She’s an only child and holidays are usually just her and her mom. She loves food that begins with or ends with “cream,” “deep fried,” or “cheese.”

What is your talent?
My talent is getting in deep dung with my mom, apparently. Kidding. Seriously, though, my talent is probably asking a lot of questions and researching the answers.

What will you wear for the evening dress competition?
I’m not really an evening dress kinda gal, but maybe something dark, dark purple, and not long. And not super low cut, either.

Who is your escort?
I think that cute new guy, Ajay.

Now for the interview portion . . .What color best represents you?
Purple . Because it’s a mix of red and blue — passion, fire, heat, speed, mixed with cool, solid, calm, tranquil. Purple. That’s me.

Thank you Sam and Neesha!

Shine, Coconut Moon is available now. You can order it from Amazon, or pick it up from your local independent bookstore.

For more about Neesha, visit her website.