Tyra Banks Talks 'Modelland,' Her Best-Selling Book

Stylelist/The Huffington Post | By Erin Clements | Become a fan | Posted: 10/21/11 05:43 PM ET | Updated: 10/22/11 11:56 AM ET

Tyra Banks recently added "New York Times bestselling author" to her resume, with the release of her debut novel, "Modelland."

And today, our favorite model-mogul appeared on VH1's "Big Morning Buzz" to discuss the book, which apparently has been described as "'Harry Potter,' 'Hunger Games' and 'Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory' meets 'America's Next Top Model.'"

But as we know, literary success doesn't come easy. In the interview, she discusses the grueling creative process, telling host Carrie Keagan, "It was five years and it was crazy -- it was stress, it was tears, it was blood." She attributes her struggle with stress-induced hair loss to the project, revealing "I was on the verge of tears constantly, because of that deadline."

Tyra also talks about a traumatic childhood experience with chocolate, and to what extent "Modelland" protagonist Tookie is based on herself. Watch the full segment below.

In related news, take a look at the top 10 Victoria's Secret models of all time.

Get More: Big Morning Buzz Live

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Jasean

5 Fans

08:16 PM on 10/31/2011

Tyra reminds me of my best friend. Honest, silly, and smart.She is just taller, I wouldn't say prettier but I will say she has better make up artists. I was 13 when she got the cover of SI and she has always been a role model to me. She isn't promiscuous, she speaks well (when she chooses to). You never hear her name attached to a bunch of drama and nonsense.

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Absolute

Teacher and Old-School Liberal

3190 Fans

05:57 PM on 10/23/2011

Good for Tyra. She is a media powerhouse.

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Leana76

8 Fans

01:56 PM on 10/22/2011

I still love Tyra. Her and Kathy Ireland are like the only real role models, models, for girls and women. Other famous models are too fake and drama queens (i.e. Janice Dickinson, Christie Brinkley, Naomi Campbell, and etc.).

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jerianne02

9 Fans

03:36 PM on 10/22/2011

I wasn't impressed when I watched the Top Model show with my 12 yr old granddaughter and Tyra called the models "bitches". Not a role model in my eyes anymore-

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janeyre

325 Fans

12:36 PM on 10/22/2011

Sungoddess you said it best. Tyra, you are a successful young Black lady... Good for you... Bunch of poor, ugly women here... Tsk, tsk, tsk... Don't hate her because she is beautiful and successful...

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equestriancool

26 Fans

02:20 PM on 10/22/2011

Thank you Janeyre, I have alot of respect for Tyra and do like her. She has worked very hard to get where she is today. You don't have to like her, but for what she has accomplished, she deserves respect.

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