• L.A. Times: Your book, "Chords of Strength," is coming out. How do you respond to those who say you’re too young to write a memoir?
• David Archuleta: I agree with them. When the idea was brought to me, I was like, “Huh? I’m only 19, and I don’t think my life has been that interesting.” At first, I wasn’t sure how I was going to do it. Except in my liner notes, I was never good at writing a lot. Even in school, I always stayed after class because I’d never finish my essay in time. So writing has been a challenge but something I’ve been working on. Also, a lot of people ask me questions about my life, and I thought this is a great way for me to finally explain how I managed to get to this point at a young age and why I’m still the way I am. That’s the focus in the book: There were so many times when I thought, "I’m not good enough," or, "There’s no way this is going to happen," and then it does happen. I like to share those things with people, which is what music’s all about -- having even a small influence by sharing my stories.

• L.A. Times: Have any current artists helped inspire you as the album has come together?
• David Archuleta: Jason Mraz, A Fine Frenzy, Owl City, Imogen Heap… those are some of my favorite artists. I love how Imogen gets you thinking and her music paints all these pictures in your mind. Owl City too, the weird abstractness makes all these colors and images come to life in your head. I love it when a song can do that. I don’t wanna get too abstract about it, but I want people to have a good time with the music and for it to match my personality.