Interview With Author Annalisa Ordell
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hi I’m Batman…
Wrong bio. I categorically am not Batman, the outfit doesn’t fit. I am however a writer and author from Wiltshire in the UK. I work as a Teaching Assistant at a school for special needs children. I also volunteer to run a creative writing group on a Friday for a mental health charity.
I have published one book called The Sky Painter under my previous name of Annalisa Jackson. I have another being published next year called In The Land Of The Boogaloo. My future works I am hoping to bring out are a YA fantasy book, loosely called Cariad, an adult crime novel called Blackwood’s Reckoning and another children’s book called Arty’s Animal.
Between those books I am writing, editing or promoting I am kept busy but I am also a Mum to two teenagers. When I get five minutes to myself I enjoy building Lego.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My current book: In The Land Of The Boogaloo, coming out next year by Pegasus Publishers, started out as a poem I wrote in my writing group that gradually took on a life of it’s own as it underwent numerous drafts. Its a fun piece, kind of a cross between Julia Donaldson and Dr Seuss. It’s all about escapism and using your imagination.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not really unusual. I often write in bed with my laptop on a lap tray. I also usually have more than one project on the go because I get bored easily. So when I am losing my thread with one I can switch focus. Eventually I come back round to the first one.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I’m a massive fan of the Discworld books by Terry Pratchett. He was so funny, I can’t read his books out in public because of the giggles. I also enjoy John Grisham, I love a good crime novel.
Dr Seuss is a big influence on my children’s books and writing in general, I enjoy nonsense and silliness. I have tattoos of Dr Seuss creations down the entire length of my right arm.
What are you working on now?
I have a crime novel called Blackwood’s Reckoning in the first draft editing stage. I also am currently about 10500 words into a YA fantasy book called Cariad. The world building is taking me as long as the writing. And I am looking for an agent or publisher for a children’s book called Arty’s Animal
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
As a children’s writer I am ringing schools to see if they want me to come and visit the school to read to the children. I’m also looking to speak to the local library. And I am on the sites like Goodreads and, of course, Awesome Gang
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Develop a thick skin. Its easy to feel protective over your work but it will be dissected and need rewrites and redrafts, you will get feedback on your writing and it isn’t always easy to hear. But it’s being done so you can write the best book you are capable of. Keep thinking how great it will be when you see your name in print
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Your book is not your baby. And to get it published you can’t treat it that way, you need to be open to feedback. Of course if you are self publishing you can write what you like but it’s still worth having ARC readers and listening to what they have to say.
What are you reading now?
The Bonnie Dead by Andrew Raymond, a scottish author. I love a bit of mystery/crime
What’s next for you as a writer?
I would just like to see my book available on a bookshelf in a shop rather than being ordered through a website
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Definitely any of the Discworld books or John Grisham. No sparkly vampires please
Author Websites and Profiles
Annalisa Ordell Amazon Profile
Annalisa Ordell’s Social Media Links
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