Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a graduate of Hamilton College and SUNY Cortland with degrees in Creative Writing, French, and English Education. I spend most of my free time drifting through the imaginary worlds in my head, but I also love making hand-stitched quilts with obnoxiously bright colors and chasing my neighbor’s cat with a spray bottle. (Hey, someone has to save the baby birds!)
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is called “Pieces of Pink,” and it wasn’t so much inspired as dumped in my lap by the muses. On New Year’s Eve (2014-2015) my cousin and I were on an epic road trip, and I was super impatient for a story to write. So, when we were camping in the middle of nowhere, I called out into the void and begged for a new idea. When I woke up in the morning, I had five new characters and a solid outline for “Pieces of Pink.”
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Sometimes, I put on lipstick and nail polish to help me channel characters who are more extroverted or outgoing than I am.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
As a kid, I was a Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings junkie, but “The Named” by Marianne Curley is probably the novel that made me start writing. Plus, I’ve always been a fan of the Brontë sisters. I love all of those dark themes!
What are you working on now?
Right now, I’m working on the sequel for “Pieces of Pink” (but sometimes, when I’m feeling grumpy, I stray into a world full of rabbit holes that I’m hoping to publish after the third book in the Color Code series).
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Shamelessness. Promoting in person is tough, but it really works.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Set small goals. Don’t plan to sell 1,000 books in the first week. Plan to sell 10. Don’t expect your writing to support you, plan to support your writing instead. It’s okay to have dreams and goals, but don’t place undue stress on your new projects. After all, you wouldn’t expect a toddler to chip in on the rent. Feed your stories and change their diapers until they’re ready to stand on their own two legs.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“You should try self-publishing.” I was so resistant to the idea at first, but the more research I did, the more I realized that self-published and indie authors are incredibly valuable to the world of literature.
What are you reading now?
The first book in the New Sarah Maas series. I think it’s called Crescent City … or may House of Earth and blood. (I’ve heard both.) But I’m searching for more epic fantasy. I’m in the mood for dragons and castles.
What’s next for you as a writer?
My plan is to keep publishing books in the Color Code series, but I also have a few other stories in the WIP pile that I would love to share with the world.
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?
1. The Silmarillion (that way I would have a good template to make a crazy new religion if other strandees were chilling with me.)
2. “The Named” by Marianne Curley to remind me of childhood.
3. An atlas. (If it’s a desert island and not a deserted island, we’re going to need some shade.)
4. A blank notebook. Don’t worry, I’ll find a way to make my own ink.
Author Websites and Profiles
Annelise Driscoll Website
Annelise Driscoll Amazon Profile
Annelise Driscoll’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Pinterest Account