We recently connected with D. L. Armillei and have shared our conversation below.

Hi D. L. , thanks for joining us today. Do you think your parents have had a meaningful impact on you and your journey?

My parents were a perfect blend of creativity and practicality, and their influence shaped me profoundly as an author and person. My mother was an artist, using painting as her medium. Her art studio was in the basement of our suburban Massachusetts home, a magical space filled with brushes, canvases, and the scent of oil paints. I remember going down there as a curious child and asking her why so many of her beautiful paintings weren’t signed. She smiled and said, “As an artist, I always feel they could be improved. I only sign them when they’re the best they can be to represent my vision.” That lesson—creative work is a journey of striving for excellence—has stuck with me. It’s the same approach I take to writing. Whether it’s a single sentence or an entire chapter, I never want to call it “finished” until it truly feels like it honors the story I’m trying to tell.

On the other hand, my father was an engineer who loved finance, real estate, and business. He taught me the importance of structure, discipline, and understanding how things work—lessons that are just as vital for a creative career. He was the one who patiently taught me how to balance my checkbook, understand the value of money, and even how to tell time when I was little. His practical mindset instilled in me the confidence to navigate the business side of being an author. From managing contracts to marketing my books, I owe my comfort in those areas to his influence.

Both of my parents deeply valued and supported the arts, which created a nurturing environment for me to explore my creativity. But they also grounded me, showing me that passion thrives when paired with practicality. Their influence has allowed me to turn my love for storytelling into not just a creative outlet, but a fulfilling career. My mother gave me the courage to create boldly, and my father gave me the tools to make that creation sustainable. Together, they gave me the foundation to thrive as both an artist and an entrepreneur.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I’ve always been a storyteller at heart. My journey as an author started when I was just four years old. I couldn’t yet read or write, but that didn’t stop me from creating a “story” in my own version of cursive. I gave it to my mother and asked her to read it aloud. She smiled, tucked those pages into her desk drawer, and told me we’d read it together once I learned how to write properly. That small moment planted the seed of belief that my words mattered, even before I could fully express them.

Fast forward to today, and I’m the bestselling author of the award-winning YA fantasy series “Anchoress”. My books explore themes of courage, self-discovery, and the resilience it takes to overcome seemingly insurmountable odds. They’re not just stories—they’re immersive adventures designed to inspire young (and young-at-heart) readers to embrace their inner power.

What sets my books apart is their blend of gripping storytelling, complex characters, and richly imagined worlds. But beyond that, my focus is on tackling something deeper: the challenge of feeling seen, understood, and valued. Many of my readers are teens or young adults navigating a time in life when judgment—whether external or internal—can feel overwhelming. My stories aim to provide a sense of escape, empowerment, and validation, helping readers see that their struggles don’t define them but shape them into something extraordinary.

I think what sets me apart is that I strive to create connections—not just through my books, but through the community I’ve built around them. Whether it’s at book signings, on social media, or in conversations with readers, I genuinely love hearing how my stories resonate with people. Writing can be such a solitary process, so hearing how my words inspire or move someone is one of the things I’m most proud of.

For those who may just be discovering me, I’d want them to know that my stories are written with heart and purpose. Whether you pick up Anchoress to lose yourself in a fantasy world, or you’re looking for a story that speaks to your soul, my hope is that you’ll feel a connection to the characters and themes. My books are more than just entertainment—they’re an invitation to dream big, stand strong, and embrace the magic within.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

My ultimate goal is to see my “Anchoress” series adapted into film, preferably streaming with each book representing a season. The world of the “Anchoress” is so rich and layered that it lends itself perfectly to episodic storytelling, allowing the complexity of the plot and characters to unfold naturally. This format would give viewers the time to immerse themselves in the fantasy world while fully experiencing the themes of self-empowerment and resilience that lie at the heart of the series.

More than just entertainment, my mission is to inspire people—especially young adults—to believe in their own strength and potential. Stories have a unique way of connecting us to ourselves and others, and I want Anchoress to be a beacon for anyone who’s ever felt powerless, misunderstood, or uncertain about their place in the world. By bringing this series to a visual medium, I hope to reach even more people with its message of courage, growth, and the magic of self-discovery.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an author is meeting readers in real life and hearing how my books have touched their lives. There’s nothing quite like having someone come up to me at a signing or event and share that my stories helped them get through a tough time. Knowing that the worlds and characters I’ve created can provide comfort, inspiration, or even just an escape when it’s needed most—it’s an incredible feeling.

It reminds me why I started writing in the first place: to connect, to uplift, and to remind people (and myself) of the power of hope and resilience. Those moments, when a reader tells me my books made a difference for them, are worth every late night and every challenge that comes with being a creative. They’re the reason I keep going.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.DLArmillei.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dlarmillei/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DLArmillei/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/DLArmillei
• Other: Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/DLArmillei
  BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/d-l-armillei
  Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/D.-L.-Armillei/author/B06XD25WT4