Good morning, Ellen, and welcome to Vision and Verse. Can you tell us a little about what you’ve written?
In 1995 I started writing for Nevada Woman magazine, and my column, “Body & Soul,” was featured for ten years. I’ve taken the best of those articles and published them in an ebook, “NOURISH, A Guide to Health, Beauty and Spiritual Vitality,” available on Amazon.
What is your favorite genre to write?
After 20 + years of writing non-fiction, health, and spiritual practices, I started writing fiction two years ago. I have four fiction stories published on Amazon Vella. Fiction is more challenging since it’s new, but since I love reading fiction, that’s my passion now.
All of my fiction stories feature a cat since I adore cats, and I also include settings in Las Vegas, because I know this city, having lived here on and off for 20+ years.
I embarked on my formal writing journey in 1995, contributing a featured column in Nevada Woman magazine, for a decade. My articles centered around health, beauty, and spirituality. This led me to compile a collection of my best writing into an ebook called "NOURISH, A Guide to Health, Beauty, and Spirituality," published on Amazon.
In 2014, I had the privilege of co-authoring a book titled "Source Supreme," which delved into the spiritual practices that had deeply influenced my life.
Two years ago, I ventured into the realm of fiction and crafted my first novel, "Rich Beyond Reason.” This mystery/romance introduces a young heiress entangled in her family’s web of deception and is published on Amazon Vella. Drawing inspiration from personal experiences, I am currently engrossed in crafting a fantasy/romance titled "Love Beyond Death's Shore," which explores the journey of star-crossed lovers, ignited by the tragic loss of my husband in Vietnam. Additionally, I've recently published "Pussy Cat Messages," an enchanting tale on Vella that takes readers on a magical adventure inspired by two cherished feline companions who have crossed the Rainbow Bridge.
My latest work, "The Mysterious Dr. R," blends the captivating elements of romance and mystery. All my stories are brought to life through a fusion of fascinating encounters with intriguing individuals and my deep-rooted passion for fantasy and romance. Each narrative showcases a feline companion, and the vibrant backdrop of Las Vegas, a city I've called home on and off for twenty-five years, sets the stage for much of the unfolding action.
All of my writing, both fiction and non-fiction, is available on Amazon, with links on my website: ellenmlaura.
Coffee or tea:
Gano Café in the morning, herbal tea in the evening.
Pizza or ice cream:
Ice cream, custard, strawberry, or chocolate
Beer, wine, or something else:
No alcohol, some kombucha, but mostly water.
Where would you like to visit?
Maui is still my favorite place, but I would like to visit Jamaica. I love swimming in the ocean but prefer it to be calm.
Favorite musical artist:
Hauser, Andrea Boccelli, Sarah Brightman
Do you listen to music when you write?
Only when editing, then some light background music.
What makes you laugh?
I have a quirky sense of humor, sometimes irreverent; cats make me laugh, and witty people.
How old were you when you started writing?
I was forty when I was published, but have written forever.
Do you plan your novels with an outline or just write?
In my first fiction story, Rich Beyond Reason, I used Scrivener to outline, but I’m really a ‘pantser.’
Describe your perfect evening.
Walking on the beach, or swimming; I love warm weather, watching movies on Netflix or Prime.
Where do you get your inspiration?
Life is my inspiration. My fantasy/romance, “Love Beyond Death’s Shore,” is based on my experience when my husband was killed in Vietnam when I was nineteen. I also wrote a brief narrative non-fiction about that experience. The fiction story about a wealthy, eccentric heiress was inspired by three women (all wealthy heiresses).
What do you do when you get a writer's block?
Write anything; just write something.
Who is your favorite author(s)?
Amy Tan, Barbara Kingsolver, Ann Patchett
Best book you ever read:
Shantaram, by Gregory David Roberts, but there are really too many to have one favorite.
Last book you read:
Unsheltered, by Barbara Kingsolver.
What would you do for a living if you weren’t a writer?
A healer/shaman I met and studied with years ago because he was able to see my true self and point out both the magic and the nonsense. Since I’ve spent decades on inner reflection, it’s rare anyone sees something about me that is either truly accurate or is something I haven’t seen already.
If you could sit down and have a conversation with ONE person, living or dead, real or fictional, who would it be and why?
The Dalai Lama or Audrey Hepburn.
What advice would you give someone who aspired to be a writer?
Read the best fiction, write, edit, take courses from the best writers, develop skill, and see if you have talent.
Do ayou have some links for us to follow you?
Website: ellenmlaura.com
LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/ellenmlaura
Amazon Vella Link: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Ellen+M.+Laura&rh=n%3A21165462011&ref=nb_sb_noss
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