Why do you write?
There are always ‘movies’ running in my head. Mostly good people in bad situations, people who come to care for each other but can’t be together, strange machines, lost cities, stuff exploding . . . wars, dresses and uniforms, crimes, twists that surprise me . . . the occasional bizarre religion or funny comeback. Food. It just bubbles up, always has. Eventually I began writing it down. To my surprise, some people liked it.
What do you read?
Mostly overdue library books. Mysteries, thrillers, adventure, science fiction, the occasional romance. I don’t read much true crime or memoir. Right now on my nightstand I have three nonfics, a Pulitzer prize nominee, a book of short stories, a fantasy, and a YA. And then there’s my Kindle . . .
Is Elle your real name?
Yes, short for Michelle. I also answer to Misty, Myst (to the amusement of German-speaking people everywhere), Mystery, Mimi, Chelle and Chicorita. My DH was terrified I’d tarnish his career by writing demon donkey porn, so I write under my nickname to be nice. It’s a shortened version of what I sign on the dotted line – thanks for the idea Nora Roberts and Stan Lee!
What should I call you?
When are you going to quit messing around with make believe and write something serious?
(cough)
If you’re looking for an incredible serious read, I recommend The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls.
Where do you get the images you use on your website?
Most of them are from Pixabay.
I have a photo I'd like you to feature
I appreciate your willingness to share with me. But I rarely accept contributions unless I’m running a contest. Why is that my policy? Mainly to avoid legal gobbledygook. And please, don’t send nudes. I’ll never get any writing done if you delightful people keep sending me evidence of all your glory.
Will you review my novel?
What is your daily writing schedule?
I write in the morning and save chores, errands and exercise for the afternoon. After dinner I do something fun, like reading or gaming, then I review my story progress and make notes. I don’t always stick to the plan. Some days it looks like a hurricane tore through my house and I forget to eat.
What are your favorite books, games, movies, foods?
I’ll have to break that up. I have tons of favorites. So many are so good for different reasons. I’ll try to keep it short. They’re not in any sort of order, just listed as they came to mind.
Novels
Watership Down, Lord of the Rings, Dune, Sphere, The Forever War, Shantaram, The Thornbirds
More recently Harry Potter and The Hunger Games have blown my mind. I have enjoyed hundreds of stories, but these are the ones I imagine I will reread from time to time for the rest of my life. I also enjoy rereading some of my other favorite authors:
Alistair Reynolds, Stephen King, Dan Simmons, Tad Williams, Michael A. Stackpole, Edgar Rice Burroughs
Games
Skyrim, Skyrim, Skyrim, Skyrim
I first realized I loved video games when I played Tank on my uncle’s Atari. There was a dry spell after that. I did like Myst and a few others for the PC. Then there was Resident Evil on the PS1, and it was love all over again.
Movies
Unforgiven, Inception, The Matrix, Casablanca, The Scarlet Pimpernel (1982), LOTR, Out of Africa, Batman Begins, Persuasion, Monty Python and the Holy Grail, and . . . wait for it . . . Star Wars!
Food
Food? Omg, have you seen Pinterest lately? Yum. Hmm . . . Coffee, chocolate, cognac, and just about anything grilled. I also love peppermint tea.