A.D. Ellis Interview Published on: 24, Dec 2015

Writing wasn't always my passion, but reading has always been my one true love. When enough stories and "what ifs" began rumbling around in my head, I decided to try my hand at writing stories. I love real life, touching, emotional stories that make you think, make you sigh in contentment one moment and scream in frustration another moment, I love happily ever afters. I hope my stories give my readers these things.

I used to write for my high school newspaper. It wasn't until October 2013 when I began to play around with a story idea and jot the first few words down that I became serious about making that first story a reality.

I like names that are easy to say, that can have shortened nicknames, that flow together.

Honestly, I challenged myself to write one book and thought I'd be done with it. Nothing prepared me for the way the series grew in my head and took off with readers.

Once the first story was started, the characters and their stories pretty much fell in line. At times I picked which story to write based on which character I was feeling closest to at the time.

The readers I write for are those who understand real life isn't always perfect and pretty, there are twists and turns, highs and lows, people don't always make the decisions we would make or that we want them to make. I write for readers who accept the imperfect characters, but who long for the happy, strong, supportive family and friends. Beyond that, I don't write for a certain reader. I write the stories my characters want me to write. A lot of times the characters' decisions make readers angry, but I have to be true to the characters and write what they want me to.

Getting book reviews is like pulling teeth. I give out ARCs (advanced review copies), I give away free copies, I look for blogs/sites who are accepting review requests. A lot of readers will "rate" a book with the stars (which is great and appreciated!) but they won't write a couple sentences saying what they liked/didn't like about the book. Just a line or two about what the book made you feel is much appreciated! I love all of my reviews on all the books. Well, maybe not the mean ones, but most of them I adore. Any review where the reader tells me they had several emotions throughout the book, couldn't put it down, can't wait for the next book....those are all great for me!

The chance to escape into another world. Meeting new people, some of whom you love, some you hate. Adventures, emotions, ups and downs, good and bad. Reading a story allows me to live another life, just like writing a story allows me to submerse myself in another world.

I am writing the 8th book in my Torey Hope series. The title of this book is Kendrick, Torey Hope: The Later Years.

I'm a mom and teacher by day, so most of my writing is at night. However, I don't do well without sleep, so I have to squeeze most of my words in between homework/supper and bedtime. During breaks from school, I write whenever I'm able. I attempt to write a lot in the morning, but I seem more productive in the evening.

I try to get my name out in front of as many romance readers as possible. I try to stay visible on the main social media platforms. I like QuotesRain's tweet scheduling tool, makes it easy to be sure my name and tweets are getting out there day-to-day.

Please find me on Facebook, Twitter, and my website (or contact me through QuotesRain). I really enjoy hearing from readers.