Story Inspiration – ELLEN SELTZ, AUTHOR

Interview: Cozy Mystery Author Sandi Scott of “The Seagrass Sweets” Mysteries

Here’s a tasty treat for you! My newsletter readers may recall that last month I featured an unbeatable deal on a boxed set of brand-new contemporary cozies, the Summer Snoops and Cozy Crimes collection. Well, I managed to snag an exclusive interview with author Sandi Scott, one of the contributors! She’s giving us a behind-the-scenes look …

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#StoryInspiration: The Kingdom of Heaven. That’s Mr. Heaven to You.

Bits and Bobs, Inspiration, Research / By Ellen Seltz

So far in the Story Inspiration series, we’ve looked at why a book’s setting matters so much, discovered Lundy Island and why it’s a nexus of myth and legend, delved into some of my personal nightmares, and explored the historical Pirate Kings who show up in my island’s backstory. But why is Lundy sometimes …

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#StoryInspiration: Here Be Pirates!

Bits and Bobs, Inspiration, Research / By Ellen Seltz

The FAQ’s that I get the most F – ly about Dying Fall involve the backstory of Brackmor Island. Particularly, were the L’Amaurys real historical figures? Yes, and no. If you haven’t read the book yet, don’t worry — no spoilers. In the book, the ruins of L’Amaury Castle were originally built by a notorious family …

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#StoryInspiration: A Dream of Darkness

Behind the Scenes, Bits and Bobs, Inspiration, New Work / By Ellen Seltz

When readers ask where I get my story ideas, I feel compelled to tell them the truth (mostly). So I cringe inwardly and repeat the dreadful cliche: “Sometimes, from my dreams.” I generally think of myself as an upbeat, even flippant, person. But I do suffer from time to time with vivid nightmares. And sometimes …

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#Story Inspiration: Legendary Lundy Island

Behind the Scenes, Bits and Bobs, Research / By Ellen Seltz

As we run up to the Halloween release of Dying Fall, I want to share some of my inspiration for the setting, characters, and events. My story is set on the imaginary island of Brackmor, the home of an eccentric millionaire. Brackmor is located off the North Devon coast and is the size of a …

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The Power of Place in the Fictive Dream

Behind the Scenes, Bits and Bobs, New Work, Research / By Ellen Seltz

Mottley & Baker’s second adventure, Mister Mottley and the Dying Fall is set in October of 1932, six months after Book 1. My stories always have a lot of humor in them, but since his one was set just before Halloween, I wanted to bring in an element of spookiness, danger, a moody atmosphere and …

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