Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I live in the Back Mountain of Pennsylvania. My husband, Joe and I have a small farmette with one dog, goats, sheep, rabbits, chickens, turkey, and guineas. We enjoy living out here in the country.
I am a born-again christian with a deep faith and love for the Lord Jesus Christ. I hope to learn how to live for Him and to put Him first in all I do. She writes children’s books under the name Ellie Mae Kay.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Stella is my debut Christian fiction novel. Inspired by my love for the Lord and a desire to share some of my experiences and growth with the world through a fiction character. It follows a young woman on her journey to a deeper faith through tribulation.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I do most of my writing during the month of November for NaNoWriMo. I have a difficult time motivating myself to write every day. It takes most of the rest of the year to edit and market.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I was drawn to Elizabeth Lowell more than any other author when I was younger. I love the way she writes suspense. I read Sandra Brown and some others, but I switched to Christian fiction to avoid the heavy sex scenes and explicit language in most secular fiction. The book that has had the most influence in my life is of course, the King James Bible. After that, I would say Hinds Feet in High Places and Pilgrim’s Progress were also deeply influential.
I’m not sure how much they have influenced me, but as far as Christian fiction authors go, I like Patricia Bradley, Cathy Bryant, V.B. Tennery, and Terri Blackstock.
What are you working on now?
I am working on the third and final book in the Edinsville series, Sofie. All three books can be read as stand-alone books, but they follow three women who have a connection to the fictional town of Edinsville.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
The best method I have found is working together with other Christian authors. We have a promotional group on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/groups/989125614489907/.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t get discouraged. If you have something you want to write, write it. You will have to work hard and put in long hours editing and marketing, but you can succeed if you put in the time and effort. You probably won’t get rich, but you will get to see your name in print and if you are blessed, your writing will make a difference to someone who reads it.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Pay an editor. I’ve learned that the advice was spot-on. It is impossible to catch all of your own mistakes. You must pay an editor if you don’t want to publish a book full of errors.
What are you reading now?
I just finished Patricia Bradley’s Shadows of the Past (Logan Point #1). I am also in the process of reading several non-fiction books.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I have three books in the pipe-line. Two for my series and a stand-alone novella. The novella is very different in that the focus is on forming a friendship rather than a romance.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
The King James Bible
Clarence Larkin’s Dispensational Truth
The Bible Believers Commentary on the Gospel of John
Hinds Feet on High Places
Author Websites and Profiles
Elle E. Kay Website
Elle E. Kay Amazon Profile
Elle E. Kay’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
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