Hi, I’m Ellen.
I’m living a life. Sometimes good, sometimes not, sad, joy, all the usual suspects. All of it, though, is inspiring.
When I was little, for as long back as I can remember, after watching an episode of a favorite show I’d immediately come up with what the next episode should be. And of course, I was in it. This was the most fun I could imagine. Through it I made friends of these characters, and yes, I still talk to them today. They have managed to take their places in my more grown up stories, when pen has met paper.
On my path, I spent a lot of time in educational and community theatre. I’m pretty sure I’ve done it all, every job, at least twice. And while I enjoyed it all immensely, it was writing and directing the stories that I loved the most.
I do have a graduate degree, but it has nothing to do with telling stories and more to do with running life. I am employed by a non-profit where I run high profile projects designed to save lives. I’m not exaggerating - this is in fact true. It is a mission that I’ve had for years.
Still, these stories keep bursting forth from my friends of old. My poor husband, who endured listening to these stories for many years, purchased script software and said the next story he wanted to read, not hear. He even gave me the primer - Save the Cat. I had written many plays, some by hand, but never attempted to professionally format anything.
Now, it’s my favorite fun thing to do. And I hope you will enjoy these varied stories as much as I do, still do.
My Approach
(or bibbidi-bobbidi-boo)
Screenplays
Original stories, with many genres represented, including faith-based. Some are based on real events.
Stageplays
These were the first things I wrote for performance, beginning as a teen. I often adapt my screenplays to stage.
I either have my own idea from a story of old, have a dream during the night that causes me to wake up and start writing, or someone else gives me something to adapt or treat. Doesn’t matter, I enjoy it all. Writing is pure joy, but producing a finished story is a project - and I know how to run projects and deliver. I floundered a bit in the first couple of years until I realized how the two parts of my life could benefit each other (I also became a stronger project manager, turning our projects into “stories”).
I was told once by someone for whom I’d completed a successful project that I’d made his dream come true, that I was like his fairy godmother. That stuck with me. So, whether I’m guiding a project or I’m asked to make someone’s dream a reality or a character in my heart has a story they want told - it’s all the same to me. I know how to wave the wand and say the magic words.
Short and Long Stories
Each story has a beginning, middle, and end. Sometimes we get there quickly, sometimes not. I don’t bucket them in this way - the story is what it is - but convention does place them in one or the other and I accept that others will place them where they will. Still, it’s my story.
Essays
In real life, sometimes the story we need to tell satisfies an immediate need to be heard. I have causes about which I, or members of my family / friend circle, are passionate about and I support these things with stories to convey an emotional and intellectual connection. Many are posted in the blog and musings.