Welcome to my weekly Author Spotlight. I’ve asked a bunch of my author friends to answer a set of interview questions, and to share their latest work.
Today, A.D. Ellis – A.D. Ellis is an Indiana girl, born and raised. She spends much of her time in central Indiana teaching alternative education in the inner city of Indianapolis, being a mom to two amazing school-aged children, and wondering how she and her husband of almost two decades have managed to not drive each other insane.
Giveaway
A.D. is giving away an eBook of a box set or single title on her backlist (not including His Reluctant Cowboy) sent to the winner’s Kindle address. For a chance to win, comment below.
Thanks so much, A.D., for joining me!
J. Scott Coatsworth: How would you describe your writing style/genre?
A.D. Ellis: I automatically gravitate toward small-town M/M romance. (I have seven male/female romance titles in my backlist and they are small-town as well) I think I go toward small-town because I grew up in a small town. But I live in the suburbs of a larger city now, so I can do city settings as well.
My writing is very real-life. (Although I’m stretching my skills right now with a PN/fantasy romance) My characters are real people and will screw up and piss you off just like real people.
JSC: Do you ever base your characters on real people? If so, what are the pitfalls you’ve run into doing so?
ADE: All of the time. No real pitfalls. Usually my characters are a mix of people I know in real life. My series Something About Him was born out of me writing a friend a better ending for his real-life story. Almost every character I write has a basis in a real person I know at least in some part.
JSC: Are you a full-time or part-time writer? How does that affect your writing?
ADE: I’m a full-time mom and alternative education teacher in the inner-city. It affects my writing big time. Kids have after school stuff? Kids have homework? Had a terrible day at school? (Teaching alternative education means I’m working with students who have severe behavior issues so many days are BAD.) Had an after-school meeting? Most days I don’t feel like writing when I get home because I’m either mentally or physically exhausted.
JSC: Who did your cover, and what was the design process like?
ADE: I’m super excited to say I did this cover and it’s the very first I’ve done for ebook and print. I had the design in my head and loved that I could bring it to life myself without having to work through someone else.
JSC: What secondary character would you like to explore more? Tell me about him or her.
ADE: Oh, Zeke for sure. I wrote the story with Zeke in mind for a book 2. I wasn’t 100% sure on writing him a story, but readers are confirming that Zeke NEEDS a story.
JSC: What was the weirdest thing you had to Google for your story?
ADE: Plants that are poisonous for horses, how much they can eat without dying, the treatment/prognosis, the recovery process.
JSC: What other artistic pursuits (it any) do you indulge in apart from writing?
ADE: I’ve recently taught myself to crochet and love it. It’s nice to keep my hands busy if I’m too tired to write.
JSC: What qualities do you and your characters share? How much are you like them, or how different are they from you?
ADE: If my characters are sarcastic assholes, they are probably a lot like me. If they fall quickly, love fiercely, protect their friends/family, love a good laugh, and sometimes don’t believe in themselves, they are definitely sharing characteristics with me.
JSC: If you could create a new holiday, what would it be?
ADE: Halloween should be a day off school period. Or it should always be on a Saturday. Halloween at school is a hot mess. The anticipation, the sugar highs, the sugar crashes.
And the day before, day of, and day after a full moon should be days off school if they fall on week days.
Can you tell I’m a stressed teacher? Hahahahaha
JSC: What food(s) fuel your writing?
ADE: If I have them around, I’ll chomp chocolate covered peanuts until I’m sick. Usually it’s just hot tea of some sort.
JSC: Final Question: What are you working on now?
ADE: At the time of writing these answers, I’m working on a paranormal/fantasy romance which is a completely new genre for me. I’m also working on a collab project with Declan Rhodes and it’s been tons of fun. Can’t wait to introduce readers to our Willow Springs series.
And now for A.D.’s new book: His Reluctant Cowboy:
Out-and-proud volunteer dance instructor, Reid Alexander, is a California boy accustomed to living in flashy luxury. He is less than thrilled upon inheriting his late grandfather’s South Dakota horse ranch. Yet he must endure three months of cowboy hell before he can even consider selling the property.
As the ranch foreman, Walker Corrigan’s entire life isPine Ridge. When Reid arrives with cold-hearted plans to sell, Walker endeavors to endear the place to the younger man.
Reid is unprepared for the sudden attachment to Walker, the land, and – unbelievably enough – the horses.
Walker’s long-suffering heart takes an unexpected gallop straight toward Reid. Both men are on-board with exploring their relationship, and Reid discovers ranch ownership is more gratifying than he’d once imagined.
But Reid is forced to reconsider his place on the ranch when threats put the property and employees in danger.
Menacing events call Reid’s integrity into question, and he considers saving everyone the hassle and throwing in the reins. But how can he leave when his heart now feels at home on Pine Ridge Ranch and in Walker’s arms?
Get it on Amazon
Excerpt
“Come on, we need to head to the main house and get some sleep. Tomorrow comes early on a ranch.” Walker held open the door for Reid.
Reid’s nose crinkled. “Exactly how early is early?”
“Sun up.” Walker slapped him on the shoulder as Reid groaned. “Welcome to ranch life, cowboy.”
Reid simply grimaced. “What exactly will we be doing tomorrow?”
“Nothing fancy, just day-to-day stuff.” Walker led them out of the barn. “I’ll start you with things away from the horses. Let you get a feel for the whole operation before we tackle anything having to do with animals.”
Reid stopped dead in his tracks. “Hell to the no. I’ll help and learn, but I’m not going near the horses. Ever. Period.”
Walker turned. “They are majestic, caring, sensitive, and intelligent creatures. Maybe at least give them a chance?”
“They are huge and they kick. They are dangerous. I have no need to be near them.” Reid crossed both arms over his chest.
“Fine.” Walker turned away, but called over his shoulder, “So much for that open mind and acceptance. What if people were as closed off to you as you are to the horses?”
A horse neighed from the barn behind them. Reid yelped and ran to catch up with Walker. “I don’t kick and trample and kill,” Reid argued.
Walker snorted as they headed up the stairs of the main house. “Neither do most horses. What the hell have you been watching? Horse horror stories?”
Author Bio
A.D. Ellis is an Indiana girl, born and raised. She spends much of her time in central Indiana teaching alternative education in the inner city of Indianapolis, being a mom to two amazing school-aged children, and wondering how she and her husband of almost two decades have managed to not drive each other insane. A lot of her time is also devoted to phone call avoidance and her hatred of cooking.
She loves chocolate, wine, pizza, and naps along with reading and writing romance. These loves don’t leave much time for housework, much to the chagrin of her husband. Who would pick cleaning the house over a nap or a good book? She uses any extra time to increase her fluency in sarcasm.
Find all of Ellis’ contemporary romance and male/male romance at www.adellisauthor.com
FREE books– sign up at bit.ly/ADEllisNews for a FREE male/female romance. Sign up at http://www.subscribepage.com/ADEllisNewsMMRomance for a FREE male/male romance book.