From the Booking Desk:

Ellen Byron and I have been trying to party together for a while now, but the fates keep intervening. I missed Ellen’s book launch party, Ellen missed my New Orleans soiree, etc, etc. But what we are not going to miss is a chance to see how Ellen is going to approach our composite sketch questions. Read on to find out more about this talented writer; and Ellen, I will see you at Malice Domestic in exactly one week!

Name: Ellen Byron
Location: Los Angeles, CA

This person from my personal life is such an inspiration:

My mother, Elizabeth DiVirgilio Seideman. She came over from Italy as a toddler, just in time for the Great Depression. Her childhood was tumultuous, but she’s always powered through life with inner strength and a great sense of humor. And talk about being forever young. She’s ninety-one and totally engages in life. She goes to movies, the theatre, reads every book she can get her hands on. She’s even on Facebook, sharing and commenting away – occasionally to the embarrassment of her daughter!

One of the people I admire most in the crime fiction community is:

Wow, where to begin? There are so many extraordinary people in this community it’s mind-boggling. I’m going to go with Harriette Sackler, who runs the William F. Deeck-Malice Domestic Grant Committee for the Malice Domestic convention. She and the committee have launched the careers of so many mystery authors over the years, including yours truly. And not only does Harriette discover new authors, she remains fiercely committed to them throughout their careers. I’m honored to call her a mentor and friend.

STALKER ALERT!  If this fictional character were real, they would likely need to get a restraining order against me:

Miss Marple.

People are always surprised that I am a fan of this individual (singer, actor, or artist):

KC & the Sunshine Band. I’m such a fan that when they played the House of Blues in L.A. in 1999, I went to see them even though I was six months pregnant at the time. I almost disco-ed my daughter right out of me onto the dance floor. I think that “Get Down Tonight” is the best song ever written in the history of music, and don’t try telling me otherwise!

My personal catch phrase is (or should be):

“Are you interested or committed?” That’s my new catch phrase, which beats my old one: “Expect the worst and you’ll never be disappointed.”

Find out more about Ellen on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram