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.”
Great sketch… learned new things about a fascinating, funny, and intricate woman. Looking forward to seeing both of you at Malice.
Great to see you here, Ellen! And look forward to seeing you next week at Malice too!
Hi Ellen, so nice to see you here!
Hmmm, we’ll have to have a discussion about the greatest songs ever 😉
See you both at Malice!
Ellen is my walking partner , mentor and all around good fried. Loved reading this…and the catch phrase, Ellen? I didn’t know that. We need to talk!
Great interview! Your mom sounds awesome. I have seen her FB posts from time-to-time. She’s someone worth listening to. Can’t wait to see y’all at Malice!
Thanks for the comments, everyone! And big thanks to Kristopher. I’m honored.
Ellen, you had me in tears I’m so honored to be a small part of your journey and thrilled by your success. Love you, girlfriend.
Great answers and always fun to learn a bit more about a friend.
“Are you interested or committed”–isn’t that the name of one of KC and the Sunshine band’s songs? (Well, it should be.)
And one of the people I admire most in the crime fiction writing community is YOU, ma cherie! Your generosity to readers and writers alike is seemingly boundless.
I’m not surprised that you like a band with sunshine in the title, as you always have such a sunshine smile for everyone, Ellen.
Great interview, Ellen. And the sketch actually looks like you. Hope we’ll be seeing you at Malice.
Ellen, all I could think of with your catch phrase is “Are you a pig or a chicken?”
I’m truly overwhelmed with the kind comments. Thank you thank you thank you! Can’t wait to see most of you, if not all, at Malice.
And Shari – talk all you want, you will NEVER change my mind. 😉
Great sketch! And you’re right, Harriette is the best <3
Looking forward to seeing you at Malice ^^
I’m behind because I was out of town! Ellen, you are amazing!