Elle Wright

There was never a time when Elle Wright wasn’t about to start a book, wasn’t already deep in a book—or had just finished one. She grew up believing in the importance of reading, and became a lover of all things romance when her mother gave her her first romance novel. She lives in Michigan. Connect with Elle online at ElleWright.com, Facebook ElleWrightAuthor, Twitter @LWrightAuthor, Instagram: @lrwrightauthor.

BPM: Was there anyone early in your career that recognized your talent and helped to cultivate it?
Without question, my mother is my biggest influence. She’s been gone for five years, but her presence is felt as if she’s just a breath away. She’s in everything I do, everything I say. My mother was my biggest cheerleader. She inspired me to read, encouraged me to dream and create. And she gave me my first romance novel, Indigo by Beverly Jenkins. That book changed my life and is the reason I write romance today!

 

BPM: Tell us about your most recent work. Available on Nook and Kindle?
TOUCHED BY YOU kicks off my new Wellspring Series. Unimaginable luxury. Longstanding wealth. A powerful family empire that controls the town of Wellspring, Michigan. But three heirs are done—with all of it. Now one by one, these very different siblings are seizing control of their lives . . . and daring to find real hometown love.

WHEREVER YOU ARE is book two in my Jacksons of Ann Arbor Series. Avery Montgomery created a hit show about her old neighborhood, but there’s one secret she can’t reveal: the reason she left town. Avery felt like an outsider in Dr. Elwood Jackson’s world, thanks to his brother’s disapproval. Elwood has never forgiven Avery for leaving. But when a crisis lands her in El’s emergency room, passion sparks hotter than before. Will it be too late for another chance at love?

All of my books are available on Nook, Kindle, iBooks, Kobo, and Google Play.

 

BPM: Give us some insight into your main characters or speakers. What makes each one so special?
Touched By You – Brooklyn Wells is fed up with her father’s manipulations of her and their town. When the book starts, she is ambushed by her father and instead of taking it, she rebels. It’s not the first time that she’s done that, but this time has serious consequences. Brooklyn is feisty, but she’s giving. She’s a social worker with a passion for helping the homeless community of her town, as well as those battling addiction. And she’s hilarious. I found myself laughing out loud at some of her antics.

On the flipside, Carter comes to Wellspring needing to escape the crushing grief of his wife and daughter’s murder at the hands of an arsonist. It’s been two years and he’s fought for justice, but he doesn’t any peace. Wellspring is just the thing he feels he needs to get back to who he was, even though he knows he’ll never be the same again. Carter is fiercely devoted to his family and his company, but he needs this time to reset his life. Carter is very serious, so it was fun to write his reaction to Brooklyn, who pulled him right out of his comfort zone.

Wherever You Are – Avery Montgomery arrives back in Ann Arbor to realize her dream of being the keynote speaker at her alma mater. With a hit show based off of her old neighborhood, Avery comes back to University of Michigan with the goal to give back to young women interested in science and math majors. She’s driven and career-focused. She left Ann Arbor and El to follow her dreams, and now she’s back.

Dr. Elwood Montgomery is an Emergency Psychiatrist. He does what he loves for a living, but he’s been unable to forget about Avery. He’s a natural caregiver, so when Avery needs him, he has no choice but to be there for her, even though it’s hard for him to be near her. I fell in love with El while writing It’s Always Been You and I couldn’t wait to write his story. I love the dynamics of the Jackson brothers. They are a hoot to write.

 

BPM: Is there a specific place/space/state that you find inspiration in?
Usually, my books are set in Michigan. I love my home state. There are so many areas to explore and I have a lot of fun doing it. I’m also a graduate of University of Michigan (GO BLUE), and my experiences on campus have inspired so many scenes and storylines.

 

BPM: What did you enjoy most about writing this book?
With the Wellspring series, I created a fictional town. Bringing Wellspring, Michigan to life was amazing! I modeled the town after a few smaller towns in Michigan, and developed the history to fit the story. I created core families and businesses. I wanted to paint a story, and had a lot of fun with it.

 

BPM: How much planning goes into writing a book? How long does it take to complete one of your books?
I spend a lot of time plotting before I even sit down to write. My plotting stage includes research on places, occupations, people, situations…any and everything. Once I do sit down to write, though, it usually only takes me a month to get my first draft down. The hard work begins after the first draft. LOL!

 

BPM: What advice would you give aspiring writers that would help them finish a project?
If I could give any advice to aspiring writers, I’d say to read wide and write daily. Also, Google is your friend.

 

BPM: What period of life or topics do you find you write about most often?  
In my writing, I tend to stick to late twenties and thirties. I found that to be a great time for me personally, but I also wish I had done some things differently. For me, I love characters who are flawed, imperfect. They make mistakes, but are committed to doing better. I like to say my books are coming-of-middle-age stories. LOL.

 

BPM: Did you learn anything personal from writing your book?
One thing I always learn when writing my books are new ways of thinking about things. Each character approaches decisions differently. Most of the time in ways I would never think of.  Also, with each book, I learn that I can accomplish anything I set my mind to do. Because I never think I can finish while I’m writing. LOL It’s the weirdest thing.

 

BPM: Can you share some stories about people you met while researching this book?
While writing Wherever You Are, I took a road trip to Traverse City to scout out locations. I have to say my state is beautiful. I visited Torch Lake, which is Michigan’s second largest inland lake, and most lovely. We met a woman who gave us so much history on the lake, I wanted to stay and chat with her more. I made it my mission to return there in the future just to talk to her. She was the nicest lady.

 

BPM: How has writing impacted your life?
When I was younger, I always thought I would write a soap opera. I never thought I would be a published author, and I have to say it has been so rewarding. Meeting readers and authors who love the escape of a good book has been the biggest benefit for me. I’ve met wonderful people on this journey, and I wouldn’t change it.

 

BPM: What does literary success look like to you?
Just the fact that people read and love my work feels like success. I can’t even begin to thank the readers who’ve come and told me that my book pulled them out of a funk or they want to marry my hero. It means the world to me.

 

BPM: What are the 3 most effective tools for sharing your book with the world?
Facebook, Word of Mouth and Book Fairs/Conferences.

 

BPM: What projects are you working on at the present?
At the moment, I’m plotting two contemporary romance series.

I’m also working with Sheryl Lister, Sherelle Green, and Angela Seals on the follow-up to our Once Upon a Bridesmaid Series.

In addition, I’m part of the Decades of African American Romance project. My book is entitled Made to Hold You (1980s). Also, I’m plotting a romantic suspense series and a Women’s Fiction.

 

BPM: How can readers discover more about you and your work?
Website: http://www. ellewright.com
Twitter: @LWrightAuthor
Instagram: @lrwrightauthor
Facebook: https://www. facebook.com/ElleWrightAuthor
Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Elle-Wright/e/B00VMEWB78

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