It’s my pleasure to showcase the work of talented author, Ella Cook, today. Ella’s been obsessed with books since she was a toddler. She decided to become a writer as soon as she realised that stringing letters together in the right order could actually be a career.
She grew up in the outskirts of London, where fairies lived at the bottom of her Grandma’s garden, so it isn’t surprising that she still looks for magic in everyday life – and often finds it.
When she’s not living in a fantasy world of her own creation, she writes bids and develops programmes for children’s services. She lives in rural Warwickshire (where there are probably more fairies) with her husband who is ever loving and understanding, and makes her gallons of tea in magical cups that can keep drinks warm for whole chapters.
Throughout lockdown, Ella’s spent a lot of time cleaning (who hasn’t), crocheting rainbows, and writing. She’s got two new novels in progress – but did take a few breaks to write stories (featuring a lot more dinosaur poop and talking animals than her usual style) for some very special youngsters spending birthdays in shielded lockdown.
You can contact Ella at ella.cook@outlook.com or find her on Twitter @Ellacookwrites
I asked Ella to send me some photos to tell us more about her life and writing. She sent a lovely selection.
1 – A photo of you we won’t have seen anywhere else: A photo of me in full geek mode. Hoodie, no make up and glasses!
2 – Where do you write: I write anywhere and everywhere. I have a beautiful garden room where I write and work when it’s warm enough – and yes | do sit on the ball instead of the chair. But in recognition of how cold it gets, my husband bought me a lapdesk this Christmas, so I can get comfy on the couch too. I’m also a real wimp about being cold, so at this time of year can often be seen sat against a radiator!
- Use three photos or images to describe your personality.
The flowers I tied for my brother’s and (now) sister-in-law’s wedding. My Grandma and Mum had me hand-tying button holes when I a child, and I’ve kept doing them ever since. I did the flowers for my own wedding, for family members, and don’t think I ever gave my Mum a bunch of flowers I didn’t arrange myself!
This is a light trail photo I took playing with sparklers in the garden with my Dad (pre-covid!). He’s a fantastic photograph – much better than me! – and we’ve done a few courses together, including light trail patterns. I especially like this shot because it reminds me of that evening, and a heart formed of light in the darkness just appeals so much – because sometimes that’s exactly what love is: the light in the darkest moments.
My mixer. Like a lot of people, we’ve been baking more during lockdown. This is the Kenwood Chef I inherited from my Grandma (it’s older than me!), and the cover made in one of my favourite colours by my incredibly talented Mum. It’s made countless birthday cakes, Christmas cakes, and probably my Christening cake! The past means a lot to me, and our home is an eclectic mix of modern and vintage. The fact that the house was built in the 1950’s helps make this work!
- Share a photo of your favourite holiday destination.
Beautiful Devon
- Post a photo of something that you baked, learnt or made, during lockdown.
My husband has taken up astronomy over lockdown – and I’ve started to try a bit of night sky photography… it’s a steep learning curve and tricky as I don’t used a DSLR, but I’m getting there, and did catch the yellow moon in Summer though!
