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Short Biography of Ellen J. Feld:

I’ve been writing stories since I was a very young child (a long time ago!)I have a series of books that I wrote in third grade – I have always loved to write.But I never considered actually becoming a writer.It sort of just happened.My writing career started to take shape about 25 years ago when I got my first paid job as a freelance writer for a horse magazine.I’ve written for horse magazines steadily since then.My first book was started when I was between magazine assignments and now I concentrate on my books – I find it much more rewarding.

I’ve been a horse lover my entire life and my stories all revolve around horses.There’s nothing more relaxing and satisfying as hanging around the barn.My horses are like big dogs and love to hang out with me and get (and give!) kisses.They are my inspiration and all my story ideas come from them and hanging around the barn.If I’m having trouble with a story line, I’ll stop writing and go to the barn.Hanging out with the horses for a few hours usually gets me right back on track.

Author Interview: Ellen J. Feld

It's rare today to find an author who does nothing but write for a living. Do you have a 'real' job other than writing, and if so, what is it? What are some other jobs you've had in your life?

Ellen Feld: Yes, I’ve got one of those 9 – 5 jobs.I work at Amherst College, in the physics department.I’m the “Department Coordinator” which basically means I do all the administrative “stuff” to keep the department running.I’ve been at Amherst for 24 years so there aren’t a lot of other jobs to list.Previous to Amherst, I worked at the US Senate in Washington, in the foreign policy office of Senator Kennedy.I loved the job but I’m not a city girl so I came home to Massachusetts.

What compelled you to write your first book?

Ellen Feld: My first book, “Blackjack” is about one of my horses.At the time, he was away at the trainer’s and I missed him terribly.So I wrote a short story about him to help pass the time.When it was finished, I had several friends read it and they all suggested that I expand the story and write an entire book.So I did.

Have you always wanted to be a writer?

Ellen Feld: No, actually I never planned to be a writer.My degree is in Russian and I was well on my way to a career in government when I got sidetracked by my horses.

What compels you to be a writer?

Ellen Feld: I simply need to write…and I’m fortunate that others like to read what I write!

Tell us a little bit about your book/s.

Are you currently working on any writing projects our readers should watch for release soon?

Ellen Feld: Yes, my newest book, scheduled for a Fall 2011 release is Justin Morgan and the Big Horse Race.It’s the true story of Justin Morgan, the horse that started the Morgan breed, and the race he won against two “racing horses” back in the 1700s.

Have you ever won any writing awards? If so, what?

Ellen Feld: Yes, I’ve won several awards.I’m most proud of twice winning Children’s Choices, co-sponsored by The International Reading Assoc. and The Children’s Book Council.Both Blackjack and Frosty won this award.
The main characters of your stories - do you find that you put a little of yourself into each of them or do you create them to be completely different from you?
Ellen Feld: The main character in my series, Heather, is, I think, the girl I wanted to be when I was young.She’s a talented horse person, who gets to do all sorts of fun things that I wanted to do, although she does tend to get in trouble now and then!Her mentor, Chauncy, is closely based on an old time Yankee horseman who aided me when I was a kid.He was a wonderful old gentleman and I’ve purposely put him in the series as a tribute to a dear friend.Other characters are loosely based on other horse people I have known through the years.
Location and life experience can sprinkle their influence in your writing. Tell us about where you grew up and a little about where you live now.
Ellen Feld: I’m a country girl through and through.While my horse books are works of fiction, all the horses are based on real horses we own and I use their quirks and behaviors to make each as realistic as possible.

Do you have any pets? What are they? Tell us about them.

Ellen Feld: Currently we have 9 horses (most of whom have appeared in my books), plus a Basset hound, Willow, and a dachshund named Champ.Both dogs have also appeared in my stories.I also have three birds, Razzie, Chico, and Kaylar and no, they’re not in my books!

 

 It's said that the editing process of publishing a novel with a publisher is can be grueling and often more difficult than actually writing the story. Do you think this is true for you? How did you feel about editing your masterpiece?
Ellen Feld: Yuck, I hate that part!Editing can be painful.It can be hard to have somebody else make changes to your beloved story.It also seems like such a slow process.I just want to write!

Anything else you want your readers to know?

I guess the simplest answer is that I’m a horse person who loves to write.

Because I write for the pre-teen/teen reader, it’s important to me to write realistic horse stories so kids know what life with a horse is really like.Too many horse books on the market today are written by people who have little or no hands-on horse experience and it shows in their stories.Kids then get an unrealistic view of what horses are and the responsibilities of horse ownership.That’s not to say that the stories can’t be fun – they absolutely have to be fun and interesting or teens won’t read them.

For more information on my books, you can visit the publisher’s website at: www.willowbendpublishing.com.Signed books can be purchased from that site.All books are also available on Amazon.com.

Thanks so much for inviting me to participate on your book blog tour.It’s been lots of fun!Ellen

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Note from Michy: Stayed tuned later this week, when I review one of Ellen Feld's books, and give more information about her writing.

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