Ellis Colton writes contemporary and paranormal m/m romance, usually while listening to inspiring film scores. She spared a few moments of her precious writing time to hang out and converse about her inspirations and challenges of publishing.
Q) Your latest novel, The Case of Thistledown House, feels like it was strongly inspired by monster of the week tv. Are you a fan and what properties inspired you?
I am absolutely a fan! I grew up watching bad Japanese monster movies as well as things like Creature Feature and gothic horror movies from Roger Corman and Vincent Price. In more recent material, I've been a staunch Buffy the Vampire Slayer fan since Day 1. From there, I embraced the TV show Supernatural. SPN drew me into full-scale fandom - engaging with other fans in chat groups, attending conventions, and writing fanfic. I started writing fanfic in 2012 and wrote until I finally began self-publishing in the fall of 2023.
Q) You have written in the contemporary and paranormal genres, are there any other types of books you would like to try your hand at?
Yes, I'd love to do some historical romance. I'm particularly fascinated with the Russian Revolution and all of the passion and tragedy it holds. I also love lighter fare like Bridgerton!
Q) What have been the most challenging parts about self-publishing?
One was figuring out the actual process! Of course there is a ton of reference material online, but even that is overwhelming to a fledgling author. I was very fortunate in that I became friends with Gail Z. Martin AKA Morgan Brice. We bonded as SPN friends/fans, and when I finally got serious about taking the plunge, she was enormously helpful. You just have to go step by step and not worry about the next one until you'd completed the current one, whether it's getting an editor or formatting your manuscript or doing marketing. For instance, I spent the year before I finally published Prescription for Love simply observing and participating in how the network of queer romance authors worked on Facebook with having release parties and such.
The other big challenge for me was simply feeling good about my work and confident enough to put myself out there. Even having a solid fanfic fan base isn't the same as really publishing for the world at large. You're throwing yourself into the void without a net. There was a lot of self-doubt swirling around, but I also had a lot of encouragement from family and friends. At some point, you have to go ahead and hit that upload button!
Q) Do you have any routines that help you keep writing?
Vaguely LOL. When I start a new story, it can be very slow at first as I get the gears going. At that point, I push to get some words down every day. As I move further into it, it clicks into gear and then I am cruising along. I'll write during the afternoon mostly, and at night I find myself plotting the next scenes or working out a plot issue as I lie in bed either before I fall asleep or when I wake up in the night. Progress is pretty steady at that point.
I have a few alpha and beta readers that I send material to as I go. A couple of them get it chapter by chapter, while another couple get a few chapters at a time. Their feedback helps me stay on track and also nips any potential problems or plot holes a they develop. And frankly, I need the encouragement!
Q) Who were your favorite authors or books growing up?
I grew up on The Chronicles of Narnia, The Hobbit, and Tales from King Arthur's Court being read to me. In fourth grade, I discovered science fiction (Heinlein, Asimov, and that era) and that became a staple. I also fell in love with Ray Bradbury for both his amazing use of language and incredible sense of fantastical reality. Television-wise, I was a huge Twilight Zone and Outer Limits fan, and movie-wise I love Alfred Hitchcock and the Lord of the Rings movies..
Q) what is your next project you are working on?
I am currently working on the second book of my as-yet-unnamed paranormal series, the first being The Case of Thistledown House which came out September of 2024. It should be out this spring!
Q) If people want more information about your or your projects, where should they go?
The best places are my Facebook reader group Ellis Colton's Castle and by signing up to my newsletter. Those two get the scoop first! The links for both those and all of my social media are at
Final four questions –we ask everybody.
Q) When the zombies take over the world where will you be?
I'll probably not notice because I'll be watching SPN or writing or sleeping LOL. I'll find out about it when someone calls me to go help a kid and I'll get eaten.
Q ) What is your favorite Fandom
Supernatural! And Buffy.
Q) What piece of art, be it in the form of music, a book, a film or picture, do you think people must experience before they die?
Read the actual Narnia book series. Don't watch the various shows and movies made from it - they do not do it justice. And while I came to learn about the Christian element of those works, I feel it stands in a realm beyond that. I grew up in an agnostic household so I was unaware of the religious aspect of the first book and only learned about it as an adult. For me, they were the gateway to pure and lovely fantasy and adventure. Most people only read The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe, but the entire seven books are an amazing journey to take.
Q) Give one fact that most people would not believe about you?
That I am a second degree black belt in karate! I began classes under duress from my husband, which we joke all the time about now. Well, those first classes led me to study karate over over seven years, including becoming a certified instructor and teaching classes. You'll see that influence in my second book, The Silver Dragon.
Paper Phoenix ink 