Offering step-by-step frameworks and personal guidance for fiction writers
Hello!
I'M ELLEN.
I dreamed of being a novelist from the time I was six years old.
In 2007 and 2011, my first and second novels were published by Random House. My third novel, THE HIDDEN LIFE OF CECILY LARSON, was published by Mariner Books in 2024 and was an Indie Next pick and a People Best New Book. My fourth novel, THE COVE, is scheduled for release in 2026!
I know how to overcome the challenges and setbacks that are built in with the writing journey. And I've done the years of work to learn how to write a novel that readers will love.
Do you dream of writing and publishing a novel, too? My mission is to help you make that dream come true.
Learn more
"The exact guidance I needed."
Heather R., Maine
"Ellen really helped me understand the basics and how to find my voice."
Clint G., Texas
Do you dream of writing a novel?
But then there's that little voice in your head:
"There's no time."
"I wouldn't know where to start."
"It's impractical."
"Why bother? The odds of success are so small!"
And yet... it is your DREAM.
My START YOUR NOVEL WITH CONFIDENCE online program will change the story you're telling yourself about what's possible and get you started actually writing your novel!
Inside the program, I give you the exact tools and structures I've developed and used over the last 25+ years to write the novels I've had published by Mariner (HarperCollins) and Random House -- not only the practical tools I use to outline, plan and start my novels, but also the mindset tools you need to keep going.
You'll develop the perseverance and no-matter-what attitude it takes to succeed -- and start making your dream of writing a novel come true!!
Let's connect!
Aspiring novelists!
If you want to turn your dream of writing a novel into reality, grab my self-study online program START YOUR NOVEL WITH CONFIDENCE.
Writers with a manuscript!
If you've got a draft of a novel (or memoir) completed, I will work with you 1:1 to get it submission-ready. (Currently scheduling about three months out, so get on my calendar now.)
Readers!
My new novel THE HIDDEN LIFE OF CECILY LARSON is now available in paperback! I would love to visit with your book club -- just click to learn more about the novel (then scroll to the bottom of the page to email me).
Here's how to work with me!
1. If you want to start writing the novel you've always dreamed of writing
Enroll in my online program START YOUR NOVEL WITH CONFIDENCE!
By the time you finish this self-study course, designed to be completed in just 3 weeks, you will have:
- written the first chapter of your novel
- completed a general outline of the entire novel
- made a bite-sized, doable plan for how you'll finish your novel by the date of your choosing
- come to believe you can write a novel and that it's an important dream for you to make come true
Learn more
2. If you've written a draft of a novel and want to take it to the next level
I will edit your novel and mentor you through the process of turning it into one the agents, editors, and readers will love. Previous clients have succeeded in getting agents, editors, and book deals with major publishers.
Learn more
"It is a rare experience to find someone with Ellen's intuition, brilliance and kindness."
Terence S., Virginia
"I found Ellen to be extremely perceptive, intuitive and right on point... I am already planning my next opportunity to work with her."
Kristin C., Maine
