First Interview: Ellen Ekstrom, author of The Legacy
As for Francesco, I really can't say who he's based upon! I think he's a composite of all the men in my life, past and present, but I hear a lot of, "I luuuuv Francesco!" from men and women alike. I wanted Francesco to be a flawed individual; someone the reader could root for, and share his agony and triumphs. I think I succeeded. I think it interesting, however, that at Allreader.com, my novel is compared to Hamlet and at Barnes & Noble.com there's an entry that says "People who bought this book also bought" The Dolorous Passion of our Lord Jesus Christ by Emmerich. Francesco is indeed a tortured soul, but I wouldn't compare him to Jesus of Nazareth! Let's just say, Francesco Romena is the man I've always dreamed of -- I couldn't have him, so I made him up!
I understand why you decided on Florence. The colours of the Tuscan hills had me searching out an Art supply shop on my second day there in '93. It's one of those places that just opens the door to creativity - on all levels.
And- yes - that's the fun part of being a writer - making our imagined people tangible to the reader! Can't wait to meet Francesco!
You not only work as a writer, but also as a legal secretary AND a deacon of a church. If this isn't enough, you're a mother too. How do you manage to juggle all the balls life has given you?
Hmm... how do I manage? I get asked that a lot. I'm really no different than a lot of working mothers. I've learned how to manage my time.
Well, I didn't choose to be ordained clergy, i.e., deacon, in the Episcopal Church (Anglican Communion) - it's something you're born with, a charisma, if you will. I dodged it for a while, but the call turned into a scream. Ever since I was a child I always felt at home in a church, I felt that it was the only place I belonged. Being clergy has been the latest incarnation of that who is Ellen. I've been writing ever since I could hold a crayon. I always wanted children. I guess I should answer the question, shouldn't I?
I learned how to write first thing in the morning, before everyone is up, and after everyone goes to bed. When the children were little, I wrote while they played
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