Why do you write the genre that you write?
I love the structure of mysteries. Every time I sketch out a new plot and try to piece together the suspects, their motives, nefarious behavior, and secrets and lies, I always wonder how it’s going to come together. Then suddenly by magic, it does. I hope that readers have that same ah-ha experience when they’re immersed in a book.

What’s the quirkiest quirk one of your characters has?
One of my characters has a shrine to herself in her office—an entire wall of portraits and selfies in a variety of costumes and outfits. I’ve received so many messages from readers who love to hate her outlandish self-absorption, but the best part is that she’s inspired by a real person.

How did you come up with your pseudonym?
My pseudonym is a combination of my mom’s and my son’s middle names. It’s nice to have a personal connection to my pen name.

Tell us how you got into writing?
I started writing mysteries in elementary school. I minored in creative writing in college, but I didn’t know what I wanted to write. I spent a good decade writing terrible first drafts of stories that will never see the light of the day. I think it’s important to embrace the stories that don’t go anywhere while we’re finding our voice. What eventually led me to writing my first full book was losing my mom to young onset Alzheimer’s. I wrote a memoir about the experience and that cracked me open to writing fiction.

What jobs have you held before, during and/or after you became a writer?
I worked as a speech therapist in early intervention before I started writing. I also ran communication and public policy for the Oregon Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association and did freelance PR and newspaper writing.

Where do you write?
In my office—alone! I wish I could write in a coffee shop or park, but I have to have my own private space and zero distractions.

What is your favorite deadline snack?
Does coffee count?

Who is an author you admire?
Judy Blume. I grew up loving her books and I admire her long-running career, connection with her readers, and that she owns a bookstore now.

What’s your favorite genre to read?
Everything! I love historical fiction, sci-fi, romcoms, mysteries, book club fiction. Pretty much anything I can get my hands on, I’ll read.

What are you reading now?
Finlay Donovan is Killing It by Elle Cosimano.

What is your favorite beverage to end the day?
A sparkling water with ice and a slice of fresh lime.

What is next for you?
I’m just finishing edits for the 19th book in the Bakeshop Mysteries and then I’m working on a new series debuting in 2024, the first book is titled The Body in the Bookshop.

Where can we find you?
At elliealexander.co

Now to have some fun . . .

Chocolate or vanilla
Chocolate

Cake or ice cream
Cake

Fruits or vegetables
Fruit

Breakfast, lunch, or dinner
Lunch

Dining in or dining out
Both

City life or country living
Country living

Beach or mountain
Mountain

Summer or winter
Winter

Short story or full-length novel
Full-length novel

Extrovert or introvert
Both

Early bird or night owl
Early bird

And even more fun . . .

What’s your favorite movie?
About Time

You are stranded on a deserted island. What are your three must-haves?
A writing journal, coffee, and the complete collection of Jane Austen’s works.

My bio:
Ellie Alexander is a Pacific Northwest native who spends ample time testing pastry recipes in her home kitchen or at one of the many famed coffeehouses nearby. When she’s not coated in flour, you’ll find her outside exploring hiking trails and trying to burn off calories consumed in the name of research. She is the author of the Bakeshop Mysteries, including Meet Your Baker and A Batter of Life and Death, as well as the Sloan Krause mysteries.