Welcome to your exclusive, unrestricted look into the creative world of debut romance author Ellis Darnell! While the public preview gives readers a taste of her charming coastal setting, we saved the full, raw, and delightfully honest 30-question chat for our First Editions members.
Grab a Diet Pepsi and some Taco Bell (Ellis’s ultimate writing fuel), and dive into this deep conversation about battling imposter syndrome, drafting an entire novel on an iPhone, and what the future holds for the cozy town of Driftbay.
1. The Debut Milestone
Q: Congratulations on your debut release! What has been the most exciting part of preparing for the launch of What The Heart Wants?
Ellis Darnell: "Thank you so much! Honestly, the most exciting and special part before launch was getting my first proof copy. Getting to physically hold the story in my hands was such a monumental moment, a culmination of so much hard work. I cried when I unboxed the first copy!"
2. Describe the Vibe
Q: For readers discovering your work for the first time, how would you describe What The Heart Wants in three words?
Ellis Darnell: "Cozy, sweet, and heartfelt."
3. A Long-Awaited Spark
Q: What inspired you to write a story centered around love, grief, family, and fresh starts?
Ellis Darnell: "I got the basic idea when I was seventeen, of a young girl reeling from the loss of her mom and going to live with her aunt. I wrote a (very rough) story around that time. Then life happened and so many years went by and I stopped writing for a long time. I got inspired again about two years ago for the diner aspect, and just stuck a note in my phone about it.
Then last fall, the story hit me like a ton of bricks and I knew I had to tell it. I had always wanted to tell stories from different perspectives but didn’t know how to structure it when I was younger. It wasn’t until I started reading Freida McFadden books that I realized I could write different perspectives and how I could structure it. I knew I wanted to write from Thea’s perspective, and adding her aunt’s in changed so much with what I could do for the draft."
4. Dreaming of Driftbay
Q: Driftbay sounds like a charming coastal town. What drew you to that setting, and is there anything readers should know about it before diving in?
Ellis Darnell: "The beach always relaxes me. I actually vacationed at the beach while I was working on the book and getting to spend a few days beachside while delving into these characters really helped me create the setting. I’m also from a small town in the Midwest, so combining both aspects created a perfect slice of heaven for me. I wanted somewhere peaceful where Thea could heal and discover that sometimes the smallest places take up the biggest room in our hearts."
5. The Ultimate Comfort Food
Q: Baking plays a role in the story. If you could choose one baked good that perfectly represents What The Heart Wants, what would it be and why?
Ellis Darnell: "While there’s many recipes mentioned in the book, I think Thea’s lemon-blueberry scones would represent the book the best. They’re sweet and a little tart, just like Thea’s and Beth’s journeys with grief and love."
6. The Swiftie Soundtrack
Q: Your author bio mentions that you're a huge Taylor Swift fan. If What The Heart Wants had an unofficial Taylor Swift soundtrack, what songs would make the playlist?
Ellis Darnell: "OH MAN - this is a tough one! Guilty as Sin? is included in the book playlist, but if I had to make just a Taylor playlist, it would be…
7. A Note for Readers
Q: If readers could only know one thing before picking up your book, what would you want them to know?
Ellis Darnell: "Just like grief, love isn’t linear but it’s never too late for true love."
8. The Ultimate Comfort Read
Q: The Comfort Read: What is the one book you can re-read over and over again and never get tired of?
Ellis Darnell: "Dr. Franklin’s Island by Ann Halam - I discovered it in junior high and it’s still one of my favorite books to this day!"
9. Resting on the Nightstand
Q: The To-Be-Read Pile: What books are currently sitting on your nightstand waiting to be read next?
Ellis Darnell:
A Kingdom of Salt and Stone – Liv Webster
Comeback Season – Sarah Adkins
Beneath The Broken Sky – Emily Scotto
Everything’s Coming Up Rosie – Courtney Walsh
10. The Gateway Book
Q: The Gateway Book: What was the first book you remember reading that made you absolutely fall in love with reading?
Ellis Darnell: "Oh, gosh, there’s so many! But definitely the American Girls series - I remember devouring all of the girls’ stories. I had the Felicity doll, and was also a huge fan of Molly, Addy, and Samantha!"
11. Early Creative Sparks
Q: You've been creating stories since you were young. Do you remember the very first story you wrote that made you think, "I want to be an author"?
Ellis Darnell: "I wrote a Harry Potter-inspired story about mind readers when I was eleven. Fantasy is so much harder to write with all of the world-building. I’d like to dive into that genre one day."
12. Advice to My Younger Self
Q: Looking back, what advice would present-day Ellis give to eleven-year-old Ellis who was busy building fictional worlds?
Ellis Darnell: "Keep going, even on the hard days. Just like shows, it will always come together in the end."
13. The Self-Publishing Eye-Opener
Q: What surprised you most about the publishing process that readers might not realize?
Ellis Darnell: "Being a self-published author, I am responsible for every aspect. I’m surprised at how much time I spend on marketing - that is currently my main priority as I approach launch. I am surrounded by incredible people in my personal life that have helped me along the journey - I could NOT have done it without their help."
14. Facing the Inner Critic
Q: What was the biggest challenge you faced while writing What The Heart Wants?
Ellis Darnell: "Imposter syndrome. I still struggle with it, to be honest. I have days where I think I’m not good enough and that no one will want to read my story. But I love my characters and story and I think others will, too."
15. The Mobile Writing Studio
Q: The Writing Setup: Are you a desk-and-computer writer, a couch-and-laptop writer, or a hand-written notebook writer? What does your ideal writing space look like?
Ellis Darnell: "My laptop at the kitchen table. Fun fact, I didn’t have a working laptop for the majority of the time I wrote this book! My mom got me a new one for Christmas, which is amazing! I wrote about 85% on Google Docs on my iPhone!"
16. Literary Fuel
Q: The Fuel: What is your ultimate writing snack or beverage? Are you powered by coffee, tea, or something completely different?
Ellis Darnell: "Diet Pepsi, through and through. Also, Taco Bell - specifically, Doritos Locos Tacos."
17. Midnight Inspiration
Q: The Routine: Are you a morning bird who writes before the world wakes up, or a night owl who gets creative after dark?
Ellis Darnell: "A night owl! I cannot count how many good ideas that have come to me when I’m falling asleep or wake me up in the middle of the night. Thank God for my phone and the notes app!"
18. Transforming the Process
Q: Plotter vs. Pantser: When starting a new project, do you outline absolutely everything beforehand, or do some surprises reveal themselves while you're writing?
Ellis Darnell: "I used to be a pantser, but this was the first project I worked off of an outline. For my next project, I have an 11-page outline already!"
19. The Background Brain
Q: The Hardest Part: What comes easiest to you when writing—creating the world, drafting dialogue, or developing plot twists? Which part is the most challenging?
Ellis Darnell: "I’ve always said that my brain is like an old 90’s computer - always running something in the background. I can be at work, in a rehearsal, or even trying to fall asleep and the best ideas will hit me!"
20. Surprising Characters
Q: Without giving away spoilers, which character in What The Heart Wants surprised you the most while writing?
Ellis Darnell: "Judith."
21. A Day in Driftbay
Q: The Cast: If you could spend one day hanging out with any character from your books, who would it be and what would you do together?
Ellis Darnell: "Probably a tie between Thea and Beth. I’d love to spend a day in Driftbay eating their baked goods, reading a good book, visiting the diner, and relaxing at the beach."
22. Feline Feedback
Q: Your bio mentions two cats. If your cats could review your books, what do you think they'd say?
Ellis Darnell: "More fish."
23. From the Stage to the Page
Q: You also work in theatre. Has anything you've learned from stage management influenced the way you tell stories on the page?
Ellis Darnell: "Being in theatre has introduced me to a variety of personalities. I am always observing and constantly inspired by the most random, mundane things. I always tell actors that they are always auditioning for their next role and sometimes, my next book!"
24. Ready for the Screen
Q: If What The Heart Wants became a movie or TV series, what scene would you be most excited to see brought to life?
Ellis Darnell: "Either the scones scene between Thea and Graham or Charlie and Beth’s date night!"
25. The Island Provisions
Q: You're stranded on a beach with only three books, one album, and one fictional character. What are you bringing?
Ellis Darnell: "Books - Dr. Franklin’s Island by Ann Halam, The Teacher by Freida McFadden, and Hidden Pictures by Jason Rekulak.
One album - Gone Now by Bleachers.
One fictional character - Louise Belcher from Bob’s Burgers."
26. Vacation Destinations
Q: What fictional world would you most like to visit for a week?
Ellis Darnell: "Velaris!"
27. The Literary Confection
Q: If your writing style were a dessert, what dessert would it be and why?
(Ellis left us with a sweet cliffhanger on this one—but based on her book, we’re betting it tastes like a warm lemon-blueberry scone with a side of heartfelt comfort!)
28. Return to the Coast
Q: Can readers expect more stories set in the world of Driftbay?
Ellis Darnell: "Oh, yes. I’m excited to expand the collection."
29. Sneak Peeks & Signings
Q: Are there any upcoming projects or future releases that you're especially excited to share with readers?
Ellis Darnell: "While I can’t say too much, I am planning book two for these characters, focusing on early-reader fan favorites, Beth and Judith. I also will be having some signings this summer and fall! You can check the schedule on my Instagram, @authorellisdarnell."
30. The Lasting Impression
Q: Finally, what do you hope readers take away from What The Heart Wants after turning the final page?
Ellis Darnell: "Grief and love are messy, but what’s meant to be will always work out in the end."
Support the Author & Secure Your Copy!
What The Heart Wants is available for pre-order right now! Support Ellis's incredible self-published debut journey by ordering through these fantastic book boutiques:
Signed & Special Pre-orders: The Enchanted Heart Booktique
Sweet & Spicy Romance Picks: Coastal Cowboy Romance Bookstore
Local Indie Support: Wallflower Book Co.
Connect with Ellis Darnell online:
Official Website: Author Ellis Darnell
Instagram/Threads: @authorellisdarnell
Goodreads: Ellis Darnell Page
📱 Instagram & TikTok Caption
Caption:
Pack your bags, we’re heading to Driftbay!
🌊 Custom-designed for our favorite comfort romance lovers, we’re sitting down with debut novelist Ellis Darnell to chat all things healing, small-town charm, and the ultimate Taylor Swift bookish playlist. 🎧✨
From crying over her very first physical proof copy to drafting 85% of her entire manuscript directly on an iPhone notes app, Ellis’s journey is just as inspiring as her sweet, heartfelt storytelling.
Here’s a little taste of our interview:
📖 In three words, what is What The Heart Wants?
"Cozy, sweet, and heartfelt."
🧁 If your book were a baked good, what would it be?
"Thea’s lemon-blueberry scones... They’re sweet and a little tart, just like the journeys with grief and love."
💡 What's one thing readers should know before picking it up?
"Just like grief, love isn’t linear but it’s never too late for true love."
Ready for the full 30-question deep dive? 💎
Ellis gets completely candid about overcoming imposter syndrome, the theater management background that inspires her characters, and a sneak peek into Book 2! Tap the link in our bio to visit our Bindery page and read the full exclusive interview.
Link in Bio to Read More!
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