Her Story
About Ellen
Ellen Ekstrom is an accomplished author, publisher, and small business owner operating under the independent imprint Whyte Rose & Violet, Scribes. She has been an ordained deacon in the Episcopal Church since 2002 and a published writer since 2004, bringing together her lifelong commitment to ministry, storytelling, and service. Before dedicating herself to writing and publishing, Ekstrom spent 42 years working as a legal secretary and paralegal within the San Francisco legal community. Following her retirement, she chose to focus exclusively on her writing, while also returning to pastoral care and spending more time with her family.
Ekstrom holds a Bachelor of Theological Studies (BTS) in Christian Mythos and Theology, earned from the Episcopal School for Deacons in 2002, as well as a degree in library science. Her educational background and professional experience have contributed to her distinctive approach to literature, particularly her interest in history, theology, mythology, human relationships, and the complexities of the human experience. She writes historical, fantasy, and literary fiction and has published 10 books, with an 11th forthcoming. Her literary projects include The Ascalon Saga, a five-book series inspired by her reimagining of the St. George and the Dragon legend and set in early 13th-century northern England, and The Midwinter Sonata, a literary trilogy incorporating elements of fantasy and following the lives of two Berkeley teenagers from 1968 through the present. Her books, including The Legacy and Scarborough-Quinn’s Story, have been featured in book-club discussions, literary spotlights, author Q&A sessions, interviews, and other reader engagements, and her works are also available through her hometown library.
Ekstrom's contributions to both ministry and literature have earned notable recognition, including her induction into Who's Who in America for the 2024–2025 edition. Through her independent publishing work, she remains closely involved in the creative and editorial process, maintaining a strong commitment to authenticity, careful craftsmanship, and her individual literary voice. She attributes her success to hard work, persistence, and the determination to continue moving forward despite challenges or criticism. Her advice to aspiring writers is equally grounded and practical: write every day, even if it is only a paragraph; write what you know; and write what you want to read. Through her ministry, writing, and publishing, Ekstrom continues to demonstrate that meaningful creative work can evolve at any stage of life and that perseverance can transform long-held aspirations into a lasting body of work.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Ellen
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to hard work, perseverance, and the determination to keep moving forward even when faced with challenges or setbacks. I have learned not to give up on my goals and to remain focused on what I want to achieve, regardless of criticism or negativity from others, whether within my family or outside of it. I stay motivated by maintaining a positive mindset, working consistently, and, of course, enjoying a little caffeine and chocolate along the way.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering my industry is to trust their own voice and not feel pressured to follow every piece of advice they receive. Make writing a consistent practice by setting aside time each day, even if you only write a single paragraph. If that is all you have in you that day, that is enough. Write when you feel inspired or compelled to express something, and focus on writing about what you know, what matters to you, and what you would genuinely want to read. Most importantly, give yourself permission to develop your own style, perspective, and creative process.
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