Loretta Ellsworth

Loretta Ellsworth and friends

I was born in Mason City, Iowa, and grew up in a large family of seven children, two parents, and one bathroom.

When I was young I kept a diary (see below) but I never considered becoming a writer until I had four children of my own.

My first book took me two years to write. I juggled writing with my work as a middle-school Spanish teacher, my kids’ soccer games, and lots of family get-togethers.

other facts about me

  • When I was little, I loved cats.

  • I can’t swim (all those years of lessons wasted).

  • I’ve been in a writer’s group for many years.
  • I’ve never eaten sushi.
  • Favorite book? To Kill a Mockingbird, by Harper Lee

  • Favorite old movie? Harvey, with Jimmy Stewart. Favorite line from that movie: “In this world, you must be oh so smart or oh so pleasant. Well, for years I was smart. I recommend pleasant.”

  • My childhood diary was filled with boring details. An example: “Had Girls Scouts today and watched Bonanza.” (I watched a lot of Bonanza). But writing in my diary did get me into the habit of writing every day. (A discipline that comes in handy to most writers).

Loretta Ellsworth

Loretta Ellsworth and Elizabeth Dulemba in front of the Young House in Montgomery, Alabama, at a get-together preceding the Alabama Book Festival.