Press & Events
“Never predictable, always insightful, and often breathtakingly acute.”
—Rose Solari, author of A Secret Woman
Featured Press
Vanishing Point
- Conversation with Ellen: Cleaver Magazine.
- Spotlight on Regional Author: Johnstown Tribune Democrat
- Hetzel family portrayed in Campbell’s new novel: Bedford Gazette
- Ellen’s work features love of region: Bedford Gazette
- Ellen draws on Roots: Altoona Mirror: https://www.altoonamirror.com/news/local-news/2026/07/dc-author-draws-on-bedford-roots-in-writing-novels/
- Reimagining Hetzel https://www.washingtonindependentreviewofbooks.com/bookreview/vanishing-point
Join Ellen!
Featured Events
Saturday, March 21, 2026 / 2pm
Ellen returns to the Bedford Springs for Haunted History.
She’ll discuss her award-winning novel The Bowl with Gold Seams.
Omni Bedford Springs, Bedford PA.
Saturday, May 2, 2026
Ellen moderates “Beyond the Big Houses: Self-Publishing and Independent Press Publishing.”
Washington Writers Conference, Bethesda MD.
Tuesday, May 19, 2026 / 7pm
Ellen and author Deborah Kalb chat about their new books.
Wonderland Books, Bethesda, MD.
Learn More
Saturday, May 23, 2026 / 5pm
Vanishing Point Launch
Ellen launches her new historical novel at Rebellion Books!
Rebellion Books, Bedford PA
Learn More
May 27, 2026
★ Publication Day for Vanishing Point!
Thursday, May 28, 7 pm
Late Night Lit: Conversation with Ellen, Live Music
The Treehouse Lounge, Rehobeth, Delaware
Learn More
Saturday June 6, Hetzel Studio Launch for Vanishing Point, Somerset PA
Over capacity private event in the home where it happened! Sorry you missed it but read all about it in Ellen’s blog post “Party Like it’s 1905” https://www.washingtonindependentreviewofbooks.com/features/party-like-its-1905
Saturday, June 13, 2026, 5pm
Ellen chats Vanishing Point with Dorothy Reno.
Politics and Prose Bookstore
5015 Connecticut Avenue, Washington DC.
Sorry you missed it! Listen to the Recorded Live: Event:https://open.spotify.com/episode/1AEcrPEbSCjUK8M5mAxykd?si=jEghOcqzS5-k8oiuDve_mw
Tuesday June 30, 2026, 6:30 pm, Chevy Chase Maryland Library, 8005 Connecticut Avenue MD
Ellen and author Deborah Kalb (aka The Dynamic Duo) come to the Chevy Chase, MD Library. Join them for a FOL event: a conversation about their new novels, and writing character driven fiction full of mysteries, love interests, and work issues for creative women.
Saturday, August 15, 2026
Ellen returns to the Omni Bedford Springs Vintage Days. Join her in conversation about her historical fiction, including her new novel set in the region Vanishing Point and The Bowl With Gold Seams set at The Springs, 3pm in Reagan Room. Also antique bicycles & cars!
Wednesday, September 9, 2026, 7 pm, Ebensburg PA
The Cambria County Historical Society invites all to Ellen’s presentation and Q&A about uncovering the mysteries behind her family epic VANISHING POINT inspired by the local Hetzel family, and their Scalp Level Art Colony.
The Borough Building, 300 High Street, Ebensburg PA.
Thursday, September 10, 2026, 5:30 pm, Johnstown PA
Book Talk and Signing with Ellen at Classic Elements Bookshop
Come enjoy stories about local artists George and Lila Hetzel, inspiration for Ellen’s epic family novel VANISHING POINT!
Classic Elements Bookshop, 345 Mainstreet St, Suite 5, Johnstown PA
Learn More
Saturday, October 3, 2pm, 2026, Chesterfield MA
Ellen returns to beautiful Western Massachusetts, hosted by the Chesterfield Friends of the Library. She’ll chat about her new family epic Vanishing Point inspired by the turbulent life of Scalp Level School artists George and Lila Hetzel, and the process of researching, writing, and imagining.
Chesterfield Community Center, 400 Main Road, Chesterfield, MA.
Thursday, October 29, 6pm, 2026, Mary S. Biesecker Public Library, 230 Rosina Avenue Somerset Pennsylvania
Ellen kicks off the Fall Speaker Series at the Library with a discussion of the detective work and adventures of researching and writing (some right in Mary’s Library) VANISHING POINT, inspired by the Hetzel family of Pittsburgh and Somerset. Books will be available for signing.
Saturday, October 31, 2026, noon – 3pm, Heritage Johnstown Discovery Center, Johnstown, PA
Pop-up book chat and signing with Ellen in the Heritage Discovery Center gift shop (free entry to the shop). George Hetzel delivered a painting to the South Forks Club House not long before the Flood. It’s Halloween! Will he be watching from his paintings in the gallery?
Heritage Discovery Center, 699 Broad Street, Johnstown PA (https://www.heritagejohnstown.org/)
Monday, November 16, 2026, 5:30 pm, Writers Salon, Free Library of New Hope PA
Ellen returns for the Friends of the Library Writers Salon Benefit. Enjoy curated conversation about writing, imagining, the work and joy of attempting to realize dreams. Q&A and signing.
The Library, 93 W. Ferry Street, New Hope PA
Thursday, November 19, 7pm, 2026, Sleeping Giant Reading Series, Hamden CT
Join Ellen and host Alice Mattison in conversation about reading (re-reading) and writing (revising) and friendship. Stay for Happy Hour!
Sleeping Giant Reading Series, Best Video, 1842 Whitney Street, Hamden CT.
Sunday, December 13, 2-3-m, Rockville Memorial Library
Join Ellen and author Deborah Kalb, both Montgomery County library nerds growing up. Now the scribbling friends have new books out (Ellen’s family epic Vanishing Point and Deborah’s mystery Everything She Most Admired). Enjoy their conversation about the writing and publishing journey. Q&A Book Signing, too!
Selected Archive of Events:
Tuesday, March 7, 2023
University of Pittsburgh, Hillman Library.
The Pittsburgh Novel Book Launch.
Ellen joins panelists Jake Oresick, Stewart O’Nan, and Mark Clayton Southers.
Saturday, May 21, 2022
Gaithersburg Book Festival, Gaithersburg, MD.
Ellen presents Frieda’s Song.
Saturday, March 19, 2022
Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art, Bedford PA.
Bedford Creative Writing Workshop: “Step into the Picture: Words Inspired by Art”
Tuesday, January 18, 2022
Cleveland Park Library, Washington DC.
Virtual Tuesday Talk: “Listening to Ghosts, Conjuring Characters: Drawing from Life and Creating Fiction.”
Watch it here.
Saturday, October 30, 2021
F. Scott Fitzgerald Literary Festival, Rockville MD.
Virtual event: Ellen teaches a workshop on “Time Travel on the Page: Fiction Fueled by History and Imagination.”
May 25, 2021
Peerless Rockville Virtual Event, Rockville MD.
Launch Event for Frieda’s Song: “Unreal Estate: A Novelist Moves into Frieda Fromm-Reichmann’s Cottage.”
March 7, 2021
Ellen in conversation with writer/book blogger Deborah Kalb.
Watch it here.
Aug. 5, 2020
Allegheny Regional Festival of Books.
Ellen presents the free webinar “Talking Walls and Echoing Hills: The Role of Setting and Memory in Regional Fiction.”
July 30, 2020
National Women’s Book Association, Washington Chapter.
“Conquering FOMO: 3 Fiction Writers Reimagine Community During Global Pandemic.”
July 22, 2020
White Whale Bookstore, Pittsburgh PA.
Zoom Book Launch & Reading.
Ellen launches Known By Heart: Collected Stories, joined by Marc Nieson, Sherrie Flick, and Josh Barkan.
Join Ellen!
Featured Events
Saturday, March 21, 2026 / 2pm
Ellen returns to the Bedford Springs for Haunted History.
She’ll discuss her award-winning novel The Bowl with Gold Seams.
Omni Bedford Springs, Bedford PA.
Saturday, May 2, 2026
Ellen moderates “Beyond the Big Houses: Self-Publishing and Independent Press Publishing.”
Washington Writers Conference, Bethesda MD.
Tuesday, May 19, 2026 / 7pm
Ellen and author Deborah Kalb chat about their new books.
Wonderland Books, Bethesda, MD.
Learn More
Saturday, May 23, 2026 / 5pm
Vanishing Point Launch
Ellen launches her new historical novel at Rebellion Books!
Rebellion Books, Bedford PA
Learn More
May 27, 2026
★ Publication Day for Vanishing Point!
Thursday, May 28, 7 pm
Late Night Lit: Conversation with Ellen, Live Music
The Treehouse Lounge, Rehobeth, Delaware
Learn More
Saturday June 6, Hetzel Studio Launch for Vanishing Point, Somerset PA
Over capacity private event in the home where it happened! Sorry you missed it but read all about it in Ellen’s blog post “Party Like it’s 1905” https://www.washingtonindependentreviewofbooks.com/features/party-like-its-1905
Saturday, June 13, 2026, 5pm
Ellen chats Vanishing Point with Dorothy Reno.
Politics and Prose Bookstore
5015 Connecticut Avenue, Washington DC.
Sorry you missed it! Listen to the Recorded Live: Event:https://open.spotify.com/episode/1AEcrPEbSCjUK8M5mAxykd?si=jEghOcqzS5-k8oiuDve_mw
Tuesday June 30, 2026, 6:30 pm, Chevy Chase Maryland Library, 8005 Connecticut Avenue MD
Ellen and author Deborah Kalb (aka The Dynamic Duo) come to the Chevy Chase, MD Library. Join them for a FOL event: a conversation about their new novels, and writing character driven fiction full of mysteries, love interests, and work issues for creative women.
Saturday, August 15, 2026
Ellen returns to the Omni Bedford Springs Vintage Days. Join her in conversation about her historical fiction, including her new novel set in the region Vanishing Point and The Bowl With Gold Seams set at The Springs, 3pm in Reagan Room. Also antique bicycles & cars!
Wednesday, September 9, 2026, 7 pm, Ebensburg PA
The Cambria County Historical Society invites all to Ellen’s presentation and Q&A about uncovering the mysteries behind her family epic VANISHING POINT inspired by the local Hetzel family, and their Scalp Level Art Colony.
The Borough Building, 300 High Street, Ebensburg PA.
Thursday, September 10, 2026, 5:30 pm, Johnstown PA
Book Talk and Signing with Ellen at Classic Elements Bookshop
Come enjoy stories about local artists George and Lila Hetzel, inspiration for Ellen’s epic family novel VANISHING POINT!
Classic Elements Bookshop, 345 Mainstreet St, Suite 5, Johnstown PA
Learn More
Saturday, October 3, 2pm, 2026, Chesterfield MA
Ellen returns to beautiful Western Massachusetts, hosted by the Chesterfield Friends of the Library. She’ll chat about her new family epic Vanishing Point inspired by the turbulent life of Scalp Level School artists George and Lila Hetzel, and the process of researching, writing, and imagining.
Chesterfield Community Center, 400 Main Road, Chesterfield, MA.
Thursday, October 29, 6pm, 2026, Mary S. Biesecker Public Library, 230 Rosina Avenue Somerset Pennsylvania
Ellen kicks off the Fall Speaker Series at the Library with a discussion of the detective work and adventures of researching and writing (some right in Mary’s Library) VANISHING POINT, inspired by the Hetzel family of Pittsburgh and Somerset. Books will be available for signing.
Saturday, October 31, 2026, noon – 3pm, Heritage Johnstown Discovery Center, Johnstown, PA
Pop-up book chat and signing with Ellen in the Heritage Discovery Center gift shop (free entry to the shop). George Hetzel delivered a painting to the South Forks Club House not long before the Flood. It’s Halloween! Will he be watching from his paintings in the gallery?
Heritage Discovery Center, 699 Broad Street, Johnstown PA (https://www.heritagejohnstown.org/)
Monday, November 16, 2026, 5:30 pm, Writers Salon, Free Library of New Hope PA
Ellen returns for the Friends of the Library Writers Salon Benefit. Enjoy curated conversation about writing, imagining, the work and joy of attempting to realize dreams. Q&A and signing.
The Library, 93 W. Ferry Street, New Hope PA
Thursday, November 19, 7pm, 2026, Sleeping Giant Reading Series, Hamden CT
Join Ellen and host Alice Mattison in conversation about reading (re-reading) and writing (revising) and friendship. Stay for Happy Hour!
Sleeping Giant Reading Series, Best Video, 1842 Whitney Street, Hamden CT.
Sunday, December 13, 2-3-m, Rockville Memorial Library
Join Ellen and author Deborah Kalb, both Montgomery County library nerds growing up. Now the scribbling friends have new books out (Ellen’s family epic Vanishing Point and Deborah’s mystery Everything She Most Admired). Enjoy their conversation about the writing and publishing journey. Q&A Book Signing, too!
Selected Archive of Events:
Tuesday, March 7, 2023
University of Pittsburgh, Hillman Library.
The Pittsburgh Novel Book Launch.
Ellen joins panelists Jake Oresick, Stewart O’Nan, and Mark Clayton Southers.
Saturday, May 21, 2022
Gaithersburg Book Festival, Gaithersburg, MD.
Ellen presents Frieda’s Song.
Saturday, March 19, 2022
Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art, Bedford PA.
Bedford Creative Writing Workshop: “Step into the Picture: Words Inspired by Art”
Tuesday, January 18, 2022
Cleveland Park Library, Washington DC.
Virtual Tuesday Talk: “Listening to Ghosts, Conjuring Characters: Drawing from Life and Creating Fiction.”
Watch it here.
Saturday, October 30, 2021
F. Scott Fitzgerald Literary Festival, Rockville MD.
Virtual event: Ellen teaches a workshop on “Time Travel on the Page: Fiction Fueled by History and Imagination.”
May 25, 2021
Peerless Rockville Virtual Event, Rockville MD.
Launch Event for Frieda’s Song: “Unreal Estate: A Novelist Moves into Frieda Fromm-Reichmann’s Cottage.”
March 7, 2021
Ellen in conversation with writer/book blogger Deborah Kalb.
Watch it here.
Aug. 5, 2020
Allegheny Regional Festival of Books.
Ellen presents the free webinar “Talking Walls and Echoing Hills: The Role of Setting and Memory in Regional Fiction.”
July 30, 2020
National Women’s Book Association, Washington Chapter.
“Conquering FOMO: 3 Fiction Writers Reimagine Community During Global Pandemic.”
July 22, 2020
White Whale Bookstore, Pittsburgh PA.
Zoom Book Launch & Reading.
Ellen launches Known By Heart: Collected Stories, joined by Marc Nieson, Sherrie Flick, and Josh Barkan.
Join Ellen!
Featured Events
Saturday, March 21, 2026 / 2pm
Ellen returns to the Bedford Springs for Haunted History.
She’ll discuss her award-winning novel The Bowl with Gold Seams.
Omni Bedford Springs, Bedford PA.
Saturday, May 2, 2026
Ellen moderates “Beyond the Big Houses: Self-Publishing and Independent Press Publishing.”
Washington Writers Conference, Bethesda MD.
Tuesday, May 19, 2026 / 7pm
Ellen and author Deborah Kalb chat about their new books.
Wonderland Books, Bethesda, MD.
Learn More
Saturday, May 23, 2026 / 5pm
Vanishing Point Launch
Ellen launches her new historical novel at Rebellion Books!
Rebellion Books, Bedford PA
Learn More
May 27, 2026
★ Publication Day for Vanishing Point!
Thursday, May 28, 7 pm
Late Night Lit: Conversation with Ellen, Live Music
The Treehouse Lounge, Rehobeth, Delaware
Learn More
Saturday June 6, Hetzel Studio Launch for Vanishing Point, Somerset PA
Over capacity private event in the home where it happened! Sorry you missed it but read all about it in Ellen’s blog post “Party Like it’s 1905” https://www.washingtonindependentreviewofbooks.com/features/party-like-its-1905
Saturday, June 13, 2026, 5pm
Ellen chats Vanishing Point with Dorothy Reno.
Politics and Prose Bookstore
5015 Connecticut Avenue, Washington DC.
Sorry you missed it! Listen to the Recorded Live: Event:https://open.spotify.com/episode/1AEcrPEbSCjUK8M5mAxykd?si=jEghOcqzS5-k8oiuDve_mw
Tuesday June 30, 2026, 6:30 pm, Chevy Chase Maryland Library, 8005 Connecticut Avenue MD
Ellen and author Deborah Kalb (aka The Dynamic Duo) come to the Chevy Chase, MD Library. Join them for a FOL event: a conversation about their new novels, and writing character driven fiction full of mysteries, love interests, and work issues for creative women.
Saturday, August 15, 2026
Ellen returns to the Omni Bedford Springs Vintage Days. Join her in conversation about her historical fiction, including her new novel set in the region Vanishing Point and The Bowl With Gold Seams set at The Springs, 3pm in Reagan Room. Also antique bicycles & cars!
Wednesday, September 9, 2026, 7 pm, Ebensburg PA
The Cambria County Historical Society invites all to Ellen’s presentation and Q&A about uncovering the mysteries behind her family epic VANISHING POINT inspired by the local Hetzel family, and their Scalp Level Art Colony.
The Borough Building, 300 High Street, Ebensburg PA.
Thursday, September 10, 2026, 5:30 pm, Johnstown PA
Book Talk and Signing with Ellen at Classic Elements Bookshop
Come enjoy stories about local artists George and Lila Hetzel, inspiration for Ellen’s epic family novel VANISHING POINT!
Classic Elements Bookshop, 345 Mainstreet St, Suite 5, Johnstown PA
Learn More
Saturday, October 3, 2pm, 2026, Chesterfield MA
Ellen returns to beautiful Western Massachusetts, hosted by the Chesterfield Friends of the Library. She’ll chat about her new family epic Vanishing Point inspired by the turbulent life of Scalp Level School artists George and Lila Hetzel, and the process of researching, writing, and imagining.
Chesterfield Community Center, 400 Main Road, Chesterfield, MA.
Thursday, October 29, 6pm, 2026, Mary S. Biesecker Public Library, 230 Rosina Avenue Somerset Pennsylvania
Ellen kicks off the Fall Speaker Series at the Library with a discussion of the detective work and adventures of researching and writing (some right in Mary’s Library) VANISHING POINT, inspired by the Hetzel family of Pittsburgh and Somerset. Books will be available for signing.
Saturday, October 31, 2026, noon – 3pm, Heritage Johnstown Discovery Center, Johnstown, PA
Pop-up book chat and signing with Ellen in the Heritage Discovery Center gift shop (free entry to the shop). George Hetzel delivered a painting to the South Forks Club House not long before the Flood. It’s Halloween! Will he be watching from his paintings in the gallery?
Heritage Discovery Center, 699 Broad Street, Johnstown PA (https://www.heritagejohnstown.org/)
Monday, November 16, 2026, 5:30 pm, Writers Salon, Free Library of New Hope PA
Ellen returns for the Friends of the Library Writers Salon Benefit. Enjoy curated conversation about writing, imagining, the work and joy of attempting to realize dreams. Q&A and signing.
The Library, 93 W. Ferry Street, New Hope PA
Thursday, November 19, 7pm, 2026, Sleeping Giant Reading Series, Hamden CT
Join Ellen and host Alice Mattison in conversation about reading (re-reading) and writing (revising) and friendship. Stay for Happy Hour!
Sleeping Giant Reading Series, Best Video, 1842 Whitney Street, Hamden CT.
Sunday, December 13, 2-3-m, Rockville Memorial Library
Join Ellen and author Deborah Kalb, both Montgomery County library nerds growing up. Now the scribbling friends have new books out (Ellen’s family epic Vanishing Point and Deborah’s mystery Everything She Most Admired). Enjoy their conversation about the writing and publishing journey. Q&A Book Signing, too!
Selected Archive of Events:
Tuesday, March 7, 2023
University of Pittsburgh, Hillman Library.
The Pittsburgh Novel Book Launch.
Ellen joins panelists Jake Oresick, Stewart O’Nan, and Mark Clayton Southers.
Saturday, May 21, 2022
Gaithersburg Book Festival, Gaithersburg, MD.
Ellen presents Frieda’s Song.
Saturday, March 19, 2022
Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art, Bedford PA.
Bedford Creative Writing Workshop: “Step into the Picture: Words Inspired by Art”
Tuesday, January 18, 2022
Cleveland Park Library, Washington DC.
Virtual Tuesday Talk: “Listening to Ghosts, Conjuring Characters: Drawing from Life and Creating Fiction.”
Watch it here.
Saturday, October 30, 2021
F. Scott Fitzgerald Literary Festival, Rockville MD.
Virtual event: Ellen teaches a workshop on “Time Travel on the Page: Fiction Fueled by History and Imagination.”
May 25, 2021
Peerless Rockville Virtual Event, Rockville MD.
Launch Event for Frieda’s Song: “Unreal Estate: A Novelist Moves into Frieda Fromm-Reichmann’s Cottage.”
March 7, 2021
Ellen in conversation with writer/book blogger Deborah Kalb.
Watch it here.
Aug. 5, 2020
Allegheny Regional Festival of Books.
Ellen presents the free webinar “Talking Walls and Echoing Hills: The Role of Setting and Memory in Regional Fiction.”
July 30, 2020
National Women’s Book Association, Washington Chapter.
“Conquering FOMO: 3 Fiction Writers Reimagine Community During Global Pandemic.”
July 22, 2020
White Whale Bookstore, Pittsburgh PA.
Zoom Book Launch & Reading.
Ellen launches Known By Heart: Collected Stories, joined by Marc Nieson, Sherrie Flick, and Josh Barkan.
Join Ellen!
Featured Events
Saturday, March 21, 2026 / 2pm
Ellen returns to the Bedford Springs for Haunted History.
She’ll discuss her award-winning novel The Bowl with Gold Seams.
Omni Bedford Springs, Bedford PA.
Saturday, May 2, 2026
Ellen moderates “Beyond the Big Houses: Self-Publishing and Independent Press Publishing.”
Washington Writers Conference, Bethesda MD.
Tuesday, May 19, 2026 / 7pm
Ellen and author Deborah Kalb chat about their new books.
Wonderland Books, Bethesda, MD.
Learn More
Saturday, May 23, 2026 / 5pm
Vanishing Point Launch
Ellen launches her new historical novel at Rebellion Books!
Rebellion Books, Bedford PA
Learn More
May 27, 2026
★ Publication Day for Vanishing Point!
Thursday, May 28, 7 pm
Late Night Lit: Conversation with Ellen, Live Music
The Treehouse Lounge, Rehobeth, Delaware
Learn More
Saturday June 6, Hetzel Studio Launch for Vanishing Point, Somerset PA
Over capacity private event in the home where it happened! Sorry you missed it but read all about it in Ellen’s blog post “Party Like it’s 1905” https://www.washingtonindependentreviewofbooks.com/features/party-like-its-1905
Saturday, June 13, 2026, 5pm
Ellen chats Vanishing Point with Dorothy Reno.
Politics and Prose Bookstore
5015 Connecticut Avenue, Washington DC.
Sorry you missed it! Listen to the Recorded Live: Event:https://open.spotify.com/episode/1AEcrPEbSCjUK8M5mAxykd?si=jEghOcqzS5-k8oiuDve_mw
Tuesday June 30, 2026, 6:30 pm, Chevy Chase Maryland Library, 8005 Connecticut Avenue MD
Ellen and author Deborah Kalb (aka The Dynamic Duo) come to the Chevy Chase, MD Library. Join them for a FOL event: a conversation about their new novels, and writing character driven fiction full of mysteries, love interests, and work issues for creative women.
Saturday, August 15, 2026
Ellen returns to the Omni Bedford Springs Vintage Days. Join her in conversation about her historical fiction, including her new novel set in the region Vanishing Point and The Bowl With Gold Seams set at The Springs, 3pm in Reagan Room. Also antique bicycles & cars!
Wednesday, September 9, 2026, 7 pm, Ebensburg PA
The Cambria County Historical Society invites all to Ellen’s presentation and Q&A about uncovering the mysteries behind her family epic VANISHING POINT inspired by the local Hetzel family, and their Scalp Level Art Colony.
The Borough Building, 300 High Street, Ebensburg PA.
Thursday, September 10, 2026, 5:30 pm, Johnstown PA
Book Talk and Signing with Ellen at Classic Elements Bookshop
Come enjoy stories about local artists George and Lila Hetzel, inspiration for Ellen’s epic family novel VANISHING POINT!
Classic Elements Bookshop, 345 Mainstreet St, Suite 5, Johnstown PA
Learn More
Saturday, October 3, 2pm, 2026, Chesterfield MA
Ellen returns to beautiful Western Massachusetts, hosted by the Chesterfield Friends of the Library. She’ll chat about her new family epic Vanishing Point inspired by the turbulent life of Scalp Level School artists George and Lila Hetzel, and the process of researching, writing, and imagining.
Chesterfield Community Center, 400 Main Road, Chesterfield, MA.
Thursday, October 29, 6pm, 2026, Mary S. Biesecker Public Library, 230 Rosina Avenue Somerset Pennsylvania
Ellen kicks off the Fall Speaker Series at the Library with a discussion of the detective work and adventures of researching and writing (some right in Mary’s Library) VANISHING POINT, inspired by the Hetzel family of Pittsburgh and Somerset. Books will be available for signing.
Saturday, October 31, 2026, noon – 3pm, Heritage Johnstown Discovery Center, Johnstown, PA
Pop-up book chat and signing with Ellen in the Heritage Discovery Center gift shop (free entry to the shop). George Hetzel delivered a painting to the South Forks Club House not long before the Flood. It’s Halloween! Will he be watching from his paintings in the gallery?
Heritage Discovery Center, 699 Broad Street, Johnstown PA (https://www.heritagejohnstown.org/)
Monday, November 16, 2026, 5:30 pm, Writers Salon, Free Library of New Hope PA
Ellen returns for the Friends of the Library Writers Salon Benefit. Enjoy curated conversation about writing, imagining, the work and joy of attempting to realize dreams. Q&A and signing.
The Library, 93 W. Ferry Street, New Hope PA
Thursday, November 19, 7pm, 2026, Sleeping Giant Reading Series, Hamden CT
Join Ellen and host Alice Mattison in conversation about reading (re-reading) and writing (revising) and friendship. Stay for Happy Hour!
Sleeping Giant Reading Series, Best Video, 1842 Whitney Street, Hamden CT.
Sunday, December 13, 2-3-m, Rockville Memorial Library
Join Ellen and author Deborah Kalb, both Montgomery County library nerds growing up. Now the scribbling friends have new books out (Ellen’s family epic Vanishing Point and Deborah’s mystery Everything She Most Admired). Enjoy their conversation about the writing and publishing journey. Q&A Book Signing, too!
Selected Archive of Events:
Tuesday, March 7, 2023
University of Pittsburgh, Hillman Library.
The Pittsburgh Novel Book Launch.
Ellen joins panelists Jake Oresick, Stewart O’Nan, and Mark Clayton Southers.
Saturday, May 21, 2022
Gaithersburg Book Festival, Gaithersburg, MD.
Ellen presents Frieda’s Song.
Saturday, March 19, 2022
Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art, Bedford PA.
Bedford Creative Writing Workshop: “Step into the Picture: Words Inspired by Art”
Tuesday, January 18, 2022
Cleveland Park Library, Washington DC.
Virtual Tuesday Talk: “Listening to Ghosts, Conjuring Characters: Drawing from Life and Creating Fiction.”
Watch it here.
Saturday, October 30, 2021
F. Scott Fitzgerald Literary Festival, Rockville MD.
Virtual event: Ellen teaches a workshop on “Time Travel on the Page: Fiction Fueled by History and Imagination.”
May 25, 2021
Peerless Rockville Virtual Event, Rockville MD.
Launch Event for Frieda’s Song: “Unreal Estate: A Novelist Moves into Frieda Fromm-Reichmann’s Cottage.”
March 7, 2021
Ellen in conversation with writer/book blogger Deborah Kalb.
Watch it here.
Aug. 5, 2020
Allegheny Regional Festival of Books.
Ellen presents the free webinar “Talking Walls and Echoing Hills: The Role of Setting and Memory in Regional Fiction.”
July 30, 2020
National Women’s Book Association, Washington Chapter.
“Conquering FOMO: 3 Fiction Writers Reimagine Community During Global Pandemic.”
July 22, 2020
White Whale Bookstore, Pittsburgh PA.
Zoom Book Launch & Reading.
Ellen launches Known By Heart: Collected Stories, joined by Marc Nieson, Sherrie Flick, and Josh Barkan.
Join Ellen!
Featured Events
Saturday, March 21, 2026 / 2pm
Ellen returns to the Bedford Springs for Haunted History.
She’ll discuss her award-winning novel The Bowl with Gold Seams.
Omni Bedford Springs, Bedford PA.
Saturday, May 2, 2026
Ellen moderates “Beyond the Big Houses: Self-Publishing and Independent Press Publishing.”
Washington Writers Conference, Bethesda MD.
Tuesday, May 19, 2026 / 7pm
Ellen and author Deborah Kalb chat about their new books.
Wonderland Books, Bethesda, MD.
Learn More
Saturday, May 23, 2026 / 5pm
Vanishing Point Launch
Ellen launches her new historical novel at Rebellion Books!
Rebellion Books, Bedford PA
Learn More
May 27, 2026
★ Publication Day for Vanishing Point!
Thursday, May 28, 7 pm
Late Night Lit: Conversation with Ellen, Live Music
The Treehouse Lounge, Rehobeth, Delaware
Learn More
Saturday June 6, Hetzel Studio Launch for Vanishing Point, Somerset PA
Over capacity private event in the home where it happened! Sorry you missed it but read all about it in Ellen’s blog post “Party Like it’s 1905” https://www.washingtonindependentreviewofbooks.com/features/party-like-its-1905
Saturday, June 13, 2026, 5pm
Ellen chats Vanishing Point with Dorothy Reno.
Politics and Prose Bookstore
5015 Connecticut Avenue, Washington DC.
Sorry you missed it! Listen to the Recorded Live: Event:https://open.spotify.com/episode/1AEcrPEbSCjUK8M5mAxykd?si=jEghOcqzS5-k8oiuDve_mw
Tuesday June 30, 2026, 6:30 pm, Chevy Chase Maryland Library, 8005 Connecticut Avenue MD
Ellen and author Deborah Kalb (aka The Dynamic Duo) come to the Chevy Chase, MD Library. Join them for a FOL event: a conversation about their new novels, and writing character driven fiction full of mysteries, love interests, and work issues for creative women.
Saturday, August 15, 2026
Ellen returns to the Omni Bedford Springs Vintage Days. Join her in conversation about her historical fiction, including her new novel set in the region Vanishing Point and The Bowl With Gold Seams set at The Springs, 3pm in Reagan Room. Also antique bicycles & cars!
Wednesday, September 9, 2026, 7 pm, Ebensburg PA
The Cambria County Historical Society invites all to Ellen’s presentation and Q&A about uncovering the mysteries behind her family epic VANISHING POINT inspired by the local Hetzel family, and their Scalp Level Art Colony.
The Borough Building, 300 High Street, Ebensburg PA.
Thursday, September 10, 2026, 5:30 pm, Johnstown PA
Book Talk and Signing with Ellen at Classic Elements Bookshop
Come enjoy stories about local artists George and Lila Hetzel, inspiration for Ellen’s epic family novel VANISHING POINT!
Classic Elements Bookshop, 345 Mainstreet St, Suite 5, Johnstown PA
Learn More
Saturday, October 3, 2pm, 2026, Chesterfield MA
Ellen returns to beautiful Western Massachusetts, hosted by the Chesterfield Friends of the Library. She’ll chat about her new family epic Vanishing Point inspired by the turbulent life of Scalp Level School artists George and Lila Hetzel, and the process of researching, writing, and imagining.
Chesterfield Community Center, 400 Main Road, Chesterfield, MA.
Thursday, October 29, 6pm, 2026, Mary S. Biesecker Public Library, 230 Rosina Avenue Somerset Pennsylvania
Ellen kicks off the Fall Speaker Series at the Library with a discussion of the detective work and adventures of researching and writing (some right in Mary’s Library) VANISHING POINT, inspired by the Hetzel family of Pittsburgh and Somerset. Books will be available for signing.
Saturday, October 31, 2026, noon – 3pm, Heritage Johnstown Discovery Center, Johnstown, PA
Pop-up book chat and signing with Ellen in the Heritage Discovery Center gift shop (free entry to the shop). George Hetzel delivered a painting to the South Forks Club House not long before the Flood. It’s Halloween! Will he be watching from his paintings in the gallery?
Heritage Discovery Center, 699 Broad Street, Johnstown PA (https://www.heritagejohnstown.org/)
Monday, November 16, 2026, 5:30 pm, Writers Salon, Free Library of New Hope PA
Ellen returns for the Friends of the Library Writers Salon Benefit. Enjoy curated conversation about writing, imagining, the work and joy of attempting to realize dreams. Q&A and signing.
The Library, 93 W. Ferry Street, New Hope PA
Thursday, November 19, 7pm, 2026, Sleeping Giant Reading Series, Hamden CT
Join Ellen and host Alice Mattison in conversation about reading (re-reading) and writing (revising) and friendship. Stay for Happy Hour!
Sleeping Giant Reading Series, Best Video, 1842 Whitney Street, Hamden CT.
Sunday, December 13, 2-3-m, Rockville Memorial Library
Join Ellen and author Deborah Kalb, both Montgomery County library nerds growing up. Now the scribbling friends have new books out (Ellen’s family epic Vanishing Point and Deborah’s mystery Everything She Most Admired). Enjoy their conversation about the writing and publishing journey. Q&A Book Signing, too!
Selected Archive of Events:
Tuesday, March 7, 2023
University of Pittsburgh, Hillman Library.
The Pittsburgh Novel Book Launch.
Ellen joins panelists Jake Oresick, Stewart O’Nan, and Mark Clayton Southers.
Saturday, May 21, 2022
Gaithersburg Book Festival, Gaithersburg, MD.
Ellen presents Frieda’s Song.
Saturday, March 19, 2022
Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art, Bedford PA.
Bedford Creative Writing Workshop: “Step into the Picture: Words Inspired by Art”
Tuesday, January 18, 2022
Cleveland Park Library, Washington DC.
Virtual Tuesday Talk: “Listening to Ghosts, Conjuring Characters: Drawing from Life and Creating Fiction.”
Watch it here.
Saturday, October 30, 2021
F. Scott Fitzgerald Literary Festival, Rockville MD.
Virtual event: Ellen teaches a workshop on “Time Travel on the Page: Fiction Fueled by History and Imagination.”
May 25, 2021
Peerless Rockville Virtual Event, Rockville MD.
Launch Event for Frieda’s Song: “Unreal Estate: A Novelist Moves into Frieda Fromm-Reichmann’s Cottage.”
March 7, 2021
Ellen in conversation with writer/book blogger Deborah Kalb.
Watch it here.
Aug. 5, 2020
Allegheny Regional Festival of Books.
Ellen presents the free webinar “Talking Walls and Echoing Hills: The Role of Setting and Memory in Regional Fiction.”
July 30, 2020
National Women’s Book Association, Washington Chapter.
“Conquering FOMO: 3 Fiction Writers Reimagine Community During Global Pandemic.”
July 22, 2020
White Whale Bookstore, Pittsburgh PA.
Zoom Book Launch & Reading.
Ellen launches Known By Heart: Collected Stories, joined by Marc Nieson, Sherrie Flick, and Josh Barkan.
Join Ellen!
Featured Events
Saturday, March 21, 2026 / 2pm
Ellen returns to the Bedford Springs for Haunted History.
She’ll discuss her award-winning novel The Bowl with Gold Seams.
Omni Bedford Springs, Bedford PA.
Saturday, May 2, 2026
Ellen moderates “Beyond the Big Houses: Self-Publishing and Independent Press Publishing.”
Washington Writers Conference, Bethesda MD.
Tuesday, May 19, 2026 / 7pm
Ellen and author Deborah Kalb chat about their new books.
Wonderland Books, Bethesda, MD.
Learn More
Saturday, May 23, 2026 / 5pm
Vanishing Point Launch
Ellen launches her new historical novel at Rebellion Books!
Rebellion Books, Bedford PA
Learn More
May 27, 2026
★ Publication Day for Vanishing Point!
Thursday, May 28, 7 pm
Late Night Lit: Conversation with Ellen, Live Music
The Treehouse Lounge, Rehobeth, Delaware
Learn More
Saturday June 6, Hetzel Studio Launch for Vanishing Point, Somerset PA
Over capacity private event in the home where it happened! Sorry you missed it but read all about it in Ellen’s blog post “Party Like it’s 1905” https://www.washingtonindependentreviewofbooks.com/features/party-like-its-1905
Saturday, June 13, 2026, 5pm
Ellen chats Vanishing Point with Dorothy Reno.
Politics and Prose Bookstore
5015 Connecticut Avenue, Washington DC.
Sorry you missed it! Listen to the Recorded Live: Event:https://open.spotify.com/episode/1AEcrPEbSCjUK8M5mAxykd?si=jEghOcqzS5-k8oiuDve_mw
Tuesday June 30, 2026, 6:30 pm, Chevy Chase Maryland Library, 8005 Connecticut Avenue MD
Ellen and author Deborah Kalb (aka The Dynamic Duo) come to the Chevy Chase, MD Library. Join them for a FOL event: a conversation about their new novels, and writing character driven fiction full of mysteries, love interests, and work issues for creative women.
Saturday, August 15, 2026
Ellen returns to the Omni Bedford Springs Vintage Days. Join her in conversation about her historical fiction, including her new novel set in the region Vanishing Point and The Bowl With Gold Seams set at The Springs, 3pm in Reagan Room. Also antique bicycles & cars!
Wednesday, September 9, 2026, 7 pm, Ebensburg PA
The Cambria County Historical Society invites all to Ellen’s presentation and Q&A about uncovering the mysteries behind her family epic VANISHING POINT inspired by the local Hetzel family, and their Scalp Level Art Colony.
The Borough Building, 300 High Street, Ebensburg PA.
Thursday, September 10, 2026, 5:30 pm, Johnstown PA
Book Talk and Signing with Ellen at Classic Elements Bookshop
Come enjoy stories about local artists George and Lila Hetzel, inspiration for Ellen’s epic family novel VANISHING POINT!
Classic Elements Bookshop, 345 Mainstreet St, Suite 5, Johnstown PA
Learn More
Saturday, October 3, 2pm, 2026, Chesterfield MA
Ellen returns to beautiful Western Massachusetts, hosted by the Chesterfield Friends of the Library. She’ll chat about her new family epic Vanishing Point inspired by the turbulent life of Scalp Level School artists George and Lila Hetzel, and the process of researching, writing, and imagining.
Chesterfield Community Center, 400 Main Road, Chesterfield, MA.
Thursday, October 29, 6pm, 2026, Mary S. Biesecker Public Library, 230 Rosina Avenue Somerset Pennsylvania
Ellen kicks off the Fall Speaker Series at the Library with a discussion of the detective work and adventures of researching and writing (some right in Mary’s Library) VANISHING POINT, inspired by the Hetzel family of Pittsburgh and Somerset. Books will be available for signing.
Saturday, October 31, 2026, noon – 3pm, Heritage Johnstown Discovery Center, Johnstown, PA
Pop-up book chat and signing with Ellen in the Heritage Discovery Center gift shop (free entry to the shop). George Hetzel delivered a painting to the South Forks Club House not long before the Flood. It’s Halloween! Will he be watching from his paintings in the gallery?
Heritage Discovery Center, 699 Broad Street, Johnstown PA (https://www.heritagejohnstown.org/)
Monday, November 16, 2026, 5:30 pm, Writers Salon, Free Library of New Hope PA
Ellen returns for the Friends of the Library Writers Salon Benefit. Enjoy curated conversation about writing, imagining, the work and joy of attempting to realize dreams. Q&A and signing.
The Library, 93 W. Ferry Street, New Hope PA
Thursday, November 19, 7pm, 2026, Sleeping Giant Reading Series, Hamden CT
Join Ellen and host Alice Mattison in conversation about reading (re-reading) and writing (revising) and friendship. Stay for Happy Hour!
Sleeping Giant Reading Series, Best Video, 1842 Whitney Street, Hamden CT.
Sunday, December 13, 2-3-m, Rockville Memorial Library
Join Ellen and author Deborah Kalb, both Montgomery County library nerds growing up. Now the scribbling friends have new books out (Ellen’s family epic Vanishing Point and Deborah’s mystery Everything She Most Admired). Enjoy their conversation about the writing and publishing journey. Q&A Book Signing, too!
Selected Archive of Events:
Tuesday, March 7, 2023
University of Pittsburgh, Hillman Library.
The Pittsburgh Novel Book Launch.
Ellen joins panelists Jake Oresick, Stewart O’Nan, and Mark Clayton Southers.
Saturday, May 21, 2022
Gaithersburg Book Festival, Gaithersburg, MD.
Ellen presents Frieda’s Song.
Saturday, March 19, 2022
Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art, Bedford PA.
Bedford Creative Writing Workshop: “Step into the Picture: Words Inspired by Art”
Tuesday, January 18, 2022
Cleveland Park Library, Washington DC.
Virtual Tuesday Talk: “Listening to Ghosts, Conjuring Characters: Drawing from Life and Creating Fiction.”
Watch it here.
Saturday, October 30, 2021
F. Scott Fitzgerald Literary Festival, Rockville MD.
Virtual event: Ellen teaches a workshop on “Time Travel on the Page: Fiction Fueled by History and Imagination.”
May 25, 2021
Peerless Rockville Virtual Event, Rockville MD.
Launch Event for Frieda’s Song: “Unreal Estate: A Novelist Moves into Frieda Fromm-Reichmann’s Cottage.”
March 7, 2021
Ellen in conversation with writer/book blogger Deborah Kalb.
Watch it here.
Aug. 5, 2020
Allegheny Regional Festival of Books.
Ellen presents the free webinar “Talking Walls and Echoing Hills: The Role of Setting and Memory in Regional Fiction.”
July 30, 2020
National Women’s Book Association, Washington Chapter.
“Conquering FOMO: 3 Fiction Writers Reimagine Community During Global Pandemic.”
July 22, 2020
White Whale Bookstore, Pittsburgh PA.
Zoom Book Launch & Reading.
Ellen launches Known By Heart: Collected Stories, joined by Marc Nieson, Sherrie Flick, and Josh Barkan.
Recent Updates
A Summer-Movie Roundup
Now and again, when not reading, scribbling, or swimming, Girl Writing goes to the movies and, from time to time, does a roundup of what’s playing. So, here’s my midsummer recap of three favorites: an Read more...
Party Like It’s 1905
Past and present converged at a recent book event. Golden afternoon light, voluptuous white clouds. The ominous weather-app storm warnings seemed to be wrong. At the bottom of the ridge, we turned onto the state Read more...
The Reading Teacher
How a lifelong friend helped instill a lifelong love. Jewell Stoddard had a green thumb. A gardener extraordinaire, she and husband Ted created a woodland glade behind their home in suburban Maryland. Jewell and Ted, Read more...