This group has been designated for adults age 18 or older. Please sign in and confirm your date of birth in your profile so we can verify your eligibility. You may opt to make your date of birth private.
Ask the Author: Ellie Alexander
Answered Questions (4)
Ellie Alexander
Hi Cat,
So sorry, I'm just seeing these questions for the first time now. I grew up baking with both of my parents as well as grandmother and aunts. Everything I know is self-taught. I'm not a trained pastry chef, and while my recipes usually taste great they never look professional. You know, like lopsided cakes ;-) Because Jules is an artisan baker I do a LOT of research when working on a book. I've spent countless hours watching true pastry chefs at work. I have a good friend who is an incredible (and professional) baker who has allowed me to document her process. It's been wonderful to meet real pastry chefs and have them impart their wisdom and tips. Hopefully it brings the baking to life in the books! Thanks for the question, and happy baking!
So sorry, I'm just seeing these questions for the first time now. I grew up baking with both of my parents as well as grandmother and aunts. Everything I know is self-taught. I'm not a trained pastry chef, and while my recipes usually taste great they never look professional. You know, like lopsided cakes ;-) Because Jules is an artisan baker I do a LOT of research when working on a book. I've spent countless hours watching true pastry chefs at work. I have a good friend who is an incredible (and professional) baker who has allowed me to document her process. It's been wonderful to meet real pastry chefs and have them impart their wisdom and tips. Hopefully it brings the baking to life in the books! Thanks for the question, and happy baking!
Ellie Alexander
Hi Cathy!
Many apologies for the very belated response. Somehow these question are just showing up on Goodreads. The series is pulled from many of my real life experiences. My dad taught honors English and is a huge Shakespeare buff. My mom loved to bake and was a school counselor. Helen, Jules's mom is inspired by my mom, and the Professor by my dad. True story, to this day he still quotes sonnets at random! Food was always a love language in our house, as were books. I love getting to add touches of that in the series. I also love to bake, although I don't have Jules's artist touch when it comes to crafting a perfect pastry. Thanks for the question, and happy reading!
Many apologies for the very belated response. Somehow these question are just showing up on Goodreads. The series is pulled from many of my real life experiences. My dad taught honors English and is a huge Shakespeare buff. My mom loved to bake and was a school counselor. Helen, Jules's mom is inspired by my mom, and the Professor by my dad. True story, to this day he still quotes sonnets at random! Food was always a love language in our house, as were books. I love getting to add touches of that in the series. I also love to bake, although I don't have Jules's artist touch when it comes to crafting a perfect pastry. Thanks for the question, and happy reading!
Ellie Alexander
Hi Diana,
So sorry for the VERY belated response. I didn't get notification from Goodreads that I had questions waiting. I'm pretty sure, you've already found copies at the local bookstore or library, but if you haven't you can always make a request at your library for them to order a print copy!
So sorry for the VERY belated response. I didn't get notification from Goodreads that I had questions waiting. I'm pretty sure, you've already found copies at the local bookstore or library, but if you haven't you can always make a request at your library for them to order a print copy!
Ellie Alexander
Hi Sandy,
So sorry for the very belated answer. I never received notification from Goodreads that questions were waiting.
How fun that you were able to see Ashland. It has a population of about 20,000 and Jules references that in the books. Although, you're right. For my fictional version of the town I condense a lot of the action into the plaza, OSF campus, and Lithia Park. I love the idea of creating a map! And, I'm getting ready to start rolling out some short videos on my social media that show the real versus imagined versions of Ashland. Happy reading!
So sorry for the very belated answer. I never received notification from Goodreads that questions were waiting.
How fun that you were able to see Ashland. It has a population of about 20,000 and Jules references that in the books. Although, you're right. For my fictional version of the town I condense a lot of the action into the plaza, OSF campus, and Lithia Park. I love the idea of creating a map! And, I'm getting ready to start rolling out some short videos on my social media that show the real versus imagined versions of Ashland. Happy reading!
About Goodreads Q&A
Ask and answer questions about books!
You can pose questions to the Goodreads community with Reader Q&A, or ask your favorite author a question with Ask the Author.
See Featured Authors Answering Questions
Learn more