Joan Ellis's Blog, page 6

5 STAR review from Bookaholic Confessions

Set during the 80s, I Am Ella. Buy Me, gives a gloriously funny and at times, shocking, insight into what life was like for a young woman working in the then male-dominated industry of advertising.

Stuck working for her unbelievably sexist boss, Peter, Ella struggles to make her voice heard, and tiring of working on demeaning projects (such as pretending to be a cat) Ella feels there must be more to her career then she’s currently experiencing at advertising agency, CBA. Her ideas are dismissed and then stolen and she’s constantly threatened with being shown the door by Peter (unless they can come to a ‘little arrangement’…ick.) Ella is in a quandary. It’s the 80s, jobs are scarce and Ella has not only her own mortgage to pay, but she also supports her mum, feeling as though she owes it to her after her unhappy marriage to Ella’s father and the difficult years that followed.

Ella’s love life is not fairing any better, she has a serious patisserie addiction and is constantly told she had enormous thighs. Welcome to Ella’s world…

I feel I should issue a warning if you’re thinking of reading this book…You WILL laugh. And laugh. And laugh a bit more.

I Am Ella. Buy Me is one of the sharpest and wittiest books I have read in a while. Ella is a brilliant lead character; she’s feisty, smart and having grown accustomed to working in a ‘man’s world’ she gives as good as she gets. The dialogue between her and Peter will have you unattractively snorting with laughter and I love how she’s not afraid to stand up to him and unwilling to jump into bed with him just to further her career or get what she wants (as so many other women in this story seem to be.) However despite the ballsy front it soon becomes clear that Ella has a vulnerable side too as she starts dating wannabe rock star Tom, who she thinks she loves but is never quite sure. Plus she doesn’t know whether to believe half of what he says (could he REALLY have spent the night sleeping in a Photo-Me Booth…??)

Alongside the demands and difficulties at work and with her love life being so confusing, it’s no wonder Ella momentarily looses track of what’s important in life.

I loved the characterisation in this novel. Peter is the kind of man you’ll love to hate and he will make your toes curl, I found Tom difficult to suss out as I liked him at first but quickly changed my mind, then there’s the surprisingly nice Jill (who’d have thought it?) and two of my personal favourite characters, Wally the security guard at CBA, and Ella’s cake-loving friend Adam. Wally has got to be one of the sweetest characters, ever. He was adorable and I loved the relationship between him and Ella.

I kept forgetting this novel was set in the 80’s, then Ella would be clicking away on her typewriter and I’d suddenly think ‘oh yes, that’s right. We’re in the 80’s.’ I liked this aspect of the novel though, as it shows how much things and attitudes have changed (especially in the workplace.)

I Am Ella. Buy Me is a book you’ll sail through, desperate for Ella to succeed and for Peter to get his comeuppance. The way in which it is written makes it a book that not only is extremely funny, yet at times dark, but it also makes for a gripping and all-too-realistic read.

Joan Ellis is an extremely witty, talented writer and I love how the story is based on some of her real life experiences working for an advertising agency, giving us an exclusive glimpse into what that world was like…and the result is quite shocking.

Warm, funny, sad and true I Am Ella. Buy Me is a book that you definitely SHOULD buy.

Will technology limit or improve the future of books?

The Bookshelf Reviews interviews Joan Ellis on the Girls LoveTo Read blog tour.

 

I am a luddite. No point pretending. You’d see right through me. Or your Google-glasses would. I don’t own an e-reader but I am sure it is only a matter of time. I’m a ‘late-adopter’ as marketeers dub people like me who are the last to catch on to gizmos and are forever playing catch-up.

Technology, or rather what technology can do, terrifies me but I’ve learned to love it all the same. (Did I really just say that?) Thanks to mind-boggling wizardry, my first two novels: ‘I am Ella. Buy me’ and ‘The Killing of Mummy’s Boy’ are now available to the world at the touch of a button. How good is that?

Readers can still decide whether or not they engage with technology. They can pick a book off a real shelf or a virtual one. Authors, especially newbies like me, need to ensure their work is available in all formats to reach the maximum number of people. As a writer, I must evolve because we all know what happens when we don’t.

My PC can’t write my books for me (now that would be a tragic day for creativity) but it does make the process much easier. If I’d used a typewriter, I’d still be tapping out the first chapter, drowning in a sea of Tipp-Ex as I corrected, edited and rewrote. Now I just hit delete and Hey Presto! the embarrassing first attempts are relegated to cyber space where no-one can hear me scream. Copy and paste is a miracle. And don’t get me started on the joy of automated page breaks and pagination.

That said, a screen will never take the place of a book in my heart. I love books. They evoke long-forgotten memories in a way no e-reader ever could. Yesterday, I was at my Mother’s house, sorting through some stuff and I came across a box of books she used to read to me as a kid. Each chapter ignited a different emotion as I looked through their gloriously musty pages, marveling at the beautiful illustrations, taking me back to joyful times spent with my Mum. Sometimes she would embellish the tales, going off-book to give an imaginary backstory to one of the characters or even invent a new plotline for them. The animals and children in those books were my friends, making me smile and laugh, teaching me new things. The books, mostly paper, some cloth and others card, came in all shapes and sizes. Being the youngest of four children, the stories had already been read by my brothers and sister. I could still picture them, sitting with Mum, turning the pages and running their fingers along the lines as they followed each word.

I’d never have got all that from a screen.

When it comes to books and technology, it’s the same as most things in life. It’s all about choice. Some days we want nothing more than to kick back with some retro vinyl on the turntable, others times it’s all about you and your iPod.

With technology breaking new boundaries every day, it’s important to keep an open mind as well as an open book.

Paris Baker’s book Nook review 4 stars

I LOVED Ella. She’s one snarky, sarky bitch and she cracked me up. The narrative of Ella’s voice was hilarious; she’s totally down on her luck and seems to get herself caught in one predicament after another. From her job of writing as a cat, her love of cake, her need for validation and her nightmare boss Peter (who made me want to be physically sick!), her life is full of drama.

Throughout the book, we see Ella wanting to better herself. We know she doesn’t want to turn out like her mother, but she feels trapped where she is, and the recession certainly isn’t helping. When rock star Tom Tyler becomes her new love interest, things are looking on the up. With the support of her sweet old colleague Wally, and adorable best friend Adam, Ella starts to work out what she wants, and what it takes to get there.

There’s an eclectic cast of characters to keep you entertained and endless amusing mishaps.

I Am Ella. Buy Me. is a really light and fun read that I thoroughly enjoyed.

Rating: 4/5

Jenny Bee’s interview

Blog Tour: An Interview with Joan Ellis, Author of I Am Ella, Buy Me

posted in Author Interview, Book Tour, October 2014 by lizzydreamer

Welcome to my stop on the Joan Ellis ‘I Am Ella, Buy Me’ blog tour! I have a wonderful interview for you with this fantastic author and I am extremely excited to share it with you

Hi Joan welcome to the blog – thank you so much for taking the time to answer a few questions for me! Just to warn you though, this is my first author interview so please be kind!

Hello, no worries, it’s my first time too! I’ve had a sneaky peak at your questions – they’re great!

 

Let’s start off on the right foot. Thanks to Ella and Adam, reading your book made me think constantly of cake… What’ll you be having? And can I offer a cup of tea, coffee or other to go with it?

Home-made chocolate cake, New York cheesecake, Christmas cake, coffee and walnut, lemon drizzle, raspberry Pavlova, Yule log, almond croissant. The richer the better. And a cup of black Earl Grey, please. On second thoughts, better make that a pot. Thanks!

 

Now we’re comfortable, could you please introduce yourself a little – any likes, dislikes and hobbies you can tell us about?

Can’t get enough of:

Love and laughter with family and friends.

London (especially my beloved Crouch End), the Isle of Wight for taking me to its heart and Capri for the best gelato in the world.

The sea – the one place where I don’t have a care in the world. I saw a sea-horse once. Not going to lie – I thought it would be the size of, well, a horse.

My thatched cottage – like living in a tea-room but with less people and more cakes.

My cat, Baby Ragger – born to be cute. Cheers me up when I’m down.

Could certainly live without:

Injustice

Illness

Dishonesty

Tofu

 

One guide to writing says “Write what you know” – is this what you have done in ‘I Am Ella, Buy Me’?

Yes, up to a point. Like Ella, I was a woman in a man’s world, an award-winning copywriter in top London advertising agencies with a penchant for bad boys and big hair. Well, it was the 80s.

Some sleaze did actually say to me: ‘I’ve never had you, have I?’ Wrong on so many levels but the perfect quote for Peter!

Obviously, ‘I am Ella. Buy me’ is a novel; what happens never happened in real life but it’s fun to think some of it might have. I’m just relieved Peter isn’t out there somewhere, stalking the corridors of power, causing havoc!

 

‘I Am Ella, Buy Me’ has some fantastic characters (Wally and Adam) and some not so good ones. I am of course talking about the sleaze-ball (Peter) and villainous weasel (Tom) – are any of these based on people you have come across before?

Wally is based on my darling Dad, the funniest man I ever met. Adam is a great friend of mine who has seen me through the best and worst of times. Kind, witty and most importantly, knows there’s nothing a slab of cake can’t solve.

Tom and Peter are pure fiction, each created using a mishmash of unsavoury characteristics. I love a good villain. Every book needs at least one to add colour to the black and white pages.

 

Do you have any plans in the pipeline for a next book?

I have just launched my first psychological thriller, The Killing of Mummy’s Boy. People ask why I didn’t move when I found myself sitting next to a murderer on a train. In the hour I was trapped with him, I was terrified, horrified and sickened but never bored. What better start to a novel?

My third book Guilt is out soon. Seven-year-old Susan is alone with her younger brother when he dies of an overdose. The guilt informs the rest of her life. When it threatens to destroy not only her but also her family, she must revisit her past to discover the truth.

If you want to give someone a fright this Christmas, these are the gifts that keeps on giving!

 

For fun, if you were stuck on a desert island and you could take only 3 items with you, what would they be and why?

Something to write on – I could invent a host of characters to keep me company. One might even be smart enough to help me escape!

A massive photo album going back years – I’d relive all the happy times spent with my daughter, my husband and the rest of my family and friends.

Red lipstick – no-one would see me wearing it but it would make me feel more glam.

 

Finally for the most important question. In a cream tea, do you put the jam or cream on first?

Love it! Always the cream on first but I’m a Londoner, what do I know?

Thank you. It’s been fun and thought provoking.

 

And thank you Joan – you’ve given us some amazing answers!

 

I am Ella. Buy me. 4 star Bookshelf Review

In the interests of posting a completely honest review (something I always strive to do) I must admit that I wasn’t expecting to like ‘I am Ella, buy me’, and I definitely took some time to warm to her.

I was expecting a book moaning about the inequalities between men and women in the workplace hidden behind a scathing backdrop of Thatcher’s Britain. However, intrigue got the better of me and I agreed to be part of this blog tour. I did feel bad, because it’s really hard to write a review of a book you didn’t like. Period. But it’s even harder to write a review, when you don’t like the book and you’ve had contact with the author – who’s lovely! As it turns out, I’m very glad that I joined the blog tour and there’s no awkwardness here. No, I can’t claim that it’s my favourite book or that I was hooked from the very start but what I can claim, with absolute certainty, is that even if you’re a little dubious you should give Ella a chance.

She was everything I wasn’t expecting and instead was everything I was hoping she would be. She was strong, independent and determined but in being so she also, thank fully, avoided the pitfalls that you so often find with those characters: the ‘necessary selfishness’ all the way through, the hard exterior that only cracks when that guy comes along. Everything annoys me about strongly written female leads. Ella was different and refreshing. She was strong, she was determined, she was independent and she was sometimes a little selfish but above all she was obviously a person. She was a strong independent character who knew what she wanted and what she would (and wouldn’t!) do for the sake of her career. She was relatable. With feelings and a good moral compass she really could be a role model for women, be them finding themselves in a male dominated environment or just going through a hard time in life.

Aiding this relatability and very enjoyable reading experience was the writing style, which was humorous, serious and heart-breaking all wrapped up in 318 pages. The other characters that Ella encountered during those pages, be them wonderful – Wally and Adam – or downright sleaze-balls – Peter, I’m looking at you – were just as dynamic as she was and really bought their own individual perspectives to the then uncommon situation of a women in the heart of the very competitive Adland.

The one downside to this book is that it will make you very hungry constantly, with Ella turning to cake and her best friend when it all gets a bit much (I think we can all relate to that one) the accounts of multiple scoops of ice cream and descriptions of thick slices of cake will soon have you curled up in the chair with the book in one hand and your favourite treat in the other.

I am Ella, Buy me is a thought provoking, and relatable romantic comedy. Fast-paced with just the right amount of sassy and sarky you will find yourself rooting for Ella and the other women in Adland until the very end and beyond. So put your slippers on, grab a slice of cake (and possibly some tissues) and let yourself get drawn in.

Rating: 4/5

 

 

I am Ella. Buy me. 4/5 Bookshelf Reviews

In the interests of posting a completely honest review (something I always strive to do) I must admit that I wasn’t expecting to like ‘I am Ella, buy me’, and I definitely took some time to warm to her.

I was expecting a book moaning about the inequalities between men and women in the workplace hidden behind a scathing backdrop of Thatcher’s Britain. However, intrigue got the better of me and I agreed to be part of this blog tour. I did feel bad, because it’s really hard to write a review of a book you didn’t like. Period. But it’s even harder to write a review, when you don’t like the book and you’ve had contact with the author – who’s lovely! As it turns out, I’m very glad that I joined the blog tour and there’s no awkwardness here. No, I can’t claim that it’s my favourite book or that I was hooked from the very start but what I can claim, with absolute certainty, is that even if you’re a little dubious you should give Ella a chance.

She was everything I wasn’t expecting and instead was everything I was hoping she would be. She was strong, independent and determined but in being so she also, thank fully, avoided the pitfalls that you so often find with those characters: the ‘necessary selfishness’ all the way through, the hard exterior that only cracks when that guy comes along. Everything annoys me about strongly written female leads. Ella was different and refreshing. She was strong, she was determined, she was independent and she was sometimes a little selfish but above all she was obviously a person. She was a strong independent character who knew what she wanted and what she would (and wouldn’t!) do for the sake of her career. She was relatable. With feelings and a good moral compass she really could be a role model for women, be them finding themselves in a male dominated environment or just going through a hard time in life.

Aiding this relatability and very enjoyable reading experience was the writing style, which was humorous, serious and heart-breaking all wrapped up in 318 pages. The other characters that Ella encountered during those pages, be them wonderful – Wally and Adam – or downright sleaze-balls – Peter, I’m looking at you – were just as dynamic as she was and really bought their own individual perspectives to the then uncommon situation of a women in the heart of the very competitive Adland.

The one downside to this book is that it will make you very hungry constantly, with Ella turning to cake and her best friend when it all gets a bit much (I think we can all relate to that one) the accounts of multiple scoops of ice cream and descriptions of thick slices of cake will soon have you curled up in the chair with the book in one hand and your favourite treat in the other.

I am Ella, Buy me is a thought provoking, and relatable romantic comedy. Fast-paced with just the right amount of sassy and sarky you will find yourself rooting for Ella and the other women in Adland until the very end and beyond. So put your slippers on, grab a slice of cake (and possibly some tissues) and let yourself get drawn in.

Rating: 4/5

 

 

Signing at Sea with Red Hot Red Funnel

All I needed was a sailor suit. Following my reading at The Isle of Wight Literary Festival (IWLF), I boarded The Red Falcon on Friday morning.  As sponsors of the IWLF, Red Funnel had kindly invited me sign my books at sea. What a novel idea. (I don’t like puns, but couldn’t resist that one.)

With 360 sea views, it felt like a mini-cruise, sailing back and forth across The Solent. Thanks to the crew and passengers, some with heart-stoppingly beautiful dogs, who could not have been more welcoming.

My two books divided the boat. Those up for a laugh opted for ‘I am Ella. Buy me’. Ella is a woman in a man’s world, a cross between Peggy from ‘Mad Men’ and Bridget Jones. The book is based on my life in 80s mad, bad Adland when money trumped morals and lust was a must.

Brave souls, craving something darker, snapped up ‘The Killing of Mummy’s Boy’. The inspiration, for this Island-based psychological thriller, was a terrifying train journey I endured, trapped opposite a murderer. (Rest assured, dear reader, this would never have happened on Red Funnel!)

It was lovely to meet everyone. If you bought a book, many thanks. I’d love to know what you think, drop me a line at www.joan-ellis.com

Gotta go, feel another book coming on and this one’s set at sea.

 

 

 

 

 

‘Smart, funny and warm’ Rachale’s Reads reviews Ella 4.5 stars

I am Ella. Buy me – 4.5 stars from Rachale’s Reads

Ever since studying Graphic Design at university, I have been really interested in the world of advertising, so I was incredibly interested in this book from the get go.

This book was very easy to read with humour injected on every page. Set in the 80’s, this is something I kept forgetting, but there are moments that remind you, whether it’s the pop culture/political references or the fact that in the book someone paid for a pint of beer and a glass of wine with £5 and got some change! This doesn’t date the book though, you can still relate to Ella and the story.

Ella was a really interesting character. She works in a very male orientated industry, so she has developed a very confident, sure of who she is personality, and it was great to read someone like this. Though her relationship with Tom showed that she also has a vulnerable side.

I never really liked Tom from the get go. On the outside looking in on their relation, as always, I could see all of his flaws, that you are blind to if you’re in the relationship itself. He was selfish beyond belief, had an over-inflated ego, and showed to show Ella no care or attention unless it suited him. It all seemed like an act when he did something nice.

I loved Ella’s friendship with Adam. Their scenes no doubt would involve a delicious sounding cake or pastry, thank goodness you can’t gain weight from just imagining food! Ella and Adam’s dynamic was really fun to read, and seeing them both at Adam’s house like naughty school children when put with a bunch of more serious people Adam’s girlfriend knows was really funny to read.

Wally was another of Ella’s friends I really warmed to, he was such a sweet character and provided a lot of touching moments throughout the book.

Wally and Adam aside, most of the other male characters were incredibly easy to dislike. David was sulky, and Peter…put simply, Peter was absolutely despicable, not one redeeming quality about him.

I really liked Jill, who turned out to be completely different to how we were first introduced to her from inside Ella’s mind. I am so glad Ella adjusted her attitude towards Jill so we got to know the real person and not just the ‘Peter’s secretary’ side. She ended up a really bright and fun character, possibly my favourite in the book!

This book was smart, funny and warm and I really enjoyed reading this glimpse into the world of copywriting and advertising.

Rating – 4.5/5

‘Smart, funny and warm’ Rachale’s Reads reviews Ella

I am Ella. Buy me – 4.5 stars from Rachale’s Reads

Ever since studying Graphic Design at university, I have been really interested in the world of advertising, so I was incredibly interested in this book from the get go.

This book was very easy to read with humour injected on every page. Set in the 80’s, this is something I kept forgetting, but there are moments that remind you, whether it’s the pop culture/political references or the fact that in the book someone paid for a pint of beer and a glass of wine with £5 and got some change! This doesn’t date the book though, you can still relate to Ella and the story.

Ella was a really interesting character. She works in a very male orientated industry, so she has developed a very confident, sure of who she is personality, and it was great to read someone like this. Though her relationship with Tom showed that she also has a vulnerable side.

I never really liked Tom from the get go. On the outside looking in on their relation, as always, I could see all of his flaws, that you are blind to if you’re in the relationship itself. He was selfish beyond belief, had an over-inflated ego, and showed to show Ella no care or attention unless it suited him. It all seemed like an act when he did something nice.

I loved Ella’s friendship with Adam. Their scenes no doubt would involve a delicious sounding cake or pastry, thank goodness you can’t gain weight from just imagining food! Ella and Adam’s dynamic was really fun to read, and seeing them both at Adam’s house like naughty school children when put with a bunch of more serious people Adam’s girlfriend knows was really funny to read.

Wally was another of Ella’s friends I really warmed to, he was such a sweet character and provided a lot of touching moments throughout the book.

Wally and Adam aside, most of the other male characters were incredibly easy to dislike. David was sulky, and Peter…put simply, Peter was absolutely despicable, not one redeeming quality about him.

I really liked Jill, who turned out to be completely different to how we were first introduced to her from inside Ella’s mind. I am so glad Ella adjusted her attitude towards Jill so we got to know the real person and not just the ‘Peter’s secretary’ side. She ended up a really bright and fun character, possibly my favourite in the book!

This book was smart, funny and warm and I really enjoyed reading this glimpse into the world of copywriting and advertising.

Rating – 4.5/5

Ginger Reader Reviews Ella 4 stars

I Am Ella, Buy Me Blog Tour

Stars:4  from Ginger Reader

Ella is a woman stuck in a mans world.

It’s the 80′s and Ella is currently working as a copywriter under the watchful (read: leering) eye of Peter Richards. It’s a cut throat world she’s in and when she faces the reality that she might lose her job Peter proposes (threatens) an ‘arrangement’. All Ella wants is to keep her job and stay out of Peters (STD filled) bed.

With the help of her dear friend Adam, who knows the industry and Wally the caretaker who always knows what to say, Ella does everything she can to climb her way to the top while keep her self respect.

In a time before human resources and sexual harassment lawsuits Ella learns how to handle herself and the men in the workplace, taking their snide comments and inappropriate remarks with a grain of sand.

I really enjoyed Ella’s story, I’m sure it’s not a shock that Wally was my favourite character, I loved how he was a complete 180 from the rest of the men in her office and how he was always there when she needed someone.

It was a quick read but one that rang true in every aspect and for that reason I’m sure it will stick with you long after the last page.