You ever read a first chapter and feel like you’ve met someone in real life? That’s how I felt re-reading Ellie’s opening scenes in my upcoming re-release, Storms of Love (releasing September 9, 2025).
So, just for fun—and for all my fellow writers who want creative ways to explore character voice—I sat down for a quick Q&A with Ellie McNeal. (Okay, yes… I created her. But trust me, she talks back like she’s real.)
Me: Ellie, girl. First things first—how are your feet?
Ellie: Tired. Still tired. But listen, that’s the price of excellence. If I’m gonna do hair on a major film set, people better leave camera-ready and feeling like Beyoncé’s cousin.
Me: We love the energy. Now about that little car situation… what really went through your mind when you saw that dent?
Ellie: I was hoping Jesus would come back before that man reached his car. But no. Instead, He sent me someone with deep brown eyes and an even deeper voice. Distracting much.
Me: Ha! What’s your real first impression of Jeremiah?
Ellie: He was smooth, but not in a corny way. Confident. Funny. The kind of man who sees everything but doesn’t feel the need to say it all. That’s dangerous in the right hands.
Me: Whew. Okay. Pivot. You’re a woman of faith but you’ve clearly got your boundaries. How do you stay grounded on chaotic sets?
Ellie: My Grandma used to say, “You can’t pour hot oil on everybody who tries you.” So now I sip water, pray under my breath, and remember that I got a purpose that can’t afford pettiness. That—and I remind myself whose check I cash.
Me: Final question: What would you tell women who are chasing dreams in rooms they weren’t always invited into?
Ellie: Show up anyway. Be excellent. Let your work speak before your mouth does. And know this: you don’t need to shrink just because they’re uncomfortable. Make them stretch.
Want more from Ellie? She’s just getting started. Storms of Love re-releases on September 9th, and trust me—you’ll want to be there for the journey she’s about to take.
📚 Want to learn how to build characters who talk back like Ellie? I’m teaching that and more in my Write Your Book Boot Camp starting August 11.
Tap here to learn more → Christian Book Writing Bootcamp
Or subscribe to the blog to meet more of my characters this summer. ✨
Ya Girl,
Mya Kay
Mya Kay 