Mya Kay: Ellie, thanks for sitting down with us! To start, what’s one thing about you that surprises people?
Ellie: Honestly, I think people are surprised I’m still hopeful when it comes to love. After everything, you’d think I’d be jaded, but my faith keeps me believing there’s a plan for me. Waiting on God isn’t always easy, but it’s worth it.

Mya Kay: Speaking of waiting, how do you handle the internal struggle when you feel lonely or discouraged?
Ellie: That’s the real test, isn’t it? I journal a lot and pray. Sometimes, I have to remind myself that feelings aren’t facts. Just because I feel a certain way doesn’t mean God’s promises aren’t still true. I try to talk through my fears instead of stuffing them.

Mya Kay: What’s something you keep hidden from most people?
Ellie: I don’t talk much about how much losing my mother, not having a relationship with my father and family struggles have shaped me. It’s like this quiet weight I carry. But it also makes me who I am—stronger, more compassionate, and driven.

Mya Kay: How does your faith play a role in your day-to-day life?
Ellie: It’s everything. Even on set, when things get crazy, I remind myself God’s got the final say. My grandma, Grandma T, really instilled that in me growing up—Bible, prayer, and ginger ale. (Laughs) That’s my foundation.

Mya Kay: You’ve got some quiet moments where you think a lot. What’s usually on your mind?
Ellie: Mostly, I wonder about the future—what God has planned, who He’ll bring into my life. And there’s this pull I feel when I’m around Jeremiah, but I’m still figuring out what that means.

Mya Kay: For writers reading this, how do you think interviewing a character helps bring them to life?
Ellie: Oh, it’s huge! When you get inside their head, ask about their fears, dreams, and what they’re not saying out loud—that’s where the real story lives. The stuff beneath the surface makes readers care.

Mya Kay: Lastly, what advice would you give your younger self?
Ellie: Trust God more, stop trying to control everything, and don’t rush the journey. Also, keep your heart open — you never know how He’ll surprise you.

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Want to go even deeper into what makes a character like Ellie connect with readers? Be sure to check out our earlier post on “How to Write Scenes That Stir Emotion.” Together, these two resources show how the words your character says and the emotions they suppress work hand in hand to create depth.

Whether you’re plotting your next novel or just getting to know your characters better, don’t skip this step. Sometimes, it’s the quietest voices that speak the loudest to your readers.

Ya Girl,

Mya Kay