Author: Ellen DuBois

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One of the questions I’m asked from time to time is where the ideas for my novels come from.

The truth is, many of them begin with ordinary moments from my own life.

The piano Sarah teaches lessons on and plays in A Christmas Room is much like the Baldwin piano in my own home. As a piano teacher for many years, it felt natural to make music an important part of Sarah’s world.

Every lesson I’ve taught, every student who has sat beside me, and every quiet moment spent playing has shaped who I am. In many ways, those experiences found their way into the pages of my novel.

When I write, I often borrow little details from real life—not to tell my own story, but to make my fictional world feel authentic. A familiar room. A favorite view from a window. A treasured keepsake. These small touches help bring the characters to life.

I love knowing that readers are experiencing places inspired by pieces of my own world, even if they don’t realize it.

Sometimes the smallest details tell the biggest stories.

I’m looking forward to sharing more of these “Behind the Story” moments with you in the weeks ahead.

Blessings,

Ellen M. DuBois

This week, I had the joy of mailing three signed copies of A Christmas Room to the winners of my very first Christmas in July giveaway.

There was something special about preparing each package.

Each book included a handwritten blessing, a Christmas bookmark, and a festive Christmas mailer. I wanted every package to feel like opening a Christmas gift, even in the middle of summer.

One of the greatest blessings of this giveaway wasn’t simply giving away books—it was reading your stories. Thank you to everyone who shared your favorite Christmas memories, family traditions, and treasured photos. Your comments were thoughtful, heartfelt, and a beautiful reminder of what Christmas truly means.

As I addressed each package, I found myself praying for the readers who would soon open them. My hope is that A Christmas Room brings faith, hope, and love into each of their homes, and reminds them that God is always present, even in life’s quietest moments.

To everyone who participated, thank you for making this first giveaway such a memorable experience. It certainly won’t be the last!

This is just the beginning, and I look forward to sharing more of my writing journey with you here.

Blessings,

Ellen M. DuBois

People sometimes ask what it’s like to write a novel.

The truth is, it’s a journey of faith.

There have been moments of self-doubt, weariness, and times when I’ve questioned whether I had the ability to tell the story God placed on my heart. More than once, I’ve wondered if I was the right person to write it.

Each time those thoughts came, I gave them to Him.

Instead of letting doubt have the final word, I prayed for wisdom, perseverance, and the courage to keep writing one page at a time. Looking back, I can see that every obstacle became another opportunity to trust God more deeply.

Writing has done far more than help me tell a story. It has deepened my relationship with the Lord.

As I write, I try to follow His lead, trusting that He knows where each story should go far better than I do. My prayer has never been simply to write a good novel. My prayer is that whatever I write will honor Him and touch the hearts of those who read it.

If a reader closes one of my books with a little more faith, a little more hope, and a reminder that God is present even in life’s ordinary moments, then I will be grateful.

I don’t know where this writing journey will lead next, but I do know Who is leading it.

And for that, I give Him all the glory.

Blessings,

Ellen M. DuBois